After the triumphs of the past decade, the international trade of dairy and cheese products is destined to keep going. Starting with Asian countries, global population growth is only one of many factors. The fact that in the last ten years the international trade of dairy and cheese products has registered a considerable development trend, signifying the doubling or tripling of trade volumes, primarily depends on the increased affluence achieved in different areas of the planet, and particularly in Brazil, Russia, India, and China. This development has even effectuated the re-orientation of consumption patterns for products with higher protein content, as well as luxury foods. This is a noticeable consequence of the contamination of lifestyles, as well as a clear westernization of local diets. Other than that, we are facing a long-term trend, whose effects will continue in the coming years, with very significant impacts on production systems. In the near future it will then be necessary to meet progressively growing needs, especially as regards to some consumer goods, spearheaded by dairy and cheese products. In North America, for example, a total increase of food consumption of 23% is expected by 2024. In China and India, however, the rates for the appointed date will amount to +69% and +89% respectively, while a rise of 10% is expected in Italy. 
DOUBLED IMPORTS – According to Nomisma, global cheese imports have increased by 214% in the decades between 2004 and 2014, showing particularly evident peaks for Brics. The increase in volumes in China amounts to 1.374%, while it reached 214% in Russia. In Brazil, turnover increased by 411%. By contrast, the United States enjoyed a raise in volume equalling 22%, with revenues decreasing by 23% at the same time.
PROGNOSES – The record levels of consumption of dairy and cheese products in international markets are bound to maintain their trend in the next years. Apart from the economic development, it will also be supported by the progressive urbanization of most people currently residing in rural areas. According to the report on the proposal for a productive plan of the Consortium for the Protection of Grana Padano Pdo cheese, industrialization and outsourcing of economies, that accompany the revenue increase, will induce people to move from the countryside to cities. Thus, lifestyles and diet models will expand. It is not a coincidence that OECD-FAO estimates forecast that the total cheese consumption will have grown by 17% on a global scale and by almost 41% in Asian countries by 2024. All major international markets, therefore, will be characterized by this positive trend, with the European Union still firmly leading the sector and is intended to enjoy a double-digit increase. The trend in the USA will be significantly higher. In fact, it is looking at an expected growth in consumption of 18.8%.
