May 31/Sydney/Press Release -- On the eve of the 13th Annual World Milk Day, new consumer research has revealed that 72% of people in Asia see dairy as an important part of a balanced diet. However, the research also shows that less than half of the 9,000 people surveyed in nine countries are eating dairy on a daily basis.

Dairy demand across Asia has grown rapidly over the last 10 years, with demand for high quality dairy nutrition increasing by 49%. This trend is set to continue with global demand expected to increase significantly in the coming years.

Of those surveyed in the research, Chinese and Thai consumers were the most aware of the benefits of dairy nutrition, with 84% saying they believed it was an important or very important part of a balanced diet. Recognition was the lowest in Indonesia, Taiwan and Vietnam at just over 60% in each country.

Chinese consumers are eating the most dairy with over 60% of people eating at least one serving a day, followed by the Philippines where 53% of people enjoy dairy on a daily basis.