SIAL Canada Daily spoke with this year’s SIAL Dairy Expert, Gilles Froment, about how his dual role at the International Dairy Federation and Lactalis Canada offers a unique lens into the future of the industry

From navigating complex trade dynamics to developing culturally relevant products for Canada’s diverse consumer base, Gilles Froment offers a strategic perspective on how the dairy industry can evolve to remain resilient, relevant, and responsive.

You’ve recently taken on the role of President of the International Dairy Federation, while continuing your leadership at Lactalis Canada and various boards. How do these overlapping roles give you a unique vantage point on the challenges and opportunities in today’s dairy industry?
I would say that they complement each other very well.  My role at the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and Lactalis Canada provide me with a comprehensive perspective on the dairy sector. At IDF, I engage with global stakeholders, addressing issues such as environmental sustainability, food security, nutrition, and standard setting through international organizations. This global outlook is complemented by my role at Lactalis Canada, where I oversee the milk supply for 18 dairy plants, public and regulatory affairs and communication in Canada.  I also nurture the relationship with various industry stakeholders with particular focus on dairy farmers and governments.  The challenges and opportunities faced by both are quite similar – including market dynamics across the supply chain, consumer preferences, sustainability, nutrition, innovation and regulatory compliance. This dual vantage point allows me to identify synergies and opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that we address both global and local challenges effectively.

Your first session at the show today is set to focus on the current economic environment. Can you share a few of the key highlights?
Experts from leading national organizations (Dairy Farmers of Canada and the Dairy Processor Association of Canada) will share their respective insights into U.S.-Canada trade relations, shifting policies, tariffs and broader market conditions that are influencing everything from pricing to production, international competitiveness and the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement.  In a rapidly changing global environment shaped by economic uncertainty, trade tensions and inflation, we will explore the key macroeconomic and geopolitical forces impacting Canada’s dairy sector.

From product development to marketing, what strategies do you see as most effective in engaging with new generations of dairy consumers—particularly those with different cultural backgrounds or dietary preferences? Can you give a concrete example?
To connect with new generations of dairy consumers – especially those with diverse cultural backgrounds and dietary preferences – brands and companies must adopt innovative and nuanced strategies across product development and marketing. It’s about better understanding the consumer – discovering unmet needs, aligning with evolving lifestyles, and building genuine, values-based connections. This also means showing up authentically – communicating with cultural intelligence and engaging on platforms where these consumers are. For example, Lactalis Canada has introduced lactose-free and culturally appropriate products to meet the needs of health-conscious (Lactantia Lactose-Free) and the diversity of Canadian consumers (Khaas dairy products) while emphasizing our Canadian farmers and local heritage. Additionally, leveraging digital marketing and social media platforms to connect with younger audiences and promote the nutritional benefits of dairy products is crucial.

Today
SIAL Dairy Talks
Economic Outlook: What’s Next for the Dairy?
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
SIAL Dairy #2233

Innovating for Multicultural & Emerging Markets
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
SIAL Dairy #2233