Donkey Milk Market

Donkey Milk Market Size and Share:

The global donkey milk market size was valued at USD 32.56 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 71.61 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.71% during 2025-2033. Europe currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 37.6% in 2024. The market is experiencing steady growth due to rising demand for natural and nutrient-rich products in cosmetics and dietary supplements. Expanding awareness of donkey milk’s health benefits and growing adoption of premium wellness products drive market expansion globally.

Key drivers in the donkey milk market are the increasing demand for natural and nutrient-rich alternatives in food and cosmetics. Donkey milk is hypoallergenic and rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds making it suitable for sensitive skin and dietary needs. The increasing prevalence of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis has increased its use in skincare products. According to industry reports, Eczema affects 31.6 million Americans with higher prevalence in children and women. Genetic factors influence risk across racial groups, particularly among Native Americans, Asians, and multiracial individuals. The product’s usage in premium infant formulas due to its similarity to human milk has gained popularity. Growing awareness of donkey milk's health benefits along with increasing availability through specialized farms and online platforms further accelerates its market growth worldwide.

Major factors driving the United States donkey milk market are increased consumer demand for natural and organic products in skincare and nutrition. Donkey milk is a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore popularly used in high-end cosmetics and personal care products. The donkey milk market is also driven by the increased awareness about health benefits and growing demand for organic and chemical-free products. Regulatory advancements are also contributing to the growth of the US donkey milk market. For instance, in April 2024, Legislation in Oklahoma announced plans to permit advertising for on-farm sales of donkey milk following the unanimous approval of Senate Bill 1963. The bill aims to include donkey milk facilitated by the state’s sole donkey dairy, Dulce de Donké. The artisanal and small-batch production trends are aligned to consumer demand for unique and quality offerings, thereby expanding the donkey milk market.

Donkey Milk Market Trends:

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Donkey milk has gained popularity for its health benefits as it is rich in essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, it is easier to digest as compared to cow's milk and is considered to be more affordable in cases where lactose intolerance or allergy is prevalent. Although most babies can digest lactose just fine many people start developing less effective lactose digestion when they are no longer in their infancy. As per the National Institutes of Health, around 68% of the population in the world is lactose intolerant. As such, the milk from donkeys which contains significantly lower levels of lactose than cow's milk is gaining popularity. Such health benefits are one of the primary drivers of demand especially in markets focused on organic and functional food products.

Growing Demand for Premium and Specialty Products

With consumers becoming more health-conscious, there is a growing interest in premium and niche dairy products. Donkey milk is marketed as a luxury item with therapeutic properties, which has led to increased consumption in beauty products, skincare, and wellness industries. The trend for natural, high-quality ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products further fuels this demand. According to IMARC Group, the global organic personal care ingredients market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.19% during 2025-2033. This growth is attributed to the increasing consumer preference for natural and organic ingredients in skincare and personal care products such as donkey milk. The growth states the expanding role for premium, natural ingredients in shaping the future of the skincare and wellness sectors.

Sustainability and Ethical Farming Practices

Donkey milk production is recognized as a sustainable alternative to conventional dairy farming due to its lower environmental impact and ethical production practices. Donkeys have a smaller ecological footprint compared to cows, and the farming methods used for donkey milk often emphasize organic and humane approaches. Research studies show that organic dairy farming is about 25% less energy-intensive per unit of milk produced and reduces the emission of greenhouse gases by 5-10%, thereby making donkey milk even more sustainable when farmed organically. This supports the growing demand from consumers for environmentally friendly and ethically produced food products. As sustainability continues to be the focus, more and more consumers prefer food products sourced with minimal environmental damage and ethical treatment of animals. This shift in consumer priorities supports the growth of donkey milk as a sustainable product, catering to the need for healthier and environmentally conscious choices in the global food industry.

Donkey Milk Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global donkey milk market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on form and application.

Analysis by Form:

• Liquid
• Powder

Powder leads the market with around 66.8% market share in 2024. Powdered donkey milk dominates the market due to its extended shelf life, ease of transportation, and convenience in storage and usage. Unlike liquid forms, powdered milk is less perishable, making it more accessible for global distribution and catering to diverse industries. It is widely used in cosmetics, dietary supplements, and food applications offering consistent quality and nutrient preservation. The ability to reconstitute powdered milk into liquid form adds versatility for manufacturers and consumers. Rising demand for premium skincare products and health-conscious dietary alternatives further boosts its adoption. Powdered donkey milk’s adaptability and cost-effectiveness solidify its leadership in the market by form.

Analysis by Application:

• Cosmetics and Personal Care
• Food and Beverages

Cosmetics and personal care segment leads the market with 63.8% market share in 2024. The cosmetics and personal care segment leads the donkey milk market driven by its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that benefit skin health. Donkey milk is highly valued for its moisturizing, anti-aging, and soothing properties making it a popular ingredient in premium skincare products like creams, soaps, and lotions. Its hypoallergenic nature appeals to consumers with sensitive skin further increasing demand. The growing preference for natural and organic products boosts its adoption in clean beauty formulations. The rising popularity of luxury skincare and wellness products enhances its market position cementing cosmetics and personal care as the dominant application.

Regional Analysis:

• North America 
  • United States 
  • Canada 
• Europe 
  • Germany 
  • France 
  • United Kingdom 
  • Italy 
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others 
• Asia Pacific 
  • China 
  • Japan 
  • India 
  • South Korea 
  • Australia 
  • Indonesia 
  • Others 
• Latin America 
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico 
  • Others 
• Middle East and Africa

In 2024, Europe accounted for the largest market share of over 37.6%. Europe holds the largest market share in the donkey milk market driven by high consumer demand for natural and organic products particularly in the cosmetics and personal care industry. The region's strong tradition of artisanal and sustainable farming practices supports the production of high-quality donkey milk. Countries like France, Italy, and Greece lead in manufacturing premium skincare products using donkey milk capitalizing on its anti-aging and soothing properties. Rising awareness of donkey milk's health benefits for sensitive skin and its use in dietary supplements have spurred demand.

Key Regional Takeaways:
 

North America Donkey Milk Market Analysis

The North America donkey milk market is expanding steadily driven by growing consumer interest in specialty dairy and natural skincare products. Donkey milk’s hypoallergenic properties and rich nutrient profile make it an attractive option for health-conscious individuals and those seeking alternatives to traditional dairy. Its applications in cosmetics and personal care further enhance its appeal, particularly for natural and organic beauty products. The market is supported by a well-developed distribution network and increasing visibility in specialty and health-focused outlets across the region.

United States Donkey Milk Market Analysis

In 2024, the United States captured 80.00% of revenue in the North American market. The U.S. donkey milk market is experiencing growth, primarily driven by the rising demand for organic and specialty dairy products. As per the USDA, consumers are increasingly looking for lactose-free and allergy-friendly products, which align with the unique benefits of donkey milk. Organic farm milk sales have continued to climb steadily, surging from 1.5% of all U.S. farm milk sales in 2008 to 2.3% in 2021, and its growing visibility in supermarkets reflects a deepening awareness and acceptance of organic dairy products. Donkey milk is digestible, nutrient-dense, and appealing to health-conscious and consumers with dietary issues. This will result in increased sales of donkey milk owing to the wide application areas from niche markets for functional foods, natural beauty, and products through the expanded marketplace for organic as well as specialty dairy products to growing recognition about its medicinal aspects.

Asia Pacific Donkey Milk Market Analysis

The Asia-Pacific donkey milk market is expected to grow significantly with the advancement in the dairy and beauty industries of key countries. According to the National Dairy Development Board, India is working to increase productivity so that by 2030, the country will account for one-third of global milk production. This expansion of dairy capabilities opens up opportunities for niche products such as donkey milk, which is valued for its health benefits and applications in both food and cosmetics. In line with this growing trend innovative entrepreneurs are capitalizing on donkey milk's potential. For instance, in April 2024, Gujarat farmer Dhiren Solanki transformed his donkey milk farm into a successful online business, generating Rs 3 lakh monthly. By selling donkey milk for Rs 5,000 per litre he targeted southern states with higher demand, particularly cosmetic companies valuing the product for its unique benefits. This success story reflects the expanding commercial opportunities within the Asia-Pacific donkey milk market. With its anti-aging and moisturizing properties, donkey milk is driving demand for inclusion into premium skincare which falls with the consumer's increasing demand for natural and functional ingredients. These developments position the Asia-Pacific region as a key growth hub for the donkey milk market.

Latin America Donkey Milk Market Analysis

The Latin America donkey milk market is growing due to the region's expanding dairy sector and rising consumer demand for health-oriented and sustainable products. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Brazil's dairy sector produced 34.6 billion liters of milk in 2022, demonstrating its strong capacity and adaptability to new market trends, including niche products like donkey milk. Consumers are increasingly seeking to consume higher nutritious and easily digested products; for example, donkey milk is being popularized for use by lactose intolerant consumers or those suffering from dairy allergies. Cosmetics is also an area where increased interest in Latin America for more natural wellness products is boosting donkey milk application because the milk contains great moisturizing as well as anti-aging attributes. This dual demand by the food and beauty industries clearly shows that it is a potentially large market with a wider region of consumer demand across health, sustainability, and premium products.

Middle East and Africa Donkey Milk Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa donkey milk market is experiencing growth, mainly supported by the fact that this region has an enormous population of donkeys and increasing interest of consumers in health-conscious and sustainable products. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported that the donkey population in Ethiopia had increased from 5 million to over 8 million, hence making it the country with the largest population of donkeys globally. This highly valued commodity positions Ethiopia and neighboring African nations to play strategic roles in donkey milk production. In the Middle East, a growing knowledge of the nutritional value and hypoallergenic capabilities of donkey milk drives up demand as a dairy product replacement. Additionally, the region's beauty and cosmetic markets tap into the intrinsic moisturizing and anti-aging value of donkey milk. The region has the potential to expand further because of these factors and the rising focus on sustainable agriculture.

Competitive Landscape:

The donkey milk market is characterized by moderate competition with participants focusing on product quality, innovation, and expanding their application range in food and cosmetics. Companies emphasize the natural and nutrient-rich properties of donkey milk to meet the rising demand for health-oriented and eco-friendly products. Strategic partnerships with local farms and advancements in processing techniques are key competitive strategies to ensure consistent supply and high product standards. Players are also leveraging digital marketing and e-commerce platforms to reach niche markets globally. Regulatory compliance, sustainability initiatives, and certifications for organic and allergen-free products further differentiate offerings.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the donkey milk market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Asinus Atlanticus Lda.
• Dolphin IBA
• Eurolactis Italia Srl
• Fattoria Donna Tina
• Golden Donkeys Farm
• Hellenic Asinus Farms
• Stephenson Group Ltd
• The Donkey Dairy PTY LTD
• The White Sea & Baltic Company Limited

Recent Developments:

• In February 2024: the Indian government allocated ₹10 crore under the modified National Livestock Mission to promote breeding of horses, donkeys, mules, and camels. It offers a 50% capital subsidy for entrepreneurs and enhances livestock insurance, increasing the number of insurable animals to 10 cattle units, easing access for farmers.
• October 2024: The USDA granted USD 3.45 Million in funding to the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, or NE-DBIC, to help dairy farmers and processors in 11 states improve their operations.
• February 2024: The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the extension of the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) as part of the Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) with an allocation of INR 29,610.25 Crore (USD 3.46 Billion) for the next three years, up to 2025-26. The scheme is aimed at encouraging investments in different sectors, such as dairy processing, meat processing, product diversification, breed multiplication farms, animal feed production, waste management from animals, and veterinary vaccine and drug production facilities.

Donkey Milk Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the donkey milk market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global donkey milk market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyse the level of competition within the donkey milk industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.