Maeil Dairies Co., Ltd., headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea, is one of the country’s leading food and beverage manufacturers with a core focus on dairy products, infant nutrition, plant-based beverages, and health-oriented consumer goods. Founded in 1969, Maeil has become a household name in South Korea and a respected exporter to global markets, offering innovative, premium-quality products backed by scientific research and advanced production technologies.
Company Overview
Established over five decades ago, Maeil Dairies began with a mission to improve national nutrition through safe and nutritious dairy. Today, the company operates more than 11 domestic factories, multiple R&D centers, and exports to over 20 countries, including the U.S., Australia, China, Vietnam, and Singapore.
As a publicly listed company on the Korea Exchange (KRX), Maeil continues to strengthen its position through a combination of product innovation, clean labeling, and international expansion.
Core Product Categories
Maeil’s diversified product portfolio includes:
1. Dairy Products
- Fresh milk (Maeil Milk)
- Fermented milk and drinkable yoghurts
- Cheese (sliced, shredded, mozzarella)
- Whipping cream and UHT milk
2. Infant & Child Nutrition
- Absolute infant formula (premium powdered milk formula)
- Baby foods and toddler cereals
- Nutritional supplements for infants and children
3. Plant-Based Beverages
- Soy milk (classic, unsweetened, black bean variants)
- Almond milk (under Almond Breeze licensing)
- Oat milk and other non-dairy alternatives
4. Beverages
- Barista Rules ready-to-drink coffee
- Juices and health beverages
- Functional drinks enriched with probiotics and vitamins
5. Health & Organic Foods
- Sangha Farm organic milk and produce
- Organic yoghurts, cheeses, and vegan options
6. Desserts and HMR (Home Meal Replacements)
- Creamy puddings, custards, and dairy desserts
- Ready-to-eat soups, porridges, and rice dishes
Manufacturing and Capabilities
Maeil operates a fully integrated supply chain with advanced production capabilities:
- Factories: 11 production plants across South Korea
- Innovation Center: Located in Pyeongtaek, includes Maeil R&D Center and pilot-scale production systems
- Cold Chain Logistics: Nationwide refrigerated delivery and export management system
- Production Certifications:
- HACCP
- ISO 9001 / 22000
- Halal Certification (select products)
- GMP for Infant Formula production
Financial Overview
As of FY2023:
- Annual Revenue: Approx. KRW 1.7 trillion (~USD $1.3 billion)
- R&D Investment: Over 2.5% of annual revenue dedicated to product development and safety research
- Market Share:
- Top 2 dairy company in Korea by volume
- Leading brand in premium infant formula with Absolute
Maeil also maintains a strong presence in Korea’s premium coffee market through its RTD coffee brand Barista Rules, commanding over 25% market share.
Global Markets and Export Strategy
Maeil has expanded globally through strategic partnerships, OEM contracts, and direct exports:
- Key Export Markets: China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia, United States, UAE
- Flagship Global Products:
- Absolute Infant Formula
- Soy Milk (Maeil and Almond Breeze)
- Barista Rules coffee drinks
The company established Maeil Australia to focus on distribution and expansion across the Oceania region.
Innovation and Research
Maeil operates two dedicated R&D hubs:
- Maeil Dairy R&D Center – focused on dairy and functional nutrition
- Sangha Farm – a hub for organic and sustainable agriculture research
Key innovations:
- Patented technologies for protein micelle structure in formula milk
- Cold brew extraction systems for Barista Rules coffee line
- Plant-based fermentation techniques for non-dairy probiotics
Sustainability and ESG Initiatives
Maeil has embedded sustainability across its supply chain:
- Sangha Farm: Organic dairy and produce farm supporting sustainable agriculture
- Eco-Packaging: Transition to 100% recyclable PET and bio-based cartons
- Renewable Energy Use: Solar panel installations across production sites
- Carbon Reduction: Target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050
- Community Support: Nutrition outreach and donation programs for underserved populations
Maeil was awarded the Korea Sustainability Index (KSI) Top Brand Award in 2022 for its long-term ESG leadership.
Certifications and Compliance
- HACCP and ISO certified across all plants
- Organic Certification (Korea and EU equivalents)
- Halal Certified (select lines)
- FDA and CFDA (China) registered for infant formula exports
Brands
- Maeil Milk – Classic milk and dairy range
- Absolute – Infant formula and toddler nutrition
- Sangha Farm – Organic and sustainable foods
- Barista Rules – RTD coffee and premium beverage
- Maeil Soy Milk – Dairy-free and vegan products
- Almond Breeze – Licensed plant-based drink line
Awards and Recognition
- 2023 Korea Brand Power Index (K-BPI): No. 1 in Dairy and Infant Formula
- World Dairy Innovation Awards: Finalist in Best Functional Dairy Product
- iF Design Award: Barista Rules packaging innovation (2021)
- 2022 Consumer Insight Survey: Most trusted infant formula brand in Korea
Maeil Dairies Co., Ltd. continues to lead the Korean dairy and health beverage industry through a blend of tradition, technology, and trust. With a robust domestic foundation and accelerating global outreach, the company exemplifies excellence in nutrition, sustainability, and innovation on a world-class scale.
