Abstract: This study addressed the structural contradiction in China's dairy industry between “raw milk surplus” and “dependence on imported high-end dairy products,”focusing on the deep processing of cream to explore pathways for industrial upgrading．By analyzing the current status of the industry,it was found that domestic cream production is mainly oriented toward the supply of basic raw materials,with high-end products heavily reliant on imports,and lagging behind international standards in terms of flavor and stability．The study identified three major challenges faced by the industry：outdated processing technologies,reliance on imported equipment,and a narrow processing direction with insufficient utilization of by-products．Based on consumption upgrading,health demands, and value chain theory,strategies including product innovation,technological advancement,localization of equipment,and industrial chain collaboration are proposed to promote the transition of cream from raw material output to high value-added products,thereby achieving import substitution,industrial upgrading,and overcoming key technological bottlenecks．

Key words: deep processing of cream, high-end dairy fat products, structural contradiction, import substitution, industrial chain collaboration