Vol. 7, Issue 12, Part C (2025)

The inclusion of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) in dairy formulations presents a valuable opportunity to create functional, nutritious, and visually attractive dairy products enriched with key bioactive compounds such as betalains, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Beyond formulation and product stability, the successful commercialization of these innovations depends on comprehensive extension strategies that emphasize effective technology transfer, capacity building, and participatory engagement among farmers, processors, and consumers. Training initiatives, demonstration trials, and digital extension platforms play a crucial role in translating research into practice, enhancing stakeholder knowledge, and promoting consumer awareness of the health benefits and sensory qualities of dragon fruit enriched dairy products. Furthermore, entrepreneurship development and market linkage initiatives can empower dairy entrepreneurs to adopt these novel formulations, supporting sustainable market integration and improved livelihoods. This integrated extension framework is vital for accelerating adoption, enhancing product quality, and meeting the growing consumer demand for functional dairy foods. Therefore, merging biotechnological innovation with strong extension strategies can effectively drive the scaling and acceptance of dragon fruit enriched dairy products across diverse markets. This review highlights the nutritional, technological, and extension aspects of dragon fruit utilization in dairy, emphasizing its broad potential to transform the dairy sector through scientifically grounded and stakeholder-driven approaches.