Things are looking on the up for the dairy sector.

Fonterra is returning a total dividend of 55 cents a share for the past financial year, off the back of a strong $1.1 billion net profit.

It's also raising its forecast milk payout midpoint this season, from $8.50 to $9.00.

CEO Miles Hurrell says demand from China's picking up, and data received overnight suggests that trend is continuing.

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