Yogurt needs to position itself as a long-term everyday companion. Deliver peace of mind and joy in daily life through essential nutrition and digestive health benefits, probiotic synergy, scenario experiences…
China
Yogurt
simple
China Yogurt – Market Dynamics 2025
Yogurt needs to position itself as a long-term everyday companion. Deliver peace of mind and joy in daily life through essential nutrition and digestive health benefits, probiotic synergy, scenario experiences and emotional resonance.
Yogurt retail volume may have bottomed out, with stabilisation expected in the future
Graph 1: best- and worst-case forecast of retail volume sales of yogurt, 2020-30
Decline in yogurt retail prices has narrowed, and chilled yogurt will help boost the category’s retail sales
Graph 2: best- and worst-case forecast of retail value sales of yogurt, 2020-30
The growth of Lactobacillus drinks is sluggish, and the category’s development is stagnant
Graph 3: best- and worst-case forecast of retail value sales of Lactobacillus drinks, 2020-30
Market segments
The ambient yogurt market continues to contract
Graph 4: best- and worst-case forecast of retail value sales of ambient yogurt, 2020-30
Structural upgrade promotes the revival of the chilled yogurt category
Graph 5: best- and worst-case forecast of retail value sales of chilled yogurt, 2020-30
Market factors
Chinese macroeconomic indicators (1H 2025)
The development of yogurt is receiving favourable policy support
The revised national standard for fermented milk broadens the space for product innovation
Seize growth opportunities in private labels and discount channels
Graph 6: yogurt purchase channels, 2024
Changes in consumption
Yogurt penetration has peaked; increasing frequency is key
Graph 7: consumption frequency of dairy products, 2025
Chilled yogurt has more potential
Graph 8: changes in high-frequency consumption proportion and penetration rate of yogurt and Lactobacillus drinks, 2024 vs 2025
Graph 9: frequency of consumption of yogurt and Lactobacillus drinks, 2025
Urban consumers’ preferences for yogurt are becoming more divided, and Lactobacillus drinks need to focus on penetrating lower-tier markets
Graph 10: change in the consumption penetration rates of yogurt and Lactobacillus drinks, by city tier, 2024 vs 2025
Graph 11: change in proportions of high-frequency consumers of yogurt and Lactobacillus drinks, by city tier, 2024 vs 2025
Growth of freshly made yogurt is cooling down; packaged yogurt can win the market by tapping into meal accompaniment scenarios and families
Graph 12: penetration rate of freshly made yogurt, 2024 vs 2025
Yogurt loses favour among younger people: insufficient perceived healthiness, price and taste cannot compete with rivals
Graph 13: proportion of high frequency consumption of yogurt and Lactobacillus drinks, by age, 2025
Prices for ambient yogurt have dropped significantly, while pricing strategies for chilled spoonable yogurt have diverged
Graph 14: price range of yogurt (consumers aged 18-49), 2025
Graph 15: price range of yogurt (consumers aged 18-49), 2021
Greek yogurt has become mainstream, while niche categories are showing potential for premiumisation
Graph 16: consumption penetration rate of special types of yogurt, yogurt price range, 2025
What consumers want and why
Guts benefits and nourishment are equally important: infuse new communication concepts into essential nutrition and digestive functions
As digestive health benefits are less well-known, yoghurt needs to become a ‘long-term life companion’ by telling consumers that there are no downsides to eating more
Graph 17: barriers to the consumption of gut health products, 2025
This Market Dynamics report features market data extracted from Mintel’s China Yogurt Market Report 2025. Giving you direct access to key market information and analysis from our category experts. This report is ideal for those looking for a topline summary of the China yogurt market. The full report is available to purchase here.
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