The Future of Dairy and Non-Dairy Drinks is a global market report that covers the latest innovations and consumer trends across the global dairy industry in 2024. Our global future of report identifies evolving areas, consumer attitudes, and important advances expected across regions like EMEA, APAC, and the Americas over the next five years and beyond.
Global Dairy and Non-Dairy Market Landscape
Considerable cost pressures on the dairy industry have seen white milk prices soar, supporting value sales. However, the competition from plant-based drinks continues to chip away at volume sales.
Meanwhile, flavoured milk global launches were down in 2023. However, Asia Pacific has continued to strengthen its lead within flavoured milk launches, offering powerful innovation cues for less active markets.
The Future of Dairy and Non-Dairy Drinks in the Next Two Years
Mintel forecasts that Non-dairy milk will embrace transparency about ingredients and processing in light of the growing scrutiny of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
Whole dairy milk will enjoy a renaissance as a nutritious, minimally processed option. However, the dairy industry will need to prepare for greater sustainability scrutiny. Dairy cows and plastic packaging can be positioned as part of the solution, rather than a contributing factor, to the climate crisis
- 30% of German consumers agree that dairy alternatives are too processed.
Global Dairy and Non-Dairy Industry Trends in Five Years and Beyond
Declining global birth rates pose a significant threat to the future of dairy and non-dairy drinks. Brands can mitigate the challenge by innovating with child-orientated products can widen their target base with functional health benefits.
Meanwhile, products combining precision-fermented dairy and plant-based ingredients will represent the next generation of blended dairy. These blends will have benefits for brands across the dairy and non-dairy milk category.
- 42% of French consumers agree that products that blend dairy and non-dairy are appealing.
This is just a snapshot of the Future of Dairy and Non-Dairy Drinks, to learn more about future innovations and challenges facing the market, purchase our full report.Â
To discover more about the global dairy industry, read A Year of Innovation in Dairy Drinks Report 2023, or take a look at our extensive Global Dairy Market Research.
Expert Analysis from a Food Specialist
This report, written by Alice Pilkington, a leading food analyst, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight global dairy market trends and add expert context to the numbers.
Going beyond dairy nutrition can help plant-based drinks weather the ultra-processed food storm; positioning dairy cows as part of the climate solution will chime.
Alice Pilkington
Senior Global Food & Drink Analyst
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what you need to know
- Market performance
- Innovation trends
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in the next two years
- Go back to basics…and above and beyond!
- Flavoured milk can deliver immediate wellness
- Prepare for greater sustainability scrutiny
- Pushback against ultra-processing has implications for the whole category
- Provide reassurance through ‘stripped back’ recipes and on-pack transparency
- Position plant-based drinks as a valuable dietary addition rather than just a dairy alternative
- Full-fat is back!
- Remind consumers of whole milk’s taste and textural advantages
- Dairy milk can no longer rely on its traditional health and taste perceptions amongst young adults
- Flavoured milk can better compete for young adult drinks occasions
- Young consumers’ prioritisation of short-term wellness benefits offers an easy win for flavoured milk
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IN THE NEXT five YEARS
- Plant-based parity, precision-fermented familiarity?
- Skin, sleep and stress support will be pertinent
- Widen child-orientated dairy’s target base
- Precision fermentation promises ‘nature identical’ dairy ingredients
- Next-generation blends will offer parity (and familiarity)
- As the climate crisis evolves, skin, sleep and stress support will be pertinent
- Additional functional health benefits can also boost value proposition
- Educate about dairy’s lifestage nutrition and widen target base to navigate declining birth rates
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Key Takeaways
What is a 'Future of' Report?
Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.
How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future
Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.
Expert Insights from Category Analysts
Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.
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Our analysis is grounded in solid data. A key source is Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a powerful resource that tracks product innovation and launches around the world. By analysing this wealth of information, we can spot emerging patterns and shifts in the market. This data, combined with our knowledge of consumer behavior, allows us to anticipate what consumers will want next.
Designed for Forward-Thinking Strategy
Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.
For a closer look at what's included in a Mintel Future of report, take a look at a sample PDF report below.
Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables have been redacted.
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