In recent years, along with the public health awareness and accelerated consumption upgrade, nutrient-rich dairy products are favored by more and more people, the rapid rise of various sub-categories, China’s dairy industry has shown a booming trend. Now, what are the consumer trends in the dairy industry?

High-end, functionalization

As incomes and standards improve, people desire high-end dairy products.

Dairy companies have been through the introduction of new taste, add new strains, new additives, etc., to create a higher protein content, nutrient-rich, higher quality milk source of high-end products to meet consumer demand. Such as the launch of organic, A2 protein, high-end low-temperature yogurt.

In addition, more and more products claiming to be health and beauty products have been launched in the dairy market, which use ingredients such as collagen, which can keep skin and hair healthy, and calcium, which can strengthen teeth and bones.

As traditional dairy products enter a growth bottleneck, premiumization and functionalization will become important innovation and growth points for the industry.

Snacking

Changing consumer lifestyles, including the decision to choose less food, are driving the choice for innovative, healthy and convenient dairy snacks.

According to the latest data, 35% of UK adults say they prefer snacking to regular meals because it is convenient and time-saving. From changing the packaging format of traditional dairy products to reduced-sugar cheese snack bars, convenience, speed and taste are key factors that major brands are focusing on across the dairy snacking industry.

According to a market report published by Mordor Intelligence, the global dairy snacks market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.14% between 2020 and 2024.

Mix & Match

Mix and match has opened up new horizons for the dairy segment, especially as plant-based alternatives are beginning to appeal to a wider range of consumers.

Research data from Innova shows that 36% of consumers prefer a mix of plant-based and animal-based products in their diets, with 22% in favor of fully animal-based products and 23% in favor of fully plant-based products.

The fusion of dairy and non-dairy products offers consumers an all-in-one dairy and plant-based product.

New Flavors

With an expanding group of young consumers, there is a demand for products with personality, fun and novelty, inspiring innovation in the dairy industry. As multiculturalism opens up new possibilities for dairy products globally, those interesting and special flavors will also be one of the factors influencing dairy innovation.

Dairy companies will have to think outside the box and try new flavors to stand out in the market.