Redefining the roadmap
In the final part of our Driving Dairy series, we revisit the factors that have been driving growth in the dairy products segment and explore what lies ahead.
Throughout the Driving Dairy series, we’ve discussed what is driving growth in the dairy sector and how consumers are changing their consumption patterns, demanding more from food and beverage manufacturers. We’ve also touched upon the strength of this industry, examined its challenges, and explored how these can be addressed for dairy to remain relevant. Here’s a rundown of all the stories in our series and each key takeaway…
What’s driving dairy?
People have been consuming milk as far back as 4000 BC – with dairy being an essential source of nutrition for centuries. However, a rich history doesn’t mean an unchallenged market position. New trends in health and wellness have led to shifting consumer demands, compelling the dairy sector to innovate in more ways than one in order to stay relevant.
Generating healthy growth
The health and wellness segment in the food and beverage industry is exploding with new products and the dairy industry refuses to be left behind. By focusing on research and product development, dairy manufacturers have evolved to offer healthy products that cater to varied wellness demands, from fortified foods and beverages to clean labels.
The staying power of milk
With fortification at the forefront of the wellness segment within food and beverage, consumer demand for protein has increased significantly in recent years. Dairy companies have responded with a wide range of yoghurt and milk products that meet this requirement. But what makes protein-enriched products so popular, and who is fuelling this demand?
The differentiating flavour
Today’s consumers want more. More taste, flavour, health and convenience. Innovation and customisation are the only ways to move forward, and dairy manufacturers are leading with a variety of custom flavours, designed for different regions. But what more can they do to capture emerging consumer segments and new markets?
Driving green consumption
Understanding consumer behaviour involves examining all the drivers behind purchase decisions. The pressure on the food and beverage industry to offer more is very real, making it important for manufactures to innovate and take concrete action: from adapting to changing consumer needs to prioritising sustainability.
The road ahead
The dairy industry needs to remain proactive in the face of challenges introduced by the rising popularity of plant-based lifestyles and environmental concerns around dairy farming. Dairy manufacturers are making inroads with product innovation by expanding their portfolios: some have introduced hybrid milk products, thereby offering consumers the best of both dairy and plant-based options. Others, meanwhile, have stepped up sustainability efforts across their supply chains.
Dairy’s role in nourishing the growing world population cannot be undermined. The sector will continue to expand as long it keeps evolving with shifting consumer requirements.
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- June 03, 2021