Global Functional Dairy Products Market - 2023-2030

Overview

Global Functional Dairy Products Market reached US$ 43 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 62.6 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The global functional dairy products market is witnessing robust expansion, driven by a combination of factors that cater to shifting consumer preferences and heightened health-consciousness. Functional dairy products encompass a category of dairy items that go beyond traditional nutrition, offering additional health benefits through fortification with essential nutrients, probiotics, and bioactive compounds.

The market's growth underscores the increasing emphasis on health and wellness, particularly the recognition of digestive health, and the demand for products that enhance overall vitality. Increasing awareness of digestive health is another significant factor propelling market growth. A growing number of individuals grapple with digestive discomfort and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance.

Similarly, North America dominates the functional dairy products market, capturing the largest market share of over 1/3rd. The growth is due to the quest for enhanced gut health, coupled with the broader understanding of the intricate connection between the gut and well-being, further underscores the demand for functional dairy products. These products are increasingly viewed as a proactive choice for individuals seeking comprehensive improvements in their overall health.

Dynamics

Digestive Health Awareness

The robust growth of the functional dairy products market can be largely attributed to the growing awareness surrounding digestive health. Consumers have become increasingly attuned to the profound connection between gut well-being and overall health, thereby driving the demand for dairy products that not only provide basic sustenance but also support a balanced gut microbiome and alleviate digestive discomfort.

According to WHO report 2022, every year, 420 000 people worldwide die and an estimated 600 million get sick from digestive problems, losing 33 million years of healthy life. As a result, individuals are actively seeking dairy products that can offer respite from these concerns and foster a gut environment that promotes digestive harmony.

In this context, functional dairy products have gained substantial traction, particularly those enriched with probiotics. Probiotics are living beneficial bacteria renowned for their ability to positively influence the gut microbiota. Products like yogurt, kefir, and cultured milk that incorporate these probiotics have emerged as preferred choices for consumers seeking digestive relief.

Convenience and Innovation

Convenience and innovation play pivotal roles in driving the functional milk products market, significantly influencing consumer choices and preferences. In today's fast-paced lifestyles, consumers value products that align with their busy schedules and provide ease of consumption. Functional milk products have adapted to meet these demands by offering a range of convenient formats and packaging options.

Moreover, innovation plays a crucial role in driving demand. Dairy manufacturers continually develop new flavors, formulations, and combinations to keep consumers engaged and intrigued. Unique and exotic flavor profiles, such as mango-passionfruit yogurt or probiotic-infused almond milk, pique consumers' curiosity and encourage them to explore functional milk products.

In June 2023, a new line of drinkable yogurt with no added sugar was introduced by Chobani. The four flavors of Chobani Zero Sugar drinking yogurts are strawberry cheesecake, mixed berry, peaches & cream, and milk & cookies. The beverages, which are manufactured through natural fermentation, are advertised as having an "excellent" source of protein and billions of probiotics.

This continuous innovation keeps the market dynamic and attracts a broader audience, including younger, health-conscious consumers who are always on the lookout for exciting and novel options. Additionally, packaging innovation has made functional milk products more appealing and practical. Single-serving bottles, resealable pouches, and sustainable packaging options cater to diverse consumer needs.

Competition from Plant-Based Alternatives

Another formidable constraint confronting the Functional Dairy Product Market arises from heightened competition posed by plant-based alternatives. Consumers seeking digestive health or immune support may now opt for plant-based options, perceiving them as healthier or more ecologically responsible choices.

Furthermore, plant-based alternatives often cater to individuals with dietary limitations, such as lactose intolerance and dairy allergies, which were once a niche market for traditional dairy products. This broader appeal has expanded the consumer base for plant-based functional dairy alternatives.

To maintain their competitive edge, dairy companies must foster innovation and adapt their product portfolios to meet the rising demand for plant-based functional items. This may involve introducing plant-based product lines or enriching their dairy-based offerings with plant-derived ingredients. Additionally, the plant-based dairy sector enjoys favorable marketing and branding as a "healthier" and "sustainable" option, which can present challenges to conventional dairy products that may be perceived as less environmentally conscious or health-oriented.

Regulatory Complexities

A notable constraint in the functional dairy product market stems from the intricate and continually evolving regulatory framework. The dairy industry operates within a framework of stringent regulations and standards established by governmental bodies and health organizations. These standards encompass various facets, including labeling requirements, health claims substantiation, ingredient approvals, and quality control criteria.

For manufacturers of functional dairy products, compliance with these regulations can be a formidable challenge. Particularly when making health-related claims, such as those related to immune support or digestive health, scientific evidence must validate these assertions. Achieving compliance often entails considerable investments of time and resources.

Adding to the complexity, regulatory guidelines themselves are subject to change and may become more rigorous over time. This necessitates continuous monitoring and adaptation of product formulations and marketing strategies. Instances might arise where specific probiotic strains lose their approval or health claims become subject to modification, affecting the marketability of certain functional dairy products.

Segment Analysis

The global functional dairy products market is segmented based on product, function, distribution channel and region.

Probiotic Yogurt Fuel Surge in Functional dairy products Market

The probiotic yogurt segment held 34.5% in the global market share. Probiotic yogurt has emerged as a prominent and steadily growing segment within the functional dairy products market, propelled by several key factors that reflect changing consumer preferences and an increasing focus on health-conscious choices.

A primary driver behind the escalating demand for probiotic yogurt is the growing emphasis on digestive health among consumers. Probiotics, which are live beneficial bacteria, are well-known for their ability to promote a healthy gut microbiome. As awareness deepens regarding the pivotal role of gut health in overall well-being, more individuals are seeking dietary solutions to nurture or restore a balanced gut flora. Probiotic yogurt, laden with these beneficial microorganisms, has become the preferred choice for those looking to naturally support their digestive systems.

Key players are investing to expand their product portfolio. In September 2023, SIG and AnaBio Technologies introduced the first long-life probiotic yogurt on the market. A long-life probiotic yogurt in shelf-stable aseptic packaging has been introduced to the market for the first time ever by SIG and nanotechnology specialists AnaBio.

Another compelling factor driving the demand for probiotic yogurt is its association with bolstering the immune system. Emerging research underscores the intricate relationship between gut health and immune function. Probiotics in yogurt can modulate the gut microbiota, potentially enhancing the body's immune response. Probiotic yogurt seamlessly aligns with this trend, delivering not only the nutritional richness of dairy but also the promise of digestive ease and immune reinforcement.

Probiotic yogurt enjoys wide accessibility, lends itself effortlessly to daily routines, and showcases versatility in culinary applications. It can be savored as a standalone snack, blended into nourishing smoothies, employed in cooking and baking endeavors, or seamlessly integrated into a diverse range of dishes. This adaptability positions it as an enticing choice for consumers seeking both convenience and nutritional value

Geographical Penetration

Demand for Fortified Milk Products in North America

The North America functional dairy products market held the largest market share of 40.3% in 2022 in the functional dairy products market analysis. In recent years, the market has risen substantially in North America, primarily due to greater emphasis on health and wellbeing and shifting consumer preferences. Functional milk and dairy products accounted for 10.6% of the overall energy in the average American's diet. Cheese represented 6.8% of the whole, followed by milk at 3.8% and dairy desserts at 2.2%.

Consumers are getting attracted to the dairy products that offer more than basic nutrition; they seek products that deliver additional health advantages, such as improved immune system support, digestive health, and enhanced bone strength. Convenience remains a pivotal consideration for modern consumers. Functional milk products are available in diverse formats, encompassing drinkable yogurts, smoothies, and portable options.

Continuous innovation in flavors and packaging has made it increasingly convenient for consumers to integrate these products into their daily routines. With an aging population, there's an escalating interest in functional milk products that address age-related health concerns. Examples include calcium-enriched milk for promoting bone health or protein-fortified dairy to support muscle maintenance, which are designed to cater to specific demographic segments.

Digestive health stands as a paramount driver of the demand for functional milk products. Products like probiotic-rich yogurt and kefir have witnessed surging popularity owing to their potential to cultivate a healthy gut microbiome. Consumers are turning to these products to address digestive concerns and sustain overall well-being.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include: Danone, Nestle SA, Yakult Honsha, Chobani LLC, General Mills, Lifeway Foods, Fonterra, Valio Ltd, Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd., and FrieslandCampina.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The pandemic underscored the significance of a robust immune system and overall well-being. Consequently, there was a surge in demand for functional dairy products fortified with immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. This bolstered sales of products like probiotic yogurt and vitamin-enriched milk. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in effect, online grocery shopping and dairy product purchases witnessed substantial growth.

Companies that invested in e-commerce platforms and home delivery services experienced increased sales as consumers sought convenient access to functional dairy products without venturing to physical stores. Extended periods at home prompted a resurgence in home cooking and baking. Functional dairy products, including yogurt and kefir, became essential ingredients for crafting homemade smoothies, desserts, and probiotic-infused recipes.

This resurgence elevated the demand for these products. Driven by concerns related to health and sustainability, some consumers shifted toward plant-based dairy alternatives during the pandemic. This shift introduced heightened competition in the market, prompting dairy companies to intensify their innovations within the functional dairy product segment.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The conflict's repercussions have reverberated through supply chains, causing difficulties in sourcing raw materials and transporting finished dairy products. Such disruptions have introduced unpredictability and fluctuations in the availability of functional dairy products in the region. Economic instability, particularly in Ukraine, has had ramifications on consumers' purchasing power.

Consequently, some consumers have scaled back their consumption of premium functional dairy products, favoring more economical alternatives. Ukraine is recognized for its dairy exports, but the conflict has impeded the nation's ability to export dairy products to international markets. This transformation has brought about shifts in the global dairy trade, influencing the accessibility and pricing of functional dairy products in various parts of the world.

In response to the evolving circumstances, certain dairy companies in the region have focused on innovation and adapting products to local preferences. They have devised new offerings customized to regional tastes, including functional dairy products designed to resonate with local consumers.

By Product

• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Butter
• Milk
• Others

By Function

• Brain Health
• Immune Support
• Weight Management
• Bone Health
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Drug Stores
• Convenience Stores
• E-Commerce
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico

• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe

• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America

• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific

• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In May 2023, With a "disruptive and new take on milk" Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has launched a lactose-free probiotic milk. The farmer-owned dairy cooperative has partnered with cottage cheese start-up Good Culture to bring the product to life, and the milk will be sold under the Good Culture brand.
• In July 2022, In response to parents' requests for vegetarian and flexible diet options for their infants, Danone announced the introduction of the first-ever Dairy and Plants Blend baby formula. Almost 70% [69%] of parents now prefer their children eat more plant-based foods, and plant-based consumption is rising significantly, with over one-third [37%] of EU consumers selecting a vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diet.
• In December 2020, Promilk Yogfluid and Promilk B Max, two new functional milk proteins from Ingredia, offer more health-driven alternatives for creamy, very indulgent dairy products for on-the-go snacking. According to Ingredia, Promilk Yogfluid was created especially for consuming yogurts high in protein and has the ability to increase the protein content by up to 12%.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global functional dairy products market segmentation based on product, function, distribution channel and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of functional dairy products market-level with all segments.
• The PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global functional dairy products Market Report would provide approximately 61 tables, 65 figures and 202 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies