Dairy and plant-based categories are evolving through multifunctionality, affordability and demographic shifts. This report explores how wellness-led innovation, life-stage nutrition, indulgent snacking and resilient supply strategies are reshaping global performance. Growth is being driven by added-value formats, clean label and tailored solutions across both emerging and mature markets.
Delivery
This report comes in PPT.
Key findings
Navigating dairy cost pressures with resilience
Global dairy is struggling with rising input costs and supply disruptions. It is essential that brands respond by strengthening logistics, exploring affordable formats and expanding into high-potential regions. Strategic pricing and local production, where possible, are becoming fundamental tools to maintain competitiveness and protect trust in volatile markets.
Wellness becomes a daily dairy driver
Consumers increasingly view dairy as a vehicle for everyday health, not just nutrition. Products that support digestion, energy and need states, especially those with added protein, botanicals or pro-/prebiotics, are gaining traction. Success hinges on delivering clear benefits in convenient formats that fit seamlessly into diverse routines and lifestyles.
Demographic shifts reshape growth priorities in dairy and baby food
Changing population dynamics are pushing dairy brands to rethink their portfolios. While birth rates decline, infant formula targeted at special conditions and baby snacks are among the few pockets of growth. At the same time, ageing populations are driving interest in products that support heart, digestion and cognitive health. Brands must tailor offerings to these life-stage needs.
Added-value innovation to revive plant-based dairy momentum
After years of rapid growth, the performance of plant-based dairy is slowing down, and it faces scrutiny over nutrition and processing. To regain momentum, brands are enhancing products with functional ingredients, improving taste and texture, and localising formats. Eastern Europe and MEA stand out as growth hotspots, where tailored innovation is key to adoption.
Snacking trends highlight dairy’s role in everyday moments of intentional pleasure
Dairy snacking is shifting from indulgence to intentional self-care. Consumers seek products that offer comfort, convenience and health benefits, like high-protein treats or layered textures with added fibre. New formats are emerging to suit moments from breakfast to fitness breaks, blending pleasure with purpose in everyday consumption.
Our expert’s view of dairy products and alternatives in 2025
Key findings
Pricing fuels dairy growth in 2025, as volume is stagnant and affordability worries persist
Top five trends in Dairy Products and Alternatives
Top five trends uncovered
Dairy sales see a slight volume uptick despite volatile global market
Arla Foods is strategically pursuing expansion in the high-potential MEA region
Lacteos Silvia launches the first shelf-stable milk in sachets in Buenos Aires province
Unlocking growth through market diversification and supply chain resilience
Dairy products evolve to meet wellness expectations
The Collective targets need states and functional snacking with botanical yoghurt range
Meiji launches functional yoghurt targeting UV protection and skin hydration
Unlocking growth through multifunctionality and wellness-led dairy innovation
Targeted dairy to respond to birth declines and ageing demographics
Morinaga’s probiotic yoghurt responds to Japan’s ageing demographics
Tapping growth pockets in baby food: Lessons from Yummy Bites in Indonesia
Opportunities for growth in dairy through life-stage nutrition shifts
Functionality, clean label and local tastes to drive the next wave of plant-based dairy
Hyper Oat by Minor Figures launches new range in the UK with botanical ingredients
Fazer elevates plant-based yoghurt with dairy like texture and Finnish oats
Opportunities for plant-based dairy growth through value-driven innovation
Texture, function and occasion shape the future of dairy and plant-based snacking
The Laughing Cow taps into local Chinese breakfast pairings to unlock new occasions
Alqueria reinvents a Colombian heritage treat for new generations
Growth opportunities in emotionally resonant and occasion-based dairy snacking
Future implications
Opportunities for growth
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