Sour Milk Drinks Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

The Sour Milk Drinks Market was valued at USD 7.12 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 9.67 Billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 5.20%.This significant market expansion is largely propelled by an increasing consumer focus on health and wellness, dietary trends, and the adoption of specialized diets. Modern consumers are increasingly prioritizing health, opting for functional foods that offer specific health benefits. This trend has positioned sour milk drinks, known for their natural fermentation and minimal processing, as a favored option. Additionally, the clean label trend, which advocates for products with simple and natural ingredients devoid of artificial additives, further enhances the market's appeal.

The rising prevalence of lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivities is leading to a higher demand for lactose-free and low-fat sour milk products. Alternatives like almond, coconut, or soy-based sour milk drinks are also gaining popularity, catering to those who shun traditional dairy but desire the unique taste and benefits of sour milk beverages. Furthermore, convenience and sustainability are critical factors driving market growth. Sour milk drinks offer ready-to-drink (RTD) options suited to fast-paced lifestyles, particularly in urban areas. Environmental consciousness among consumers is fueling a preference for products produced with sustainable farming methods and eco-friendly packaging. These dynamics set the stage for robust market growth in the years ahead.

The Government of Saudi Arabia has approved 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) through an automatic route for the food processing sector. The dairy industry attracts a significant portion of this investment, accounting for about 30% of the total FDI in Saudi Arabia's food sector. Laban, a key element of traditional Saudi cuisine, contributes to the country's status as one of the largest consumers of sour milk drinks. Sour milk drinks are widely consumed across the Europe region, with fruit flavors being particularly popular in major markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. In 2022, 32% of UK consumers expressed a willingness to pay a premium for innovative sour milk drinks.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Health and Wellness Focus

The increasing emphasis on health and wellness stands out as a major driver of the Global Sour Milk Drinks Market. A significant proportion of consumers are becoming more health-conscious, showing a growing preference for functional foods with specific health benefits. Beverages like Kefir, yogurt drinks, and buttermilk are rich in probiotics, which are essential for gut health and overall wellness.

As people gravitate towards healthier diets, these naturally fermented and minimally processed drinks have gained a strong following. The clean label movement, which prioritizes products with simple, natural ingredients, free from artificial additives, also underpins the appeal of sour milk drinks. With consumers seeking to improve their health, sour milk beverages are an ideal choice. This health and wellness trend is expected to remain a vital factor driving the sour milk drinks market forward.

Dietary Preferences and Special Diets

Dietary choices and the proliferation of specialized diets significantly contribute to the surging demand for sour milk beverages. The rise in lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivities has resulted in a heightened demand for lactose-free and low-fat sour milk options catering to specific dietary requirements. Moreover, the increasing popularity of veganism and plant-based diets has spurred innovation in dairy-free sour milk alternatives derived from almonds, coconut, or soy milk. These plant-based options expand the market by attracting consumers who avoid conventional dairy products but still crave the benefits and flavors of sour milk drinks. As more individuals embrace these unique diets, the demand for varied and inclusive sour milk drink choices is set to escalate, boosting the market even further.

Key Market Challenges

Consumer Awareness and Acceptance

Despite the health advantages of sour milk beverages, one significant challenge lies in consumer awareness and acceptance. A considerable number of individuals remain unfamiliar with these drinks and their associated benefits, which can impede market growth. Educating consumers on the nutritional value and health benefits of sour milk drinks is crucial for boosting acceptance and consumption. Additionally, some potential consumers might be put off by the taste or consistency of sour milk drinks, which can differ markedly from traditional dairy products. Overcoming these hurdles requires targeted marketing strategies and product innovations that enhance the appeal of sour milk drinks to a wider audience.

Regulatory and Quality Control Issues

Regulatory and quality control challenges represent substantial obstacles within the sour milk drinks market. The production of these beverages encompasses fermentation processes that need meticulous control to ensure safety and consistency. Variations in these processes can lead to inconsistencies in taste, texture, and probiotic content, affecting consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, different regions have diverse regulations concerning the production and labeling of dairy products, including sour milk drinks. Navigating these varied regulatory landscapes can be challenging for manufacturers, especially those intending to enter new markets. Ensuring compliance with local regulations while maintaining high-quality standards is critical for sustained market growth.

Key Market Trends

Cultural and Regional Acceptance

Cultural and regional acceptance significantly contributes to the increasing demand for sour milk beverages. In numerous regions, these drinks possess deep cultural roots and are considered dietary essentials. Traditional beverages like Lassi in India, Ayran in the Middle East, and Kefir in Eastern Europe have enjoyed long-standing popularity. The globalization of these regional products enhances their availability and acceptance in new markets. As these traditional sour milk drinks gain wider recognition and appreciation, demand continues to grow. This cultural acceptance, paired with a burgeoning interest in exploring diverse culinary options, constitutes a key trend propelling the sour milk drinks market.

Sustainability and Ethical Consumption

Sustainability and ethical consumption are increasingly shaping consumer choices in the sour milk drinks market. As environmental awareness heightens, there is a growing preference for products that utilize sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly packaging. Sour milk drinks produced from organic, grass-fed, or ethically sourced milk are gaining traction, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers. Additionally, the extended shelf life of fermented sour milk beverages, compared to regular milk, minimizes food waste, aligning with the sustainability goals of many consumers. This trend towards sustainability and ethical consumption is set to continue influencing market dynamics, encouraging the development and adoption of eco-friendly sour milk drinks.

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

In 2023, drinking yogurt held the largest market share of the market. This product is laden with probiotics, which are advantageous for digestive health and fortifying the immune system. Awareness of these health benefits is rising, prompting consumers to seek out probiotic-rich products to improve their overall health, thus driving the demand for drinking yogurt. It also offers a convenient, portable snack option, making it especially appealing to individuals and families with busy lifestyles. Similarly, buttermilk remains a crucial market segment.

Valued for its nutritional attributes, including high calcium, potassium, and vitamin content, as well as its lower fat content compared to regular milk, buttermilk is perceived as a healthier option. These benefits make buttermilk an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers. In many cultures, notably in South Asia and the Middle East, buttermilk is a traditional staple with various culinary applications. Its use in traditional recipes and its role as a refreshing drink in warm climates maintains its popularity.

Category Insights

In 2023, unflavored sour milk drinks captured largest market revenue. A segment of consumers prefers the natural taste of sour milk drinks, valuing the authentic flavor profile and traditional fermentation methods often associated with unflavored products. This preference is particularly strong among those who appreciate artisanal food products. Furthermore, unflavored sour milk drinks are versatile and can be used in varied culinary applications like smoothies, salad dressings, marinades, or as a base for flavored drinks.

This versatility appeals to consumers who enjoy customizing their beverages. In contrast, flavored sour milk drinks are projected to grow at fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2029. These drinks offer a more enjoyable taste experience, making them attractive to a broader range of consumers, including those who may not enjoy the tartness of unflavored sour milk. Popular flavors like fruit, vanilla, or chocolate enhance their appeal. Continuous innovation by manufacturers introducing new and exotic flavors, along with added health benefits such as vitamins, minerals, or probiotics, keeps the product category vibrant and attractive, encouraging new consumers and repeat purchases.

Regional Insights

In 2023, North America accounted for largest market share of the global sour milk drinks market. The influence of international cuisines and heightened awareness of traditional fermented products like kefir and buttermilk have familiarized more North American consumers with sour milk drinks. As these products gain mainstream recognition, their popularity rises, especially among consumers keen on exploring new culinary experiences. The U.S. sour milk drinks market is highly competitive, driven by innovation in product varieties. The growing consumer focus on health and wellness, with an increasing awareness of probiotics for digestive health, fuels the popularity of probiotic-rich drinks like kefir and drinking yogurt among health-conscious consumers.

Europe's sour milk drinks market is predicted to grow at a fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The organic and natural foods market is thriving, with consumers seeking out products free from artificial additives. Sour milk drinks, particularly those marketed as organic or grass-fed, align with this trend, driving higher consumption. These products appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. The sour milk drinks market in the Asia Pacific is projected to experience a significant growth rate in the coming years.

Many countries within the region have a longstanding tradition of consuming fermented milk products, such as yogurt, Lassi in India, or Yakult in Japan. Cultural acceptance of these beverages facilitates the market entry of newer sour milk drinks like kefir. Additionally, rapid urbanization and evolving dietary habits are increasing the demand for convenient, nutritious food options. Ready-to-drink sour milk beverages are well-suited to the needs of busy urban populations seeking healthy, on-the-go snacks.

Key Market Players

• Nestlé S.A.
• Danone S.A.
• Lifeway Foods, Inc.
• PepsiCo, Inc.
• Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
• General Mills, Inc.
• Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
• Emmi AG
• Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd
• Arla Foods amba

Report Scope:

In this report, the global Sour Milk Drinks Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Sour Milk Drinks Market, By Product Type:

• Buttermilk
• Kefir
• Drinking Yoghurt
• Others

Sour Milk Drinks Market, By Category:

• Flavored
• Unflavored

Sour Milk Drinks Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

Sour Milk Drinks Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Italy
• United Kingdom
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• Vietnam
• South Korea
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Turkey
• Kuwait
• Egypt
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the global Sour Milk Drinks Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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