The Yoghurt Market size was estimated at USD 95 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 170 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.00% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Yoghurt Market

Market Summary

The global yoghurt market represents a dynamic and essential segment within the food and beverages industry, characterized by consistent consumer demand and ongoing innovation. This market encompasses a wide array of products, from traditional set yoghurt to drinkable formats and plant-based alternatives, catering to diverse dietary preferences and nutritional needs. The sector is highly competitive, with both multinational corporations and regional players vying for market share through product differentiation, aggressive marketing, and extensive distribution networks. Key consumer trends driving the market include a growing emphasis on health and wellness, leading to increased demand for products high in protein, probiotics, and low in sugar and fat. The market is also influenced by sustainability concerns, with packaging innovation and ethical sourcing becoming increasingly important purchase considerations for a growing segment of consumers.

Manufacturers are continuously investing in research and development to introduce new flavors, functional ingredients, and improved textures to attract and retain customers. The retail landscape for yoghurt is also evolving, with a significant and growing portion of sales moving through online channels and convenience stores, complementing traditional supermarkets and hypermarkets. The market's resilience is demonstrated by its ability to adapt to economic fluctuations and shifting consumer lifestyles, maintaining its position as a staple in many diets worldwide. Understanding the complex interplay of these factors is crucial for stakeholders aiming to capitalize on the opportunities within this vibrant market.

Key Highlights

Several key highlights define the current state of the global yoghurt market. A predominant trend is the robust growth of the Greek yoghurt segment, which continues to gain popularity due to its high protein content and thick, creamy texture. This has spurred innovation, leading to the development of similar strained varieties like Icelandic skyr. Concurrently, the plant-based yoghurt segment is experiencing explosive growth, driven by the rising number of vegan, lactose-intolerant, and flexitarian consumers. Products derived from almonds, soy, oats, and coconuts are expanding shelf space and capturing new market segments. Another significant highlight is the intense focus on health functionality, with a surge in products fortified with probiotics for gut health, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals.

Brands are also engaged in a sugar reduction revolution, reformulating recipes to meet consumer demand for healthier options without compromising on taste. Furthermore, sustainability has moved from a niche concern to a central business strategy for leading players. This is evident in commitments to recyclable packaging, reducing carbon footprints, and implementing responsible sourcing practices. The competitive landscape is another key highlight, marked by strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and a constant stream of new product launches from major players like Danone, Chobani, and General Mills, as well as disruptive innovations from smaller, agile brands.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The growth of the yoghurt market is propelled by several powerful drivers. The most significant is the increasing global consumer awareness of health and nutrition. Yoghurt is widely perceived as a healthy snack or meal component, associated with benefits for digestive health, weight management, and bone strength. This health-consciousness drives demand for products with specific functional benefits, such as added probiotics and high protein content. Urbanization and busier lifestyles are also key drivers, as consumers seek out convenient, nutritious, and portable food options, which yoghurt perfectly provides. The expansion of modern retail formats and the rapid growth of e-commerce for groceries have significantly improved product accessibility and availability, further stimulating market growth.

Significant opportunities exist in the continued expansion of the plant-based segment and the development of yoghurt products tailored for specific demographic groups, such as children, athletes, and the elderly. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America present substantial untapped potential due to rising disposable incomes and changing dietary habits. However, the market also faces notable restraints. Fluctuations in the prices of raw materials, particularly milk and milk solids, can impact production costs and profit margins. Furthermore, the market is becoming increasingly saturated in developed regions, intensifying competition and price pressures. Growing concerns over sugar content and the use of artificial additives also pose challenges, forcing manufacturers to invest heavily in clean-label and natural ingredient formulations.

Concentration Insights

The global yoghurt market exhibits a moderately concentrated landscape, dominated by a handful of multinational food and beverage giants that hold significant market share. These leading companies, including Danone, Lactalis, Nestl?, Chobani, and General Mills (through its Yoplait brand), benefit from extensive distribution networks, strong brand recognition, and substantial research and development capabilities. Their dominance is reinforced by frequent mergers and acquisitions, allowing them to enter new geographic markets or absorb innovative niche brands. These large corporations often compete on a global scale, leveraging their portfolio of international and local brands to cater to regional tastes and preferences.

Despite this concentration, the market also features a vibrant and growing segment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and private label brands. These players often compete by focusing on specific niches, such as organic, artisanal, plant-based, or locally sourced yoghurt. Their agility allows them to respond quickly to emerging consumer trends, often acting as innovators that larger companies later emulate or acquire. Private label brands offered by major retail chains have also gained considerable market share by competing aggressively on price while offering quality that is increasingly comparable to national brands. This dynamic creates a competitive environment where scale, innovation, and brand loyalty are critical determinants of success.

Type Insights

The yoghurt market is segmented into various types, each catering to distinct consumer preferences and usage occasions. Set yoghurt, also known as spoonable yoghurt, remains a traditional and popular category, valued for its firm texture and is often consumed as a breakfast item or dessert. Stirred yoghurt, which is more homogenous and drinkable, offers convenience and is frequently used in smoothies and as a snack on the go. Within these broad categories, Greek yoghurt has solidified its position as a major sub-segment, distinguished by its straining process that removes whey, resulting in a thicker, protein-rich product. Icelandic skyr, a similar strained variety, has also gained traction for its nutritional profile.

The drinkable yoghurt segment, including liquid yoghurt and lassi, is growing rapidly due to its convenience and portability, appealing to consumers with active lifestyles. Perhaps the most dynamically growing type is plant-based yoghurt, made from almond, soy, coconut, oat, or other non-dairy milks. This segment is revolutionizing the market by attracting not only vegans and the lactose-intolerant but also health-conscious consumers looking to reduce their dairy intake. Furthermore, the market includes categories like frozen yoghurt, which occupies a position between a healthy snack and an indulgent treat, and kid-focused yoghurts, which are often packaged in convenient formats and feature fun flavors and lower sugar content.

Application Insights

Yoghurt finds application across a diverse range of consumption contexts, primarily segmented into food, beverages, and other uses. The most significant application is direct consumption as a food product. This includes its role as a standalone breakfast item, a healthy snack between meals, a component of fruit parfaits, and a dessert alternative. Its versatility in culinary applications is vast; it is used as a base for dips like tzatziki, a marinade for meats to tenderize them, a healthier substitute for sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes, and an ingredient in baking to add moisture and tang. This culinary versatility makes it a staple in both household kitchens and food service industries.

In the beverage sector, yoghurt is a key ingredient in smoothies, lassi, and ayran, providing body, nutrition, and a creamy texture. The drinkable yoghurt segment is a major application area in itself, designed specifically for consumption as a beverage. Other applications include the use of yoghurt in the cosmetics and personal care industry, where it is valued for its lactic acid content and moisturizing properties, appearing in face masks, creams, and hair treatments. However, the overwhelming majority of yoghurt production is destined for the food and beverage industry, where its functional and nutritional benefits are the primary drivers of demand across these various applications.

Regional Insights

The demand and characteristics of the yoghurt market vary significantly across different global regions, influenced by cultural dietary habits, economic development, and local taste preferences. Europe represents a mature and highly developed market for yoghurt, with per capita consumption among the highest in the world. Countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands have a long-standing tradition of yoghurt consumption, with a strong preference for plain, set, and probiotic-rich varieties. North America is another major market, characterized by high innovation and the dominance of Greek yoghurt. The United States has a particularly dynamic market with strong demand for convenient, high-protein, and low-sugar options, alongside a rapidly expanding plant-based segment.

The Asia-Pacific region is poised for the fastest growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a growing awareness of health and wellness. Countries like China and India are witnessing a shift from traditionally homemade dahi and curd to commercially produced yoghurt, with manufacturers adapting flavors and textures to local palates. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are emerging markets with considerable potential. In Latin America, consumption is growing steadily, while in the Middle East, yoghurt-based drinks like ayran and laban are culturally significant and widely consumed. Each region presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for yoghurt manufacturers, necess tailored strategies for success.

Company Insights

The competitive landscape of the global yoghurt market is dominated by several key players who leverage brand strength, innovation, and extensive distribution to maintain their positions. Danone, a French multinational, is a global leader with a powerful portfolio of brands including Activia, Oikos, and Actimel, emphasizing health and wellness through probiotics and functional benefits. Lactalis, another French giant, holds a significant share through brands like Siggi's and Stonyfield Organic, focusing on natural and organic segments. Nestl?, a Swiss conglomerate, competes effectively with brands across various price points and segments worldwide. In the United States, Chobani has been a transformative force, popularizing Greek yoghurt and maintaining a strong focus on innovation and brand authenticity.

General Mills, through its Yoplait brand, is another major player with widespread recognition. Beyond these giants, the market includes successful smaller companies and regional champions that cater to specific niches. For instance, companies like Noosa in the US specialize in premium, indulgent yoghurts, while others focus exclusively on the plant-based space, such as Kite Hill or Forager Project. Many large dairy cooperatives, such as FrieslandCampina and Arla Foods, also have significant yoghurt divisions. The strategies employed by these companies include continuous new product development, strategic marketing campaigns, expansion into emerging markets, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and transparent sourcing to build consumer trust.

Recent Developments

The yoghurt market is characterized by constant innovation and strategic moves as companies adapt to evolving consumer demands. A prominent recent development is the accelerated pace of new product launches in the plant-based category. Major dairy companies are either launching their own lines of almond, oat, or coconut yoghurt or acquiring successful plant-based startups to quickly gain a foothold in this high-growth segment. Another significant trend is the industry-wide commitment to sugar reduction. Companies are reformulating existing products and launching new lines with no added sugar or sweetening them with natural alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, and allulose to meet health-conscious consumer demands.

Sustainability initiatives have also moved to the forefront of recent developments. Leading brands are announcing ambitious goals to transition to 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging and to reduce their overall carbon footprint. This includes investments in more energy-efficient manufacturing processes and sustainable sourcing of ingredients. Furthermore, there is a noticeable trend towards clean-label products, with manufacturers simplifying ingredient lists by removing artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. On the corporate front, strategic partnerships and acquisitions continue to reshape the competitive landscape, as larger firms seek to acquire innovative brands that can provide access to new consumer demographics or product categories.

Report Segmentation

This comprehensive market research report on the yoghurt industry provides a detailed analysis segmented across multiple dimensions to offer a granular understanding of the market dynamics. The report is systematically divided to analyze the market by type, encompassing categories such as set yoghurt, Greek yoghurt, stirred yoghurt, drinkable yoghurt, and plant-based yoghurt. Each segment is evaluated for its market performance, trends, and future growth potential. Further segmentation is conducted by flavor, covering traditional options like plain and strawberry alongside more innovative and exotic flavors that are gaining popularity in different regions.

The application segment analysis delves into the various uses of yoghurt, including direct consumption, culinary applications, and its role in the foodservice industry. Distribution channel is another critical segmentation criterion, examining sales through hypermarkets and supermarkets, convenience stores, online retail platforms, and specialty stores. Geographically, the report provides a thorough regional analysis, breaking down the market into key regions and major countries within each, highlighting specific trends, consumer behaviors, and competitive landscapes unique to each area. This multi-faceted segmentation allows stakeholders to identify precise opportunities and tailor their strategies accordingly.

FAQs

What are the key drivers of the yoghurt market?

The primary drivers of the yoghurt market include increasing global health and wellness awareness, as consumers seek out nutritious, probiotic-rich foods. The demand for convenient, high-protein snacks due to busier lifestyles is also a major factor. Furthermore, continuous product innovation, such as the development of plant-based alternatives and low-sugar options, alongside the expansion of modern retail and e-commerce channels, significantly contributes to market growth.

What are the latest trends in the yoghurt industry?

The latest trends are dominated by the explosive growth of plant-based yoghurt made from almonds, oats, and coconuts. There is also a strong trend towards clean-label products with simple, natural ingredients and no artificial additives. Sustainability is a key focus, with brands investing in eco-friendly packaging. Other trends include the incorporation of functional ingredients like adaptogens and collagen, and the popularity of premium, artisanal, and kid-specific products.

Which region has the highest consumption of yoghurt?

Europe traditionally has the highest per capita consumption of yoghurt globally, with countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands leading in intake. This is attributed to deeply ingrained dietary habits and a strong cultural preference for dairy products. However, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth rate due to rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and increasing adoption of Western dietary trends.

Who are the leading players in the yoghurt market?

The market is led by large multinational corporations such as Danone, Lactalis, Nestl?, and General Mills (Yoplait). In the United States, Chobani is a major force, particularly within the Greek yoghurt segment. These companies compete with a multitude of smaller, niche players focusing on organic, plant-based, or artisanal products, as well as strong private label brands offered by large retail chains.

How is the plant-based yoghurt segment performing?

The plant-based yoghurt segment is one of the fastest-growing categories within the entire yoghurt market. It is driven by the expanding vegan and flexitarian populations, as well as consumers with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Innovation in this segment is rapid, with new bases like oat and potato joining established options like almond and soy, leading to continuous improvements in taste, texture, and nutritional profile, which are attracting a broader consumer base.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Yoghurt Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Yoghurt Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Yoghurt Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Yoghurt Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Yoghurt Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Yoghurt Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Yoghurt Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Yoghurt Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Yoghurt Market
• Yoghurt Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Yoghurt Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Yoghurt Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Yoghurt Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Yoghurt Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Yoghurt Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Yoghurt Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Yoghurt Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

Report Customization

Citius Research provides free customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.

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