September 24, 2024 – In DACH, dairy and non-dairy yogurt are preferred for their versatility. They offer a balance of taste, nutrition, and digestive benefits that cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. Innova’s 360-degree research into yogurt market trends highlights the latest product launches, innovations, top flavors, and what may develop in the future within the industry.
Product Launch and Sales Trends
DACH leads in dairy and non-dairy yogurt sales in Europe, driven by growing consumer demand for its health-focused options. Yogurt trends research shows that launches crafted using probiotics, featuring strains like L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, and L. casei, aiding digestive health, have pushed new product development in the region.
There has been a 2% rise in dairy and non-dairy yogurt cluster launches as a percentage of the dairy category in DACH over the past three years. In DACH, 23% and 19% of consumers look for low/no/reduced sugar claims while purchasing dairy and non-dairy yogurt, respectively. Yogurt trends research displays that this preference is reflected in the rise in 27% CAGR growth in launches with sugar-related claims over the past four years. These launches within the region incorporate non-nutritive sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame K. This aligns with Innova’s annual Top Trend of 2024, ‘Prioritizing Prevention,’ where companies are taking positive action to prevent health concerns before they arise to preserve the consumer interest.
Leading Subcategories in DACH Yogurt Market
Spoonable dairy yogurt is the leading subcategory, followed by spoonable non-dairy yogurt and drinking yogurt beverages. However, spoonable non-dairy yogurt has seen a 6% growth in launches over the past year, driven by consumer demand for variety and novelty. Notably, 28% of DACH consumers have increased their non-dairy yogurt consumption, reflecting the rising appeal of plant-based alternatives in the region.
Top Brands and Companies in the DACH Yogurt Market
The DACH dairy and non-dairy yogurt market is penetrated by both branded and private labels. Privatmolkerei Bauer is the top company for dairy and non-dairy yogurt product launches. In early 2024, the company launched the ZUM GLÜCK! plant-based product line. This range features milk, yogurt, and pudding alternatives made from upcycled apricot kernels, offering a sustainable option for plant-based consumers.
Yogurt trends research displays that Bauer partners with Kern Tec to develop a unique, ready-to-use ingredient from previously discarded apricot kernels, actively minimizing waste and conserving resources. This approach aligns with Innova’s annual Top Trend of 2024, ‘Nurturing Nature,’ where companies go beyond sustainability by focusing on minimizing waste and resource conservation.
Top Claims and Positionings Trends
The top 5 positionings in the DACH dairy and non-dairy yogurt market are organic, lactose-free, gluten-free, no additives and preservatives and vegan. However, top positionings are country-specific for these product launches.
Yogurt trends research shows that apart from these top 5 positionings, traditional, plant-based, and energy/alertness are gaining popularity in Germany, while consumers in Austria lean toward plant-based, low/no/reduced fat, and high/source of protein. In Switzerland, traditional, immune health, low/no/reduced fat claims are on the rise. This indicates that brands are launching and customizing their products to meet these consumer demands.
Top Yogurt Flavor Trends
Strawberry, vanilla, mango, passion fruit, and blueberry are the top 5 flavors in the DACH dairy and non-dairy yogurt market. Apart from these top 5 flavors, apricot, stracciatella, blackberry, red raspberry, and red apple flavors are also growing in the space. This highlights consumers desire for both familiar and adventurous taste experiences, which led to variety and innovation in the space.
What’s Next in the Dairy and Non-Dairy Yogurt Market?
In DACH, 1 in 3 consumers prioritize naturalness and fewer artificial ingredients in food and beverages. Brands can leverage this opportunity by focusing on launches formulated with natural alternatives to preservatives, thickeners, and stabilizers and botanical ingredients to main consumer interest.
Yogurt trends research reveals that consumers seek products that meet diverse dietary needs, such as allergen-free and nutrient-rich options. Brands can tap into this trend by prioritizing clean labels and addressing allergen concerns like lactose- and gluten-free claims in the products.
Additionally, 28% of consumers in DACH seek fruit and superfruit flavors in the dairy and non-dairy yogurt category. Brands can capitalize on this by offering indulgent berry flavors like strawberry and blueberry, tropical fruits such as mango and passion fruit, and drupes like peach and apricot. Brands are likely to enhance their offerings by incorporating functional ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, and plant-based proteins to align with evolving health-conscious demands in the yogurt market trends.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview of Dairy & Non-Dairy Yogurt in DACH report. Find out more about this report by booking a demo or reach out to us using our Contact Form.
