September 20, 2024 – Globally, cream, creamers and evaporated milk are preferred for their versatility and ability to add richness, flavor, and texture to a wide variety of dishes and beverages, from coffee and desserts to soups and sauces. Here we will highlight the latest product launches, innovations, top flavors, and what may develop in the future within the milk industry.
Product Launch Trends in Milk Industry
There has been a 9% rise in cream, creamers and evaporated milk launches as a percentage of the dairy category over the past year. With 42% of global consumers open to trying plant-based versions of familiar foods and beverages, products with plant-based claims have grown by 42% over the past year. This aligns with Innova’s annual Top Trends of 2024, “Plant-Based: The Rise of Applied Offerings,” where consumers are more likely to embrace plant-based products when they are presented in familiar, comforting ways.
Milk industry trends research shows that North America is the top region for cream, creamers and evaporated milk launches as a percentage of dairy category launches over the past year. This is followed by the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. New products feature health claims, offering vitamin and mineral-fortified options, brain-health-supporting products featuring C8 & C10 MCTs, gut health with probiotics, and immune support with vitamin C, catering to health-conscious consumers.
Cream Trends
Globally, cream is the top subcategory, with 5% CAGR growth in launches over the past five years. In this subcategory, cow milk leads the product base, followed by whipped cream and sour cream. Global cow milk has a diverse array of products, like fresh cooking creams, available in varying fat concentrations ranging from 10% to 35% alongside both thick and light cream versions.
Milk industry trends research reveals that Arla leads in cream launches over the past year. It is driven by its wide range of products preserved through UHT and sterilization processes. Arla also pushes flavor innovation with unique combinations such as tomato and basil, paprika and chili, lemon and dill, and parmesan and garlic, enhancing the taste experience for consumers.
Creamers Trends
The creamers subcategory displays a 2% rise in global launches over the past year, driven by innovation in both product formats and flavors. Creaming powders, MCT-based options, and functional coffee enhancers in indulgent flavors like caramel macchiato, hazelnut and French vanilla lead the milk trends. Various convenient formats like powders, liquids, and capsules further move the subcategory. Additionally, the rise of plant-based alternatives is catering to diverse dietary preferences, making this subcategory a dynamic and evolving market.
Evaporated Milk Trends
Evaporated milk shows a fluctuating launch rate, with a notable increase in 2022. This subcategory is globally sustained by a diverse range of product offerings that cater to evolving consumer needs in the milk industry. Key drivers include fortified options enriched with vitamins A and D3, providing added nutritional value, as well as a variety of fat content options, from full-cream to skimmed milk to suit different dietary preferences. Milk trends display that the availability of unsweetened condensed milk offers a versatile choice for consumers looking for less sugar in their diets. This variety highlights continuous product development in the market.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Trends
Milk trends show that the sweetened condensed milk subcategory has experienced a 1% growth in launches over the past five years. Nestlé is the market leader for this subcategory launches, supported by a range of offerings. The company’s products include skimmed and semi-skimmed milk variations and indulgent milk chocolate-flavored options. This reflects the rising demand for both healthier alternatives and indulgent flavors.
Claims and Positionings Trends in Milk Industry
The top claim in the global cream, creamers and evaporated milk industry is gluten-free, followed by lactose-free, halal, no additives or preservatives and vegan.
In Europe, plant-based, traditional, and no trans fats claims are on the rise. Asia Pacific consumers are inclined toward energy/alertness, indulgent and premium, and vegetarian claims. In North America, vitamin/mineral fortified, energy/alertness, and probiotic claims are growing. Milk trends display that consumers in the Middle East and Africa prefer indulgent and premium, low/no/reduced cholesterol, and vitamin/mineral fortified claims. Meanwhile, in Latin America, natural, low/no/reduced fat, and indulgent and premium claims are gaining popularity. These highlight the diverse consumer interests and dietary needs across the globe, driving innovation in the global cream, creamers and evaporated milk category.
Flavor Trends
Vanilla, caramel, French vanilla, milk chocolate, and hazelnut are the top 5 flavors in the global cream, creamers and evaporated milk industry. Apart from these top 5 flavors, cinnamon, coconut, strawberry and coffee flavors are also growing in the space. This indicates a strong consumer preference for indulgent and comforting flavors in the market.
What’s Next Milk Industry Trends?
Cream leads the global cream, creamers, and evaporated milk category. Europe is the top region with 81% of cream product launches over the past year, thus leading the standard of innovations. Brands can focus on the reductionism trend, such as low/no/reduced fat claims and allergen-friendly choices like lactose-free and gluten-free products, to cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
Meanwhile, the creamers subcategory experienced a 2% rise in global launches over the past year, highlighting growth opportunities. The rise of flavors like cinnamon, coconut, strawberry, and coffee reflects consumer interest in more diverse and adventurous options. Brands are likely to introduce a broader range of flavors to cater to evolving tastes in the milk industry.
This article is based on our report, “Overview of Cream, Creamers & Evaporated Milk – Global.” If you are interested in reading this report, feel free to request a demo.
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