November 20, 2024 – In Asia Pacific, dairy and non-dairy yogurt are preferred for their versatility, balancing health benefits, taste, and diverse dietary needs. Innova’s 360 research into yogurt trends helps to analyze the latest market insights, product launches, top flavors, and what might develop in the future.
Yogurt Product and Sales Trends
In Asia Pacific, dairy and non-dairy yogurt account for an average of 25% of launches over the past two years, driven by consumer appreciation for foods rooted in local identity. Over 60% of consumers in the region prefer products that reflect familiar culinary practices, boosting 6% growth in yogurt launches with traditional claims. Products like India’s Dahi, Lassi, and Mishti Doi, Japan’s Amazake, and China’s Nai Lao and Mongolian yogurt have pushed the market in Asia Pacific. This showcases distinct fermentation techniques that highlight regional authenticity while celebrating local culinary expertise.
Asia Pacific is the leading in the dairy and non-dairy yogurt sales value. Nearly 1 in 4 consumers in Asia Pacific always check the ingredients listed on product packaging. Protein emerges as a key driver, with 45% of consumers prioritizing it in their purchases. Yogurt products prominently featuring protein claims show a 27% growth in launches over the past year. This reflects Innova’s annual top trend of 2024, ‘Ingredients: Taking the Spotlight,’ where brands enhance consumer connection with essential components by highlighting the product’s primary ingredient.
Leading Markets
China leads the dairy and non-dairy yogurt industry among the top 5 Asia Pacific countries over the past year, driven by rising demand for healthier options. Nearly 30% of Chinese consumers prioritize low, no, or reduced sugar claims in dairy yogurt, with 18% seeking the same in non-dairy alternatives. To meet this demand, product launches increasingly feature non-nutritive sweeteners such as sucralose, acesulfame K, erythritol, and aspartame. These formulations cater to health-conscious consumers, offering a balance between satisfying cravings and supporting wellness goals.
Top Brands and Companies
Chobani is a key player in the dairy and non-dairy yogurt industry, driven by its popular brands Chobani Flip, Gippsland Dairy, and Chobani Fit. Chobani has launched Chobani Creations, a new line of Greek yogurt that offers indulgent flavors. It prioritizes health benefits and reflects the brand’s commitment to innovative, indulgent offerings.
Featuring options like Cherry Cheesecake, Mocha Tiramisu, and Caramel Sundae, this range caters to consumers seeking both taste and nutrition. Crafted with natural ingredients, high in protein, and free from additives or preservatives, Chobani Creations appeals to health-conscious consumers without compromising on indulgence.
Other notable players in the yogurt industry include Yili, Meiji, Mengniu Dairy, and Bega Cheese. These top 5 companies account for a total 17% of cluster launches in Asia Pacific over the past year.
Claims and Positionings Trends
The top 5 positionings in the yogurt industry are probiotic, low/no/reduced fat, no additives or preservatives, source of protein, and halal. However, top claims are country specific.
In the Asia Pacific region, 21% and 19% of consumers seek low/no/reduced fat claims when purchasing dairy and non-dairy yogurt, respectively. Reflecting this demand, product launches with these claims display 24% growth in launches over the past four years. This aligns with Innova’s other annual top trend, ‘Prioritizing Prevention,’ where companies are actively working to prevent health issues before they arise to preserve consumer interests. By supporting weight management and helping prevent obesity, low/no/reduced fat yogurts cater to consumers’ increasing focus on healthier lifestyles.
Yogurt Flavor Trends
The top 5 flavors in the yogurt industry are strawberry, mango, blueberry, vanilla, and peach. 28% of consumers in Asia Pacific seek sweet flavors within the dairy and non-dairy yogurt cluster. To cater to this preference, Asia Pacific offers a diverse range of options, including fruit flavors like berries, orchard, and citrus, as well as brown flavors such as chocolate, honey, and toffee, alongside vanilla varieties like vanilla bean, French vanilla, and Madagascar vanilla. These choices enhance appeal and align with consumer demand for variety.
What’s Next in Asia Pacific Yogurt Industry Trends?
Dairy and non-dairy yogurt shows an increase in volume of 8% over the past year, driven by growing health consciousness. With 29% of consumers prioritizing digestive health, launches featuring digestive and gut health claims show a 43% CAGR over the past four years. Brands address this demand by incorporating probiotics to reduce harmful bacteria and support intestinal health.
38% of consumers in Asia Pacific consider dairy-based snacks when providing treats for their children. This is reflected in the 10% increase in launches of yogurt/fermented beverages with children (5-12 years) claims. Brands can tap into this trend by designing for kids, with playful packaging showcasing cartoon characters like Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Paw Patrol, Winnie the Pooh, and Ultraman.
To further captivate consumers, brands can introduce cross-category flavor combinations such as custard and vanilla or mango and hibiscus, aligning with the preference for unique taste profiles. Innovation in functional ingredients and creative flavors is likely to continue to shape the yogurt industry, enhancing appeal across diverse demographics.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview of Dairy & Non-Dairy Yogurt in Asia Pacific report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
