Competitor Strategies in Dairy Products and Alternatives

January 2024

Dairy products and alternatives players are navigating through economically turbulent times by adapting their strategies, with a focus on core markets and fast-growing brands and products. Meanwhile, to sustain high margins, producers are emphasising the additional benefits of their products. Sustainability is playing an increasingly crucial role, with major market players investing in plant-based options and environmentally friendly packaging.

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Key findings

M&A and portfolio management help multinational companies keep their leading positions

While maintaining top positions, multinational companies such as Danone, Nestlé, Kraft Heinz and FrieslandCampina are gradually losing market share, facing increased competition from local players, private label, and Chinese and Indian firms. Acquisitions, strategic divestments and portfolio revisions are crucial focal points for growth strategies and maintaining resilience.

High saturation in mature markets pushes producers to invest in emerging markets

The key multinational market players, especially Lactalis, Savencia and FrieslandCampina, have grown significantly in emerging markets, given the high market saturation in mature markets. Latin America and the Asia Pacific are the regions where they are increasingly directing their investments. With the Chinese baby food market experiencing stagnation, Danone, Nestlé, and FrieslandCampina are seeking new opportunities in this market to drive growth.

Dairy market players adapt to inflationary pressures

In 2023, the industry’s growth was driven primarily by price increases. Companies adjusted shelf prices, modified package sizes and offered promotions. Portfolio revision is another strategy, involving divestment from expensive products with low demand. Kraft Heinz sold its natural and grated cheese, while both Danone and Nestlé are revising their organic facilities across several markets. As consumers seek the best deals, private label is gaining momentum and growing rapidly in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

Companies will continue to focus on high-margin products with extra benefits

Market players, led by Danone and Nestlé, are offering health-conscious consumers products with functional ingredients, such as high protein and probiotics. Yili and Yakult are expanding their portfolios with products targeting specific life stages and health concerns. Despite rising prices, plant-based dairy and baby food remain on the rise, with Danone, Nestlé and Kraft Heinz, among others, continuing to invest in this area. To meet sustainability goals, businesses are developing eco-friendly and recyclable solutions in their dairy portfolios.

 

Scope
Key findings
The US remains the biggest dairy products and alternatives market
Multinational companies are set to accelerate their growth at expense of Chinese players
Danone and Nestlé maintain leading positions while new companies enter the top ranks
Nestlé, Danone and Kraft Heinz keep their portfolios diverse, while others focus on dairy
Key players in the dairy products and alternatives industry thrive amidst industry growth
Chinese and Indian companies are benefiting from their focus on the core milk category
Emerging markets bring the most sales to the top 10 dairy companies
The dairy industry remains fragmented, as small companies arise across the regions
High inflation drives private label development across categories and regions
A focus on strong brands with high recognition helps the companies to stay resilient
Strategies of the top 10 companies in the spotlight
Functional yoghurts, plant-based products and baby food are key areas for Danone
Despite challenges, Nestlé continues to invest in baby food and plant-based products
Several acquisitions in cheese and yoghurt support Lactalis’s global leadership in dairy
Yili innovates in the Asian cheese industry, while segmenting the market in powder milk
Impacted by China’s market turbulence, Mengniu seeks green and smart solutions
Kraft Heinz is focusing on core markets and brands to keep its position
FrieslandCampina remains committed to sustainable goals despite cost-cutting measures
Arla confronts European costs, expands in Nigeria, and prioritises health and sustainability
Savencia expands in Latin America, and secures spot among top 10 dairy players globally
Gujarat is gaining the Indian market due to its cooperative model and affordable pricing
The top players are projected to maintain their ranking over the forecast period
Mapping the key focus areas for dairy products and alternatives manufacturers to focus on
Companies increase prices in the face of steadily rising costs
Leveraging promotions and governmental programs to engage with the consumer
As shrinkflation becomes a common practice, governments seek ways to address it
Inflation prompts companies to review organic products and fresh milk in their portfolios
Probiotics is the focus areas of dairy producers moving from immunity to gut health
Products targeting mental wellbeing are gaining popularity in Asia Pacific
Healthy ageing as a future trend that companies are already capitalising on
Baby food remains a key area for international giant market players
High protein continues to be one of the most popular claims in dairy
Market players embrace local sourcing and cater to local flavour preferences
The surge of plant-based barista milk and the emergence of less processed options
More innovations arise within plant-based “other dairy”
High protein claim is increasingly popular in plant-based dairy products
Precision fermentation brings a long-term opportunity to the plant-based dairy market
Dairy products compete with plant-based ones on the carbon footprint field
Market leaders are redefining dairy packaging
Food sustainability in the global agenda
Challenges
Recommendations
Key summary
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