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Summary of our market study
The French yogurt market is worth around €2.2 billion.
The global yogurt market is estimated at over $105 billion, with an average annual growth rate of 5%.
In France, the yogurt market grew by 15% from 2017 to 2022, and the country is the second largest yogurt producer in Europe.
french consumers predominantly prefer flavored yogurts (65.70%) and non-organic yogurts (94.98%), with cow's milk-based options accounting for 97.16% of purchases.
Sales of high-protein yogurts soared to 85.4 million euros in 2023, with Hipro leading the way with a 90% market share. Organic products represent only a small part of the market (just over 5% and 90 million euros).
despite their higher prices, companies such as Sojasun, Andros and Alpro dominate this segment, capitalizing on changing market dynamics and changing diets.
Hypermarkets and supermarkets are the main distribution channels.
consumption trends
The lower-middle class buys the most yoghurt. A majority of these yogurt purchases, more precisely between 25 and 30%, are made by people aged 35 to 49. The over-35s and families with children represent the dominant segments.
The majority of consumers eat yoghurt at least once a day.
Industry players
Leaders
- Lactalis Nestlé Produits Frais (La Laitière): A joint venture between two giants, Lactalis and Nestlé, La Laitière is known for its gourmet yogurts and wide range of dairy desserts.
- Danone: one of the world's best-known brands.
- Yoplait: a major player in the yogurt market.
- Laita - Mamie Nova): The Mamie Nova brand is associated with rich, gourmet yogurts.
Pioneers in plant-based nutrition
- Soja Sun: a leading plant-based alternative to dairy products.
- Andros: ventured into the plant-based products sector, offering alternatives to yogurt
- Alpro: part of the Danone group, Alpro offers plant-based yogurts.
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Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Market overview
Yogurt is a coagulated dairy product produced by the bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria used to make yogurt are known as thermophilic lactic acid bacteria. Fermentation of lactose by these bacteria produces lactic acid, which acts on milk proteins to give yoghurt its characteristic acid texture and taste. The yogurt market is highly varied, with a multitude of segments: flavored yogurts, plain yogurts, organic yogurts, vegetable yogurts, Greek yogurts...
on a global scale, the market is evolving positively, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.16% until 2029. Europe is the world's biggest consumer of dairy products, and is therefore having a positive impact on the global yogurt market.
As far as the French market is concerned, it follows the same positive trend, with a market size that has grown by 15.41 % between 2017 and 2022. This increase can be attributed to various factors, such as product innovation, effective marketing campaigns and changes in consumer preferences for dairy products. Yogurts are preferred by the lower-middle income class, by the over-35s , and families with children account for a high proportion of yogurt consumers. The majority of French people eat yogurt at least once a day.
What's more, France is Europe's second-largest yogurt producer. This gives France a trade surplus, with exports outstripping imports. It imports mainly from Germany , and exports most to the UK($139.480 million in exports in 2021).
French market professionals are well established, with large food companies such as Lactalis, Danone and Yoplait dominating the market. These companies have to adapt to changes in demand, notably a drop in organic products and an increase in demand for private labels. In the future, players will be looking for organic growth, notably through innovation, as well as the multiplication of products offered in the high-protein and plant-based yogurt segment. What's more, yogurt manufacturers are having to adapt their production to milk harvests , which seem to have diminished in recent months.
1.2 Positive growth in the global market
In ****, the global yogurt market is estimated at $***.** billion, and is expected to grow over the following years at a CAGR of *.**% to ****[***] . These figures enable us to estimate the size of the market over the coming years:
Evolution of global yogurt market size World, ****-****, in billions of dollars Source: ...
1.3 The European market
In ****, the size of the European yoghurt market was estimated at $**.* billion. This market is expected to grow at a CAGR of *.**% over the next few years, up to ****[***] . Estimates of the size of the European yogurt market can be made using these data:
Trend in the size of the European ...
1.4 The French market
Yogurt is firmly rooted in French culinary culture At European level, the French are the second biggest consumers of yogurt, after the Germans. [***]
Yogurt market size trends France, ****-****, in thousands of euros Source: ****
Over the period ****-****, the yogurt market has grown steadily, from a value of *,***,*** thousand euros in ...
1.5 International trade
For this part, the data used are those of UN Comtrade code "****** - Dairy products; yoghurt, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured or containing added fruit, nuts or cocoa".
Yogurt market trade balance France, ****-****, in millions of $ and as a % of sales The ...
2 Demand analysis
2.1 French consumer profile
Breakdown of yogurt purchases in volume by household income class France, ****, %, %, %, %, %, %, %, %, %, %, %, % Source: ****
The lower-middle income class accounts for the largest share of yogurt purchases by volume, with a percentage of **.*%. This suggests that consumers in this income bracket are the main contributors to demand for yoghurts on the French market.
Next, ...
2.2 French yogurt consumption habits
Distribution of purchases of ultra-fresh products France, ****, % of total Source: ****
Non-natural yogurts represent the most predominant category of ultra-fresh product purchases, with a percentage of **.*%. This high prevalence of non-nature yogurts can be attributed to the diversity of flavors and options available on the market. Fresh desserts follow closely behind, accounting ...
2.3 France's favorite yogurt brands
Preferred yogurt brands France, March ****, in Source: ****
The graph above is based on data from OpinionWay's survey of French consumers' favorite brands. It shows respondents' answers to the question "Do you like this brand?" for different yogurt brands. La Laitière is the favorite yogurt-dessert brand of the French, with **.*% of ...
2.4 Declining demand for organic yogurts
The growth of organic products has been a major trend in the food industry in recent years, with organic yoghurts occupying a prominent place among these products. However, recent observation has revealed a noticeable drop in demand for organic yoghurts. This decline in interest in organic yoghurts is not an isolated ...
2.5 Ultra-fresh produce: private label consumption on the rise
The rise of private labels in the ultra-fresh category is a major driving force behind sales volumes in this category. Yogurts are one of the key products in the ultra-fresh category, so it is interesting to analyze the evolution of brand types within this product group.
Sales volume trends in FLS ...
3 Market structure
3.1 Value chain
Source: ****
The yogurt value chain begins with the production of milk (***), or they may sell them directly to yogurt manufacturers.
Some manufacturers have to buy in from semi-finished product manufacturers, if they don't have the capacity to make certain products needed for yogurt production themselves, such as the flavorings used for ...
3.2 Number of companies and number of employees
NAF code **.**A, "Manufacture of liquid milk and fresh dairy products" includes various sub-categories:
**.**.** - Liquid milk **.**.** - Milk and cream containing more than *% fat, not concentrated or sweetened **.**.** - Yoghurts and other fermented or acidified milk products **.**.** - Subcontracted operations involved in the manufacture of dairy products
The subject ...
3.3 Yogurt distribution dominated by mass retailers
Volume market share of ultra-fresh products distribution channels France, ****, % of total Source: ****
Hypermarkets and supermarkets clearly dominate the distribution of these products, holding a **% market share by volume of ultra-fresh products. This predominance suggests that the majority of purchases of ultra-fresh products, including yoghurts, are made in these supermarkets, underlining the ...
3.4 Production impacted by reduced availability of cow's milk
Cow's milk collection France, ****- ****, in billion liters Source: ****
Between **** and ****, cow's milk collection in France showed a stable trend overall, but with a slight decrease. Between **** and ****, there was a *% decrease in cow's milk collection. Dairy cow herd France, ****-****, in millions of cows Source: ****
The number of dairy cows ...
4 Offer analysis
4.1 The different types of yogurt
Source FSI On average, a pot of "standard" French yoghurt weighs around *** grams. [***]However, many variations are possible. The format can be adapted to the target: La Laitière has changed the format of its "Le Grand Pot" product from *** grams to two **-gram products, so that they can be consumed ...
4.2 Price analysis
Yogurt consumer price index FRance, ****-****, index base **** Source: ****
The consumer price index for yogurt in France, over the period ****-****, reveals a gradual upward trend, with some fluctuations from year to year.
Initially set at *** in ****, the index recorded a slight drop in **** before stabilizing at around ** to ** in **** and ...
4.3 Suppliers innovate with plant-based yogurts and high-protein yogurts
The high-protein yogurt trend:
The high-protein yogurt trend is enjoying significant growth in the ultra-fresh market, with sales set to exceed ** million euros by ****.these products, which are distinguished by their high protein content, have become popular with French consumers, particularly those concerned about their health and sporting activities. Brands such ...
5 Regulations
5.1 Regulatory framework for the use of the term "yogurt
A strict definition
In France, the marketing of yoghurt is regulated at several levels. The term "yogurt" is defined as fermented milk packaged in a pot. However, the terms "fermented milk" and "yoghurt" are protected by decree no. **-**** .
Fermented milk is a dairy product prepared from different types of milk ...
5.2 Yogurt labeling rules
A pot of yoghurt can only be labelled "farmhouse" if it is made with ingredients sourced on the farm. If other ingredients are used, the label must state "prepared on the farm".
The label must include a list of ingredients from the moment they play a technological role in the manufacture ...
6 Positioning the players
6.1 Positioning the players
- Michel et Augustin
- Andros Groupe
- La Fermière
- Yoplait France (Sodiaal Groupe)
- Danone Groupe
- LaÏta Coopérative - Mamie Nova
- Lactalis Groupe
List of charts presented in this market study
- Trends in the size of the global yogurt market
- Breakdown of global dairy consumption by region
- Breakdown of yogurt purchases in volume by household income class
- Breakdown of yogurt purchases in volume by age of purchaser
- Breakdown of volume purchases by consumer life cycle
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Latest news
Lactalis and Sodiaal buy the yoghurt activities of American General Mills - 13/09/2024
- General Mills, known for brands such as Häagen-Dazs and Old El Paso, is streamlining its operations to focus on its most profitable brands.
- General Mills' U.S. yogurt business, including the Yoplait brand, generated approximately $1.5 billion in net sales in fiscal 2024.
- Yoplait, founded in 1965 and associated with General Mills since 1977, saw the latter acquire a 51% stake in 2011.
- In 2021, Sodiaal acquired Yoplait's European activities from General Mills, aiming to expand its global presence.
- Lactalis operates 11 manufacturing sites in the United States, marketing cheeses and yogurts under various brand names.
Lactalis acquires General Mills' yogurt business in the United States - 13/09/2024
- - General Mills Inc. yogurt business in the United States: US$1.2 billion.
- - Production sites concerned by the acquisition: Murfreesboro (Tennessee), Reed City (Michigan), and headquarters in Minneapolis (Minnesota).
- - Lactalis USA presence: 11 manufacturing sites and over 4,000 employees.
- - Yogurt brands concerned by the acquisition: Mountain High, as well as licensed brands Yoplait, Go-Gurt, Oui, etc.
- - Cheese brands marketed by Lactalis USA: Galbani, Président, Kraft (natural and shredded cheeses), Breakstones, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond.
- - Lactalis U.S. Yogurt products: Stonyfield Organic, siggi's, Brown Cow, Green Mountain Creamery.
At the bedside of the sick, Danone invests in protein drinks at Steenvoorde - 22/05/2024
- The adult medical nutrition market is estimated at several billion euros worldwide.
- - Danone is number one in Europe and number two worldwide in the medical nutrition sector.
- - Blédina's Steenvoorde plant will manufacture protein-enriched drinks under the Fortimel brand
- - The total investment for this project is 70 million euros
- - Danone currently operates seven plants worldwide in the medical nutrition sector, including five in Europe.
- - Sales of Danone's specialized nutrition division are expected to reach 8.5 billion in 2023
- - Danone has invested in Turkey and Poland to increase its production capacity in medical nutrition, and has acquired Functional Formularies in the United States.
Danone bets more than ever on medical nutrition - 21/05/2024
- Investment of 70 million euros in a new production line dedicated to medical nutrition at the Blédina plant in Steenvorde.
- Danone's specialized nutrition division, including medical nutrition, generated sales of 8.3 billion euros in 2023.
- Growth of 6.7% for this division in 2023.
- Acquisition of Promedica in Poland, specialized in home enteral tube feeding.
- Acquisition of US-based Functional Formularies, with sales of around 27 million euros, specializing in biological tube-feeding formulas.
- Investment of 100 million euros in a new international R&D center in Saclay, to be inaugurated in February 2023.
Lactalis group considers a pause in acquisitions - 18/04/2024
- China's demand for milk powder collapsed by 38% as a result of the economic crisis.
- Japan's cheese imports fell by 7%. In the Philippines, by 26%, and in Indonesia, by 13%.
- France, Lactalis' biggest market, accounting for almost 20% of sales
- sales of 29.5 billion euros, up 4.3%, thanks in part to its four acquisitions.
- Lactalis remains one of the world's Top 10 food companies
- 4 operations by 2023:
- Marie Morin in Canada (sales €25 million), a Canadian specialist in baked desserts
- DPA (350 million euros), the world's leading yogurt producer.
- Italy's Ambrosi (400 million euros), with its Grana Padano and Parmesan cheeses.
- British dairy specialties distributor Hawkridge (9 million euros in sales)
Danone opens a second plant for plant-based products in France - 12/02/2024
- Danone inaugurates a new plant dedicated to the manufacture of dairy alternatives in France
- Danone has completely converted its Villecomtal-sur-Arros yogurt plant in the Gers department into a unit dedicated to Alpro-brand plant-based beverages. 43 million euros of investment
- Production, mainly of oat juice cartons, is 90% destined for Europe.
- Danone now has four milk-alternative production units in Europe. Two in France, at Issenheim and Villecomtal in the Gers region, one in Sweden, at Lunnarp, and the fourth at Wevelgem in Belgium.
- Vegetable-based products have become "a strategic focus" for the world's number one in ultra-fresh products.
- Danone took the t turn in 2017 with the $12.5 billion acquisition of US group WhiteWave.
- In France, ultra-fresh products are deeply rooted in diets.
- Plant milk accounts for just 4% of the traditional dairy products market by volume and 7.4% by value.
- The plant-based milk market is worth 165 million euros, according to FranceAgriMer.
- More than 6 out of ten people in France in the 18-24 age bracket eat plant-based products several times a week, according to lDanone
- Many dairy groups, including Triballat, Nestlé and Bel, have chosen to develop plant-based ranges.
- Retail chains are present under their own brands (MDD).
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the yoghurt market | France
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