Plant-Based Dairy in Western Europe

Delivery

This report comes in PPT.

Key findings

Other plant-based milk driving overall market growth

Western Europe has continued to record strong growth in its plant-based dairy sales, with other plant-based milk, plant-based yoghurt and plant-based cheese all registering double-digit percentage CAGRs in 2017-2022. Oat-based products in particular have been building up a strong head of steam in the region, often at the expense of soy drinks, which was in decline in both 2022 and the historic period as a whole.

Animal welfare a major reason for UK consumers to opt for plant-based dairy

Animal welfare has been a topic gaining popularity among people in the UK, with 18% of UK consumers selecting it as a reason for consumption of plant-based dairy alternatives in 2022, according to Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Consumer: Health and Nutrition Survey. Fortified plant-based drinks are seen as an excellent cruelty-free source of the necessary nutrients found in dairy products, most notably calcium and its bone-strengthening effect.

E-commerce remains a small channel at a regional level

Modern grocery retailers, including supermarkets (46%), discounters (22%) and hypermarkets (17%), are the main mode of distribution for plant-based dairy. E-commerce saw strong growth during the pandemic, but remains a relatively minor channel at a regional level, with a 4% share. However, some countries have a greater dependence on online sales, with Turkey’s internet retailing share reaching 30% in 2022.

Further healthy growth expected for 2022-2027

Sustainability concerns and demand from vegans/vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance will help ensure ongoing growth for plant-based dairy in Western Europe in the coming years. Other plant-based milk, already the biggest category, will add the most new sales in 2022-2027, but both plant-based yoghurt and cheese will continue growing, with soy drinks set to remain the least dynamic product area.