Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products in Colombia

2021 DEVELOPMENTS

Protests pose further challenges as negative impact of COVID-19 starts to subside

After recording steep declines in 2020, yoghurt and sour milk products is expected to see a return to growth in overall retail volume and current value sales in 2021. With the bulk of sales generated by smaller and single-serve formats purchased for lunchboxes and on-the-go consumption, recovery should be supported by the partial reopening of schools and a gradual return to workplaces as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to recede in line with the rollout of vaccines.

Gloria and Alpina introduce new yoghurt products

Despite the challenging trading conditions created by COVID-19, yoghurt witnessed some notable launches during the latter part of 2020. Grupo Gloria’s California brand – the leading name in nectars in Colombia – introduced new pear and apple flavoured products in the category.

Leading producers focus on improving distribution via e-commerce platforms

COVID-19 has not resulted in any significant shifts in retail distribution of yoghurt and sour milk products in Colombia. Independent small grocers will remain the leading channel in value terms by a wide margin in 2021, followed by hypermarkets, supermarkets and discounters.

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Yoghurt will continue to benefit from healthy image and convenience factor

Yoghurt and sour milk products is expected to record steady growth in retail volume and current value terms from 2022 onwards. Overall expansion will fuelled by yoghurt, the dominant category, though rising health-consciousness in Colombia coupled with innovation and marketing activities should also support a positive performance by sour milk products.

Co-branding likely to remain a focal point for innovation in flavoured yoghurt

Flavoured yoghurt traditionally experiences a high level of innovation in Colombia, with most launches targeting children and teenagers. New products are often developed in conjunction with well-known brands from impulse and indulgence categories such as confectionery, sweet biscuits etc.

Consumption of Greek yoghurt expected to continue rising

Widely perceived as a healthy alternative, Greek yoghurt is expected to continue gaining popularity in Colombia over the forecast period. Such products are now available in a broad variety of flavours and pack sizes, both from leading brands like Alpina, Colanta and Pasco and from smaller, artisanal-type players such as Sketos and Dejamu.