Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products in the United Arab Emirates

PROSPECTS

Health and wellness trend drives growth

In 2018, the category continued to benefit from the fact that a number of product types have long been part of the daily diets of many consumers in the United Arab Emirates. For example, laban, a type of sour milk, is a traditional local beverage which is consumed after meals or as a snack.

Flavoured yoghurt the best performer

The ongoing rise in health awareness among consumers in the United Arab Emirates continued to support the rise in popularity of products which are perceived as healthy, such as flavoured yoghurt. Local consumers are increasingly switching to flavoured yoghurt as an alternative to traditional sweet treats.

Plain yoghurt remains a very popular product

Yoghurt is considered a staple food by many of the nationalities living in the United Arab Emirates. Within local culture, as well as in the main Asian cultures present in the country, plain yoghurt is a side dish that is often served at mealtimes, hence its significant share of overall yoghurt value sales.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Almarai and National Food Products lead the category

Almarai remained the leading player in yoghurt and sour milk products in 2018, largely thanks to its widespread distribution network and the strong visibility of its products in retail outlets. The company also benefits from a wide product portfolio under its Almarai brand, with its offering being well adapted to local tastes and consumption patterns.

Al Safi Danone leads drinking and flavoured yoghurt

Al Safi Danone ranked third in yoghurt and sour milk products in 2018 thanks to its leadership of drinking and flavoured yoghurt through the combined strength of its Activia Laban and Actimel brands. The former is based on laban, a traditionally popular sour milk drink in the Middle East, and is perceived as a healthier choice than the packaged laban products offered by other companies thanks to containing probiotics.

Agthia Group launches drinking yoghurt

In 2018, Agthia Group launched the Yop and Petits Filous drinking yoghurt brands in a bid to compete in the area of healthier alternatives to carbonated soft drinks. Yop claims to be free from preservatives, artificial colourings and flavourings and comes in strawberry, mango and peach flavours.

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