16 Jul 2014 Yoghurt appeal rising globally, says DSM
DSM reports that the appeal of yoghurt is on the rise around the world. It has published results of a survey carried out in countries as varied as China, US, Brazil and Turkey, in a Global Insight paper, and which has found a growing demand for yoghurt as health-conscious consumers make it a regular habit.
The paper, which is the first of the Global Insight Series on yoghurt, reveals that over the last three years more than half of the respondents have increased their yoghurt consumption. The increased appetite is led by markets like China, Brazil and Turkey where 67%, 61% and 60% respectively of the respondents indicated that they are eating more yoghurt than three years ago. Two out of three consumers say they are doing so because they are more conscious of their health.
The survey, which was completed by more than 6 200 consumers in US, China, Brazil, Turkey, France and Poland, showed that around the world an increased focus on a healthy lifestyle is the major driving force behind the rise in yoghurt sales.
Especially in Turkey (86%) and China (82%), respondents listed health as the main reason for their increased consumption, above other options like ‘the availability of more varieties’, ‘yoghurt is better than before’ and ‘dietary reasons’. Health concerns, such as bone health and gastrointestinal health, were clearly identified as key reasons for eating yoghurt. Women in particular (55%) are more conscious of bone health compared to men (47%).
The survey also identified regional differences. While Chinese consumers indicate that gastrointestinal health is the key influencer (76%), Turkish and French respondents cited bone health as their main concern (72% and 59%).
Consumers are well aware of the vitamins and minerals that naturally occur in yoghurt and link it clearly to the health benefits they demand. Besides calcium, consumers are also looking for proteins and probiotics. In particular Chinese consumers are looking for probiotics in yoghurt (83%) as health claims have started to impact perceptions on gut health in the region.
For dairy producers, the natural health aspects of yoghurt carry some distinct advantages, however, consumers are also willing to pay extra for enriched yoghurt, especially in China.
“A healthy and at the same time tasty and pleasurable eating experience, is something we all aim for”, said Mark Fahlin, global marketing manager fermented milk products at DSM Food Specialties.
“The survey clearly reveals that the universal appeal of yoghurt is driven by the fact that it is considered a healthy choice with ample varieties to choose from. Consumers of today demand healthy and versatile yoghurt varieties, opening up opportunities for our customers to develop better-for-you yoghurts that are targeted at specific individual needs.”
DSM says that its dairy ingredients portfolio is responding to consumer demand for healthy yoghurt varieties. The range of ingredients are said to deliver natural yoghurts with additional health benefits, such as reduced sugar and low fat, while safeguarding or even improving the authentic and appealing taste and texture in a more sustainable and cost-effective way.