The plant milk market - France

The global vegetable milk market has been exhibiting robust growth, with a projected average annual growth rate of 11.4%, potentially reaching $29.7 billion, up from $21.5 billion in 2020. The Asia Pacific region is poised to maintain its dominance in the market, partly due to the local availability of key raw materials such as soy and rice.

In France, the market has shown even stronger growth, with a 19.2% average annual growth rate, reflecting changing French consumption patterns towards more health-conscious and environmentally-friendly products. Almond and soy milk top sales in the French market, although almond milk has seen a decline in its share. Organic products continue to rise in importance, with organic plant milks making up approximately 80% of total sales in France.

Regulation changes in the EU have prohibited plant-based alternatives from using dairy terminology such as "milk," "cream," or "butter," unless falling under specific exceptions.

Major companies in this segment include Bjorg with revenues of 372 million euros, Alpro at 522 million euros, and traditional milk producers like Danone and Sodiaal with 25.3 billion euros and 5 billion euros in revenue, respectively.

Growing Appetite for Plant-Based Milk Alternatives in a Health-Conscious Market

The changing consumption habits in France have been a driving force in this market's surge, with an increased focus on organic and health food products and their wide availability across mainstream supermarkets and hypermarkets. Reflecting these shifts, products like almond and soy milk lead the sales figures; however, the trends are fluid with almond milk's market share seeming to wane in comparison to its dominance previously. The growing clout of alternative milk consumption positions it as a potent contender against traditional cow's milk, whose penetration rate in the French population exhibited a slight decrease from 97.3% to 96.5%. Even as the share of plant milk among alternative milks dipped slightly from 28% to 23%, the rise in the consumption rate from 38% to 51% speaks volumes about the market's potential.

France emerges not only as a significant consumer of plant-based milks but also as an important exporting country, with exports of almost 160 million products valued at around 92.1 million euros and a trade surplus that affirms its prowess. The insights from the French market unravel a vibrant community of consumers who regularly embrace alternative milks, with over half preferring to consume them at breakfast. France's consumers are increasingly informative about their choices, with many under the impression that plant milks offer similar nutrients to that of traditional milk - a concept that industry stakeholders could address for clearer consumer education. The growth of the market is anchored not just in the rising demand but also in the market structure and the unique positioning of manufacturers.

Key players like Bjorg and Alpro dominate the market, with a combined market share that approaches 80%, yet these giants face burgeoning competition from private labels which account for an impressive 29% of market sales. Overall, the French market for plant-based milks illustrates a concurrence of health concerns, environmental awareness, and shifting dietary patterns, spearheading an increased affinity for products.

Key Players Shaping the Plant-Based Milk Landscape

The plant-based milk market has seen impressive growth and diversification, driven by a handful of influential companies that have carved niches for themselves. These brands have not only redefined milk alternatives but have also set the stage for a larger shift in consumer preferences toward plant-based diets and sustainable lifestyle choices.

• Bjorg: Pioneering Organic Plant Milks - Bjorg stands out as a leader in the plant milk sector, particularly within the European market. As an early entrant, having established its presence in 1970, Bjorg capitalized on the growing interest in health and environmental consciousness. Offering a range of organic plant milks, including innovative additions like calcium-fortified and sugar-free options, Bjorg has maintained a dominant position through a commitment to quality and nutritional value.
  
  
• Alpro: Diverse Portfolio for Plant-Based Preferences - Alpro, another front-runner in this industry, boasts a sizeable share of the market with its varied offering that goes beyond plant milks. Known for its broad portfolio which includes plant-based yogurts and creams, Alpro serves consumers looking for diverse dairy alternatives. As part of Danone, following a significant acquisition, Alpro benefits from the larger entity's expansive distribution network and expertise in food innovation.
  
  
• Soy: The Staple Source in Plant Milks - Soy milk, a subsector in the plant milk market, remains a staple due to its versatility and familiar taste profile. While not a standalone company, the category itself encapsulates a wide array of brands that offer soy-based milk alternatives for those with specific dietary preferences or lactose intolerance. These products often boast added vitamins and nutrients to compete with traditional dairy milk's nutritional offerings.
  
  
• Danone: From Traditional to Transformative - While Danone is globally recognized for its traditional dairy products, the company has also made significant strides in plant-based milk alternatives, particularly with the acquisition of WhiteWave, which brought Alpro into its fold. With a robust R&D department and sustainability initiatives, Danone is repositioning itself as a modern food company that can cater to both conventional and alternative diet trends.
  
  
• Sodiaal: Dairy Giant Embracing Plant Innovations - Sodiaal, while predominantly known for animal-based dairy products, has also forayed into the plant milk market. Through its brand Candia, Sodiaal has developed its own range of dairy alternatives, thus avoiding the need for acquisitions and instead harnessing its existing production capabilities to cater to the growing demand.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/06/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Distribution of the vegetable milk market by world region
• Expected average annual growth rates for different types of plant milk
• Global vegetable milk market
• Évolution de la taille du marché du lait végétal
• Répartition des ventes de lait végétal, par type
• Évolution du taux de pénétration des laits alternatifs
• Évolution des ventes en valeur des laits alternatifs
• Balance commerciale de lait végétal (en valeur)
• Principaux pays clients
• Principaux pays fournisseurs
• Moment privilégié de consommation des laits d'origine animale et végétale
• Avis de consommateurs concernant le lait de soja et lait d'amande
• Taux de pénétration des produits à base de lait d'origine animale ou végétale
• Évolution des quantités achetées par acte d'achat des produits à base de lait d'origine animale et végétale
• Évolution des sommes dépensées par acte en produits à base de lait d'origine animale et végtale
• Evolution du comportement alimentaire au cours des 3 dernières années
• Produits biologiques les plus consommés
• Part des laits végétaux vendus étant bio
• Part des Français suivant un régime alimentaire
• Répartition des ventes de lait végétal, par marque
• Répartition des ventes de boissons végétales, par canal de distribution
• Amplitude des prix constatés pour le lait végétal sur un site distributeur, selon la marque
• Prix moyen des produits à base de laits d'origine animale et végétale