Summary

The global yogurt market has experienced positive growth over the latest years, projected to reach a value of $135.82 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 5.16%. The European Union, particularly France, plays a notable role in this trend. In France, the yogurt market grew by 15.41% from 2017 to 2022, and the country is recognized as Europe's second-largest yogurt producer with a trade surplus; for instance, in 2021, it exported most to the UK amounting to $139.480 million.

French consumers predominantly prefer flavored yogurts (65.70%) and non-organic yogurts (94.98%), with cow's milk-based options accounting for 97.16% of purchases. Hypermarkets and supermarkets are the primary distribution channels. In the shift toward healthier options, high-protein yogurt sales soared to 85.4 million euros by 2023, with Hipro leading with a 90% market share. Plant-based yogurt sales also increased steadily by 5% from 2020 to 2022 to 90.9 million euros, indicating a rising consumer interest in sustainable and diversified diets. Despite their higher price points, companies like Sojasun, Andros, and Alpro are prominent in this segment, capitalizing on evolving market dynamics and dietary shifts.

Expanding Consumption and Evolving Preferences in the Yogurt Market

In the dynamic market of yogurt, the French consumer base presents a significant avenue for growth and diversification. Household data pinpoints the lower-middle-income class as the predominant purchasers of yogurt, suggesting an accessible and broad market appeal that spans across various income levels. A majority, specifically between 25% and 30%, of these yogurt purchases are made by individuals aged 35 to 49, positioning this demographic as a key target for yogurt producers. Additionally, the over-35s and families with children represent substantial segments, indicating a market driven by health-conscious consumers and those responsible for family nutrition.

The French market's preference for cow's milk-based yogurt remains strong, with more than 95% of purchases derived from this traditional source. However, a modest yet growing interest in yogurts made from ewe's and goat's milk points toward a diversifying palette among consumers.

The flavored yogurt segment, accounting for approximately two-thirds of total purchases, undeniably dominates over plain varieties, showcasing the French consumers' affinity for variety and taste in their dairy selections. Intriguingly, although organic products command a smaller portion of the market at just over 5%, their presence signals an increasing awareness and potential for growth in eco-conscious consumer choices.

Consumption frequency of yogurt in France paints a picture of consistent and high usage, with the majority eating it at least once a day. It's a testament to yogurt's entrenched position in the daily dietary habits of the French populace, bolstering its status as both a staple and a treat within the nation's food culture. Collectively, these insights depict a market characterized by established patterns yet receptive to innovation, a promising prospect for industry players eager to tap into changing tastes and the steadfast demand for this versatile diary product.

Profiles of Key Yogurt Market Giants and Emerging Competitors

The French yogurt market is characterized by the presence of several dominant players as well as a number of rising challengers that cater to the diverse yogurt categories ranging from traditional dairy-based to innovative plant-based and high-protein varieties.

The Dairy Dynasties

Lactalis Nestlé Produits Frais (La Laitière): A joint venture between two behemoths, Lactalis and Nestlé, La Laitière is known for its indulgent yogurts and a wide range of dairy desserts. Capitalizing on traditional French recipes and quality ingredients, La Laitière holds a significant position in the French yogurt landscape.
Danone: As one of the globally recognized brands, Danone has a deeply entrenched presence in the European market with an extensive product line that includes Danette, Les 2 Vaches, Danonino, and Michel & Augustin. Danone is a pioneer in functional yogurts and places a strong emphasis on health and wellness.
Yoplait: With its iconic flower-shaped logo, Yoplait is a major player in the yogurt market renowned for a variety of products that include fan-favorites like Panier de Yoplait and Perle de Lait. Yoplait is also a forerunner in on-the-go convenience with products such as Yop smoothies.
Laita (Mamie Nova): Laita's brand Mamie Nova is associated with rich, gourmet yogurts and is particularly favored for its unique flavors and premium quality. Managed by a regional dairy cooperative, Laita has built a reputation for craftsmanship and authenticity.

The Plant-Based Pioneers

Soja Sun: Delivering a range of soy-based yogurts, Soja Sun has positioned itself as a leading plant-based alternative in the dairy aisle. The company addresses the growing demand for lactose-free and vegan options with a portfolio that is both diverse and innovative.
Andros: Though primarily known for its fruit preparations, Andros has ventured into the plant-based sector, offering yogurt alternatives that resonate with health-conscious consumers seeking variety in non-dairy offerings.
Alpro: As a part of the Danone group, Alpro brings an international flair to the French market with its plant-based drinks and yogurts. Alpro has established a strong foothold in the segment, appealing to not just vegans but also to those curious about plant-based eating.

the yoghurt market - France

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Number of pages : 30 pages
Format : Digital and PDF versions
Last update : 27/03/2024

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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Market overview

Yogurt is a coagulated dairy product produced by the bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria used to make yogurt are known as thermophilic lactic acid bacteria. Fermentation of lactose by these bacteria produces lactic acid, which acts on milk proteins to give yoghurt its characteristic acid texture and taste. The yogurt market is highly varied, with a multitude of segments: flavored yogurts, plain yogurts, organic yogurts, vegetable yogurts, Greek yogurts...

on a global scale, the market is evolving positively, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.16% until 2029. Europe is the world's biggest consumer of dairy products, and is therefore having a positive impact on the global yogurt market.

As far as the French market is concerned, it follows the same positive trend, with a market size that has grown by 15.41 % between 2017 and 2022. This increase can be attributed to various factors, such as product innovation, effective marketing campaigns and changes in consumer preferences for dairy products. Yogurts are preferred by the lower-middle income class, by the over-35s , and families with children account for a high proportion of yogurt consumers. The majority of French people eat yogurt at least once a day.

What's more, France is Europe's second-largest yogurt producer. This gives France a trade surplus, with exports outstripping imports. It imports mainly from Germany , and exports most to the UK($139.480 million in exports in 2021).

French market professionals are well established, with large food companies such as Lactalis, Danone and Yoplait dominating the market. These companies have to adapt to changes in demand, notably a drop in organic products and an increase in demand for private labels. In the future, players will be looking for organic growth, notably through innovation, as well as the multiplication of products offered in the high-protein and plant-based yogurt segment. What's more, yogurt manufacturers are having to adapt their production to milk harvests , which seem to have diminished in recent months.

2 Demand analysis

3 Market structure

4 Offer analysis

5 Regulations

6 Positioning the players

List of charts

Trends in the size of the global yogurt market
Breakdown of global dairy consumption by region
Breakdown of yogurt purchases in volume by household income class
Breakdown of yogurt purchases in volume by age of purchaser
Breakdown of volume purchases by consumer life cycle
Breakdown of yogurt purchases in volume by region
Frequency of yogurt consumption
Evaluation of yogurts according to several criteria
How the French perceive yogurts
Breakdown of yogurt purchases by type of milk used
breakdown of yogurt purchases by taste
Breakdown of yoghurt purchases by organic and non-organic type
Breakdown of yoghurt purchases by low-fat and non-low-fat varieties
Breakdown of purchases of ultra-fresh products
Average price per kg of yoghurts
Yogurt consumer price index
Market share by volume of ultra-fresh products distribution channels
Breakdown of yogurt sales by distribution channel
Breakdown of yogurt purchases by distribution channel
Growth in sales of plant-based yogurts
Value sales of high-protein yogurts
Market share of high-protein yogurts
Market share of the top three manufacturers of plant-based ultra-fresh products
Yogurt market trade balance
France's main suppliers
France's main customers
Yogurt sales volumes
Trends in yogurt market size
Trends in the size of the European yogurt market
Breakdown of European yogurt production
Change in the number of establishments registered under activity 1051A "Manufacture of liquid milk and fresh products"
Change in the number of employees registered in activity 1051A "Manufacture of liquid milk and fresh dairy products"
Cow's milk collection
Dairy cow herd
Trends in yogurt production
Average price per kg of yoghurts by type of milk used
Favorite yogurt brands
Preferred yogurt brands by SPC
Comparison of the number of popular yogurt brands by region
Comparison of yogurt brand ratings by gender
Sales volume of organic products in total FLS FMCG vs N-1
Trend in yogurt purchases
Sales volumes in FLS FMCG vs N-1
Market share trends by brand type for ultra-fresh products
Market share in volume of the main ultra-fresh players
Sales volumes vs N-1 for the main ultra-fresh players

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Latest news

Danone opens a second plant for plant-based products in France - 12/02/2024

Danone inaugurates a new plant dedicated to the manufacture of dairy alternatives in France
Danone has completely converted its Villecomtal-sur-Arros yogurt plant in the Gers department into a unit dedicated to Alpro-brand plant-based beverages. 43 million euros of investment
Production, mainly of oat juice cartons, is 90% destined for Europe.
Danone now has four milk-alternative production units in Europe. Two in France, at Issenheim and Villecomtal in the Gers region, one in Sweden, at Lunnarp, and the fourth at Wevelgem in Belgium.
Vegetable-based products have become "a strategic focus" for the world's number one in ultra-fresh products.
Danone took the t turn in 2017 with the $12.5 billion acquisition of US group WhiteWave.
In France, ultra-fresh products are deeply rooted in diets.
Plant milk accounts for just 4% of the traditional dairy products market by volume and 7.4% by value.
The plant-based milk market is worth 165 million euros, according to FranceAgriMer.
More than 6 out of ten people in France in the 18-24 age bracket eat plant-based products several times a week, according to lDanone
Many dairy groups, including Triballat, Nestlé and Bel, have chosen to develop plant-based ranges.
Retail chains are present under their own brands (MDD).

Suppliers refuse to accept Lactalis' proposed milk price increase - 05/02/2024

- The price revised in January by Lactalis is 405 euros per 1000 liters, increased to 420 euros per 1000 liters in 38/32 for February.
- Taking all premiums into account, the remuneration paid to producers was 460 euros per 1000 liters for the first two months of the year.
- Unell, which represents over 4,000 dairy farms, delivers over 2 billion liters of milk to Lactalis.

Brie specialist Laïta continues to modernize its plants - 01/02/2024

Laïta, the cooperative based in Brest (Finistère), owned by the Even group (majority shareholder with 51%), Terrena (31%) and Eureden (18%).
producer of Brie and Camembert cheeses
Nearly 60% of Laïta Ancenis specialties are exported to Europe under private labels or the Paysan Breton brand. The balance is sold to supermarkets.
Breton cooperative: sales of 1.6 billion euros
7 plants in western France
Producer of Madame Loïk whipped cheese, sold by Paysan Breton (5,000 tons)

Danone sells its US organic dairy business to Platinum Equity - 02/01/2024

Danone has signed an agreement to sell its US organic dairy business to Platinum Equity.
The sale concerns the Horizon Organic and Wallaby businesses.
By 2022, Horizon Organic and Wallaby represented around 3% of Danone's total sales.

Danone finds buyers for its two organic brands in the United States - 02/01/2024

Platinum Equity's portfolio of assets totals $47 billion.
The two brands Horizon Organic and Wallaby accounted for around 3% of Danone's sales in 2022, or $800 million.
Dairy products make up a large part of Danone's sales.
Danone has sold various parts of its business in different countries, including yoghurts in China and fresh dairy products in Brazil.
Danone recorded eight quarters of growth thanks to price increases, although volumes remained stable.
Danone succeeded in halting a steady decline in dairy sales that had lasted since 2015.

Danone to sell Michel et Augustin to Italy's Ferrero - 08/12/2023

Danone first acquired a 40% stake in Michel et Augustin in 2016, then took over the remainder in 2020.
Danone had sold Lu to Kraft Foods (which became Mondelez in 2012) for $5.3 billion in 2007.
Ferrero acquired Delacre cookies in 2016, then Kellogg's cookies in 2019 for $1.15 billion.
In 2017, Ferrero accounted for 60% of growth in the cookie category on the French market.
Michel et Augustin is present in the United States, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Michel et Augustin

Andros Groupe

La Fermière

Yoplait France (Sodiaal Groupe)

Danone Groupe

LaÏta Coopérative - Mamie Nova

Lactalis Groupe

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