Flavored milk products accounted for 43% of dairy drink introductions in India in 2016, up from 20% in 2012, according to Mintel Global New Products Database.
Mintel defines dairy drink as white milk, flavored milk, drinking yoghurt and liquid cultured milk, as well as plant-based drink (dairy alternatives) subcategories.
In the first half of 2017, flavored milk accounted for 39% of India’s dairy drink launches.
Flavored milk boon
While the number of product launches in India is growing, so too are sales of flavored milk.
Retail volume sales for flavored milk in India reached 72 million liters in 2015, up 31% from 55 million liters in 2012.
Meanwhile, flavored milk retail value sales grew by 40% in the same time period, reaching Rs 800 crore (US$8 billion) in 2015, up from Rs 570 crore in 2012.
“Flavored milk has gained ground in India over the past few years, and most dairy players in the country feature some form of the flavored beverage in their product mix,” said global food and drink analyst Ranjana Sundaresan.
“On top of that, there has even been innovation from companies that are not typically associated with the dairy space.”
“Much of the category’s retail growth in India can be attributed to the fact that urban Indian consumers are opening up to value-added dairy, particularly for its convenience and health benefits.”
“The popularity of packaged flavored milk in India is also due to consumers’ preference for assurance of safety.”
RTD dairy drinks for breakfast, treats
Mintel research finds that 64% of pre-packaged ready-to-drink (RTD) dairy drink consumers (1,243 adults) in India agree that RTD dairy drinks are healthy and 48% say that dairy drinks provide them with energy.
About 54% of these consumers see them as convenient choices, while 46% agree this beverage type is hygienic.
“Given the growing health concerns in India today, urban consumers are swapping less healthy beverage options like carbonated soft drinks, and even juices, for flavored milk,” said Sundaresan.
“Our research also indicates that parents of households with adolescents are an opportunity for flavored milk manufacturers, as they are far more likely to recognize the health benefits and nutrients that come with pre-packaged ready-to-drink dairy beverages.”
“There is potential for innovation on flavors, formats and formulations that are in sync with what will appeal to children, while fulfilling nutritional requirements—an important feature for parents.”
Findings show that 71% of Indian parents with children aged 13-17 find pre-packaged RTD dairy drinks healthy, while 32% think they are a good treat option.
Looking to the future, breakfast will grow as an occasion that dairy companies and manufacturers can tap into for opportunities.
Some 28% consumers of pre-packaged RTD dairy drinks consume dairy drinks for breakfast.
“In today’s fast-paced world, consumers don’t have the time for a sit-down breakfast, and are on the lookout for convenient food and drink options that keep them full and nourished while on the move,” she added.
“This opens up quite a few avenues for value-added, fortified, on-the-go dairy innovations that achieve satiety while providing consumers with their breakfast nutritional needs.”
