Market Trends of united kingdom dairy alternatives Industry
Increasing preference for plant-based protein and government support to increase plant-based dairy consumption boost the demand
- The consumption of dairy alternatives is increasing across all age groups in the country. The demand for plant-based dairy products is being driven by growing veganism. Around 9% of UK consumers are plant-based eaters (vegan+vegetarian), the highest after Germany across Europe. Among plant-based food, plant-based milk (26% at least once a week), plant-based beef (24% at least once a week), and plant-based poultry (23% at least once a week) are most frequently consumed.
- Regarding plant-based cheese, UK consumers especially like to consume plant-based sliced cheese (38%) and plant-based mozzarella (36%) available in supermarkets. The plant-based dairy sector is smaller than the plant-based meat sector in the United Kingdom, but growth rates are higher for plant-based milk and plant-based cheese. Increasing consumer inclination toward plant-based protein is one of the key factors driving the consumption of dairy alternatives in the country. Around 60% of UK consumers were interested in plant-based proteins in 2022. More than 50% of UK consumers trust that plant-based protein food is safe.
- Nearly 29% plan on consuming less dairy, and 21% of UK consumers intend to consume more plant-based dairy products as of 2022. About 26% of UK consumers are likely to purchase plant-based cheese regularly. Several initiatives by the UK government are raising the consumption of plant-based dairy in the country.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Oats are the primary raw material used in the production of dairy alternatives in the United Kingdom