Global kefir market is estimated to witness high growth owing to increased health benefits and innovation in flavors
The global kefir market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.04 Bn in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Rising demand for probiotic foods as a result of increased health awareness among consumers is driving the growth of the global kefir market. Furthermore, the introduction of new flavors by key players is also fueling the market growth.
Market Dynamics:
The growth of the global kefir market is driven by increasing health benefits associated with kefir and growing availability of innovative flavors. Kefir is rich in probiotics that can help improve digestive health and boost immunity. The rising cases of digestive disorders and other health issues have raised awareness about the importance of consuming probiotic foods like kefir. This is driving the adoption of kefir globally. Additionally, key players are focusing on expanding their product portfolios by launching new and exotic flavors to cater to the evolving taste preferences of consumers. For instance, coconut, strawberry, and chocolate flavors have gained popularity. Advancements in flavors are increasing the appeal of kefir among young consumers, thereby propelling the market growth.
Growing health awareness among consumers is driving the demand for kefir
Consumers are increasingly becoming health conscious and prefer food and drinks that offer health and wellness benefits. Kefir is a probiotic dairy drink that is a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial bacteria. The probiotic cultures in kefir help strengthen the immune system, aid in digestion, and may reduce risk of certain diseases. The rising focus on gut and digestive health is driving more people to consume kefir on a regular basis for its probiotic properties. Various health claims by manufacturers regarding kefir's role in weight management and bone health are also fueling its popularity.
Increasing popularity of organic and plant-based products is a key growth driver
With growing concerns about antibiotic residues, hormones, and pesticides in regular dairy, the demand for organic and plant-based substitutes is on the rise. Kefir made from organic milk as well as non-dairy kefir products made from plant-based milks like coconut, almond, and soy milk are gaining popularity. Their natural, clean label appeal resonates well with health-conscious consumers. Plant-based kefir alternatives also cater to the sizable vegan and lactose intolerant population. The surge in demand for organic, natural, and plant-based options present major growth opportunities for kefir producers.
Fluctuating dairy prices and high dependency on milk can restrain the market growth
Kefir involves fermenting milk to produce the final product. As a dairy-based product, kefir faces price volatility risks associated with milk, which is subject to fluctuations in production and government support programs across countries. Rising milk prices can significantly increase kefir production costs. Furthermore, any disruption in milk supply or quality issues can impact the availability of kefir. The kefir industry's heavy dependence on milk for raw materials makes it vulnerable to external factors in the dairy industry. This dependence can act as a growth barrier.
Intense competition from yogurt and other dairy alternatives poses a challenge
Yogurt has traditionally been a popular fermented dairy product that is similar to kefir in some ways. Leading yogurt players have strong brand recognition and a wider product portfolio with various flavors and formats. This makes yogurt a tough competitor for kefir brands looking to increase market share. Furthermore, non-dairy innovations in foods and drinks like almond yogurt, coconut yogurts, oat-based yogurts are increasingly challenging the demand for kefir and yogurt. Persuading consumers to switch from established yogurt brands is difficult due to intense competition.
Growing popularity of probiotic products provide lucrative opportunities
There is immense consumer interest in probiotic foods and supplements due to associated health claims. Probiotics are projected to become a billion-dollar industry globally. Kefir contains diverse, live probiotic cultures and this angle can be leveraged to market kefir as a natural probiotic food or drink. Partnerships with brands in adjacently related categories such as fortified waters, juices and snacks can help kefir manufacturers expand their consumer base. Novel packaging formats like single-serve on-the-go yogurts and portable probiotic shots are innovations that align well with fast-paced lifestyles, presenting viable opportunities.
Link - https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/kefir-market-1044
Key Developments:
- In June 2024, Biotiful Gut Health, a prominent probiotic brand, launched an exciting new range of dessert-inspired kefir drinks. This innovative product line merges the gut-health advantages of kefir with the delightful flavors of beloved desserts, offering consumers a healthier way to indulge their sweet tooth.
- In March 2024, Pure Culture Organics, a prominent organic food company, unveiled its latest product line at the Natural Products Expo West 2024 – a range of delicious and nutritious kefir drinks. This exciting launch showcased Pure Culture Organics' commitment to providing consumers with high-quality, organic options that promote gut health and overall well-being.
- In 2023, Biotiful Gut Health made a significant stride in the plant-based yogurt market with the launch of its pioneering oat kefir yogurts. This innovative product seamlessly blends the creamy texture and delightful taste of traditional yogurt with the gut health advantages of kefir, perfectly catering to the increasing consumer demand for dairy-free alternatives that prioritize health and wellness.
- In August 2022, Yeo Valley Organic, a leading organic dairy brand in the United Kingdom, introduced its new 'Love Your Gut' kefir yogurt range. This innovative product line merges the gut-health benefits of kefir with the creamy texture of yogurt, providing consumers with a delicious option to enhance their digestive well-being.
Key Player:
Lifeway Foods, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Maple Hill Creamery, Organic Valley, Wallaby Organic, Danone SA, Stonyfield Farm, Cultures for Health, Hälsa Foods, Harmons Grocery, Snowville Creamery, Helios Nutrition, Redwood Hill Farm, Evolve Kefir, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Kalona SuperNatural, Straus Family Creamery, and Seven Stars Farm
