What you need to know
In 2019, the yogurt market continues to grow in retail value at a double-digit pace, thanks mainly to ambient yogurt. However, consumers still have relatively limited consumption occasions, which may hinder further growth in market volume. One of the drivers for the significant growth of ambient yogurt is leading companies’ expansion of distribution in lower tier markets. With the development of cold-chain logistic systems, chilled yogurt will see breakthrough development in the future. But the market shares of ambient and chilled yogurt will not change in the coming two to three years.
Lactobacillus drink is facing a complicated situation: it not only faces fierce competition from within the segment, but also competitors from adjacent categories such as yogurt. And it is crucial for manufacturers and brands to find a more precise positioning to further stimulate this category’s potential (see Mintel’s Lactobacillus Beverages – China, April 2019 Report).
Covered in this report
The Report covers ambient yogurt, chilled yogurt and yogurt-type drinks (lactobacillus drinks such as Yakult are included) in both chilled and ambient format.
Ambient yogurt in China is mainly sold in a drinkable format, which does not need a spoon to be eaten.
Chilled yogurt in China includes two formats. One is the drinkable format that can be consumed directly or with a straw; the other is eaten with a complimentary spoon, and is known as spoonable yogurt.
