The top 10 players per region command at least a fifth of their respective market shares. These companies are now looking ahead to the next phase of innovation as they currently face market volatilities and strive to marry nutrition with accessible indulgence. Strategies to gain global share is not only by being at the right place in terms of category and market, but also to tap into rising interest in intentional wellness, lifestage products and exploring opportunities in plant-based dairy.
Delivery
This report comes in PPT.
Key Findings
Top companies in dairy products and alternatives are set to extend their leadership
Danone, Nestlé and Lactalis continue to lead the industry in 2025 and are set to double down their efforts up to 2030. Danone and Nestlé have extensive footprints across markets and categories, with a variety of brands - including strong names that are leading key trends from high-protein to plant-based - and so are able to balance out potential market contractions. Lactalis, on the other hand, retains steady presence in its active categories and benefits from a significant percentage of share in emerging markets such as Brazil and South Africa.
Key players drive industry trends, particularly strongly in high-protein worldwide
Market volatilities have impacted the dairy industry significantly; while indulgence is an important value driver, companies are approaching this by repositioning as daily luxuries that are more affordable. The leading brands are focusing on functional health such as fibre and gut health, while tapping into high protein has been adopted by leaders across all regions. Lifestage nutrition is also a key strategy in securing a stronger foothold in new segments and expanding the future market. Players are also focusing more on benefit spaces and communicating this to consumers, especially in plant-based dairy as they shift away from an ingredient-led positioning.
Untapped opportunities await that will underpin global industry growth
The strengthening reputation of gut health benefit products is expected to pull more opportunities into the industry - sour milk products for example is set to grow strongly partly due to this reason. Among prominent whitespaces is cheese - in both dairy and plant-based spaces - as current consumption is still low in many markets. Steady innovation is a positive signpost for the future. Other growth categories include coffee whiteners, non-soy milk and adult nutrition.
Key findings
Dairy products and alternatives at a glance
Scope
The industry’s top three remain the same in 2025, leading by a wide margin
Players on the brink of the top 10 employ different strategies to grow their global share
Most leading players have limited presence in other industries
Efforts to penetrate emerging markets set to escalate
Presence is varied within the top forecast growth markets, highlighting opportunity
Penetrating more categories is more important than ever
Most leading companies focus on hero brands, but a more diverse mix uplifts sales
Our expert’s view of dairy products and alternatives in 2025
Dairy products evolve through multifunctionality, affordability and demographic shifts
Market turbulence: Businesses adjust their portfolios to stay resilient
Intentional wellness: Manufacturers tap into high-performing health benefits
Leading brands across regions continue to adopt high-protein portfolio expansion
Lifestage reimagined: Focus on value to younger consumers and longevity for seniors
Re-energising plant-based dairy: Brands are pushing their value propositions and image
Everyday escapes: Showcasing enjoyment through more channels and occasions
Trending focus on gut health brings out opportunities in dairy
Cheese is a key growth category, where market leaders are reinforcing quality
Coffee whiteners lag in emerging regions, could adopt ideas from mature markets
Non-soy/dairy milk offers opportunities in ingredient diversification and application
Increasing focus on adult nutrition and satiety creates opportunity for dairy ingredients
Top 10 predicted to shuffle in favour of those with more strategic market presence
Global market set to grow by 2% during 2025-2030, an improvement from 2020-2025
Projected company sales: FAQs
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