Dairy products and alternatives in 2025: The big picture
Value sales of dairy products and alternatives in Guatemala increased in 2025, although growth was constrained by slowing consumption amid ongoing economic and political uncertainty. Inflation officially closed 2024 at 1.7% – the lowest in over a decade – but this figure is widely questioned by consumers, who continue to perceive a sharp rise in living costs. Many households have reduced discretionary purchases, while those receiving remittances have adopted a more cautious approach, saving a greater share in anticipation of potential restrictions under the new US administration.
Key trends in 2025
Guatemalan consumers are increasingly seeking health benefits in the products they purchase, with growing awareness of wellness and nutrition. Higher income households show a particular interest in dairy products offering functional attributes such as digestive support through probiotics and kefir, lactose-free options, and high protein content. This shift reflects a broader prioritisation of health as part of daily consumption habits, influencing innovation across dairy categories.
Competitive Landscape
Cooperativa de Productos de Leche Dos Pinos, RL remains a prominent player in Guatemala’s dairy sector, supported by its broad product portfolio and commitment to sustainable practices. The company’s regional sustainability initiatives include packaging recovery, sugar reduction in dairy products, increased female participation in corporate roles, and the launch of numerous new products. Operational improvements have delivered efficiencies in water use, energy consumption, and packaging weight, enhancing both environmental performance and production processes.
Channel developments
Small local grocers remain a key access point for dairy products in Guatemala, particularly in rural areas where modern retail formats are less common. These neighbourhood stores provide quick and convenient access to essential items and are increasingly incorporating refrigerated sections, enabling them to stock a wider variety of dairy products. Their proximity and efficiency make them an appealing choice for consumers seeking to avoid lengthy shopping trips, reinforcing their role in everyday purchasing habits.
What next for dairy products and alternatives?
Over the forecast period, dairy consumption in Guatemala is expected to grow gradually, although per capita intake will remain modest compared with other markets. Historically, dairy has not been a central part of Guatemalan cuisine, with limited use in traditional dishes, possibly reflecting the country’s Mayan heritage. However, broader distribution networks, especially from leading players, are likely to encourage greater adoption. Price sensitivity will continue to shape purchasing behaviour, with many consumers opting for lower-cost options such as milk sold in plastic bags, which provide an affordable alternative without sacrificing accessibility.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Dairy Products and Alternatives industry in Guatemala with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Dairy Products and Alternatives industry in Guatemala, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Dairy Products and Alternatives in Guatemala report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Dairy Products and Alternatives in Guatemala?
- Which are the leading brands in Dairy Products and Alternatives in Guatemala?
- How are products distributed in Dairy Products and Alternatives in Guatemala?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Dairy Products and Alternatives?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in Guatemala?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Dairy Products and Alternatives in Guatemala
Dairy products and alternatives in 2025: The big picture
Key trends in 2025
Competitive Landscape
Channel developments
What next for dairy products and alternatives?
DISCLAIMER
Baby Food in Guatemala
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Lower birth rates are offset by growing demand for convenience
Imported brands continue to dominate the market
Supermarkets offer the widest assortment of baby food
Ready-made baby food to gain popularity among mid- to high-income households
Growing preference for organic and sugar-free formulations
Social media to strengthen its role in brand engagement and sales
Butter and Spreads in Guatemala
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Price sensitivity drives demand for affordable margarine and cooking fats
Leading brands expand product variety and strengthen market presence
Small local grocers remain the primary distribution channel
Flavour and format innovation set to stimulate category growth
Health-focused products like ghee hold niche expansion potential
Price-driven demand to coexist with premium product interest
Cheese in Guatemala
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Cheese variety expands across income groups
Local producer retains leadership amid rising premium imports
Small local grocers and emerging online channels widen access
Local brands maintain an advantage through affordability and familiarity
Artisanal and less processed varieties expected to gain attention
Premium imported cheeses to benefit from wine culture expansion
Drinking Milk Products in Guatemala
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Affordable packaging and formats remain popular among price-sensitive consumers
Leading player Dos Pinos drives growth through innovation and sustainability
Small local grocers and emerging e-commerce expand distribution reach
Flavour innovation offers opportunities to engage younger consumers
Healthier children’s products with appealing packaging expected to gain traction
Competition with infant formula will remain a key dynamic
Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products in Guatemala
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Yoghurt increasingly targets younger consumers
Danone Groupe leads with a wide variety of format options
Supermarkets remain the leading distribution channel
Growing health awareness will continue to drive sales of yoghurt
Gut health will continue to grow in importance
Volume presentations will remain a key value driver
Other Dairy in Guatemala
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Category remains limited in size as products are not prioritised by consumers
Leading players sustain visibility through brand trust and product versatility
Small local grocers and warehouse clubs support access and affordability
Private label expected to capture value-conscious consumers
Promotions, bundling, and impulse formats could boost demand
Global dessert flavours could revitalise interest
Plant-Based Dairy in Guatemala
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Plant-based milk expands with greater variety and visibility
Danone retains leadership through Silk brand innovation
Warehouse clubs offer savings that appeal to price-sensitive shoppers
Expansion of variety across plant-based dairy products
Reducing preservatives and simplifying ingredients will be a key focus
Affordable powdered options to attract lower-income consumers
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Dairy Products and Alternatives
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- Dried Baby Food
- Prepared Baby Food
- Other Baby Food
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- Liquid Standard Milk Formula
- Powder Standard Milk Formula
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- Liquid Follow-on Milk Formula
- Powder Follow-on Milk Formula
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- Liquid Growing-Up Milk Formula
- Powder Growing-Up Milk Formula
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- Liquid Special Baby Milk Formula
- Powder Special Baby Milk Formula
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- Butter
- Cooking Fats
- Margarine and Spreads
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- Spreadable Cheese
- Processed Cheese excl Spreadable
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- Packaged Hard Cheese
- Unpackaged Hard Cheese
- Soft Cheese
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- Dairy Only Flavoured Milk Drinks
- Flavoured Milk Drinks with Fruit Juice
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- Fat-free Fresh Milk
- Semi Skimmed Fresh Milk
- Full Fat Fresh Milk
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- Fat-free Shelf Stable Milk
- Semi Skimmed Shelf Stable Milk
- Full Fat Shelf Stable Milk
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- Goat Milk
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- Powder Milk
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- Sour Milk Products
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- Drinking Yoghurt
- Flavoured Yoghurt
- Plain Yoghurt
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- Chilled Dairy Desserts
- Shelf Stable Dairy Desserts
- Chilled Snacks
- Coffee Whiteners
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- Flavoured Condensed Milk
- Plain Condensed Milk
- Evaporated Milk
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- Cream
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- Flavoured Fromage Frais and Quark
- Plain Fromage Frais and Quark
- Savoury Fromage Frais and Quark
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- Soy Drinks
- Other Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
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This report originates from Passport, our Dairy Products and Alternatives research and analysis database.
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