The US Yogurt Market

Statistics show that 99.8% of the yogurt consumed in the U.S. is produced within the country while only 0.2% is imported. Nevertheless, total imports of yogurt increased 500% from 2002 to 2008. In addition, the base number of a few million dollars in imports can show a big increase in imports with only a tiny increase relative to the total market. Therefore, this increase may not be a good indicator of a developing trend.

According to source Packaged Facts, it is also projected that sales of cultured dairy products will increase to $15.4 billion by 2010. As shown in the table below, the CAGR from 2001-2005 for U.S. sale of cultured dairy products was 8.5% while the CAGR from 2006-2010 is 9.8%.

Within the cultured dairy products sector, cultured fluid products—drinkable yogurt/yogurt smoothie, kefir, probiotic shots—are projected to see the strongest CAGR of 37.7% during the 2005-2010 time frame. More specifically, sales of probiotic shots will be the main driving force of this number, growing at an astounding CAGR of 97.4% during the period. Please refer to the table below for a further breakdown.

Because non-drinkable yogurt comprises the biggest category within the cultured dairy products category, the largest cultured dairy products marketers are in the yogurt business.

The following are examples of  supplier companies for the US yogurt market:

• Groupe Danone
• Kraft Foods
• Kemps, LLC
• Stonyfield Farm (Danone)
• Fage USA Corp.
• Springfield Creamery
• Mountain High
• Brown Cow
• Johanna Foods
• Alta Dena Dairy
• Horizon organic
• Lifeway FoodsMarket Potential

By leveraging the opportunities for growth, the U.S. could perhaps even catch up with European consumption rates, which is 4-5 times higher. One area for this potential is the organic sector. With the society becoming more and more health conscious, an increasing number of consumers are looking to include organic dairy foods in their diet. Manufacturers, marketers, and retailers have already been seeking to capitalize on this segment. This segment is a perfect opportunity for the yogurt market to grow, because it operates in conjunction with the trends of health and wellness.