Dive Brief:
- Sales of yogurt drinks increased by 62% between 2011 and 2016 to $893 million, according to a new report from Mintel.
- Mintel expects drinkable yogurt sales to rise by 11% this year, marking the second consecutive year of double-digit growth.
- Volume sales at multi-outlet retailers also increased by 73% to 407 million pints in that time period, outpacing dollar sales growth.
Dive Insight:
Yogurt drink sales are still a sliver of the overall yogurt industry compared to spoonable yogurt, which comprises about 90% of all sales. But as more consumers prefer to drink their breakfasts and otherwise consume liquid meal replacements, the convenience yogurt drinks offer could boost the sub-segment and enable it to threaten spoonable yogurt's dominant market share.
Flavors and formulations have played a major role in yogurt drinks' growth, especially as consumers increasingly see yogurt as a snack product rather than just a breakfast food. Opening up the aperture of consumption occasions and segment combinations has been a common way for producers ranging from cereal to yogurt to boost category sales. That includes combining yogurt and yogurt drinks with not only traditional sweet flavors but also savory varieties that demonstrate yogurt's versatility.
Major manufacturers recognize the potential for yogurt and yogurt drinks, with General Mills undergoing a massive overhaul of its yogurt portfolio to better align its brands with industry trends, including yogurt smoothies. Chobani also announced a line of yogurt drinks and dips in March, which launched this summer.