Almond milk and coconut milk both saw sales increase by double digits last year according to Euromonitor International with almond milk sales increasing by 46% and coconut milk sales increasing by 35%. Globally, almond milk was used in 20% of new dairy alternatives, and in the U.S. it was used in approximately 50% of all dairy alternative drinks launched for the 12 months ending June 30, 2014. As a result of consumer’s awareness of coconut milk’s use as a substitute for sports drinks, demand had been on the rise, but due to weak repurchasing it has not reached the same level of almond milk. Coconut milk occupied the fourth largest segment of the dairy alternatives market for 2013 with a 3% market share, while almond milk took the top spot with a 60.5% market share, knocking soy milk to the number two spot with a 30% market share. The shift away from soy milk began in 2010 with consumer’s response to almond milk’s perceived health benefits and strong marketing on the part of its biggest manufacturer, WhiteWave Foods. Dairy alternative drinks that contain protein, fiber and added nutrients are gaining popularity and other alternative drinks such as rice, quinoa, lupine, pea, peanut, cashew, and sesame, all used overseas in the production of alternative milks, show the potential for growth and the possibility of entering the U.S. market. To read more about flavored milks, alternative milks, and kefir:
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