Lactose-Free Dairy May Have Growth Potential

A New Nutrition Business market report on lactose-free dairy products suggests that the niche market sector could see more growth in the coming years.

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar in milk. Prevalence of the condition varies across different population groups and may be as high as 95% in China, according to New Nutrition Business.

The market report states that U.S. and European sales of lactose-free dairy rose 100% in 2011, compared to 2007 figures. Growth in this market appears to be generated in large part in Europe, where the market research group is anticipating a doubling of lactose-free dairy sales between 2012 and 2016.

“There are many millions of people around the world who are lactose intolerant, or who believe they are, but are not happy with the alternatives to dairy currently on offer, such as soya milk,” says Julian Mellentin, New Nutrition Business director and author of the report. “For them, the launch of real dairy products with the lactose removed has been a blessing. There are few markets where you can win ‘a customer for life’, and who is willing to pay a big premium for the right product. But this is one of them, and lactose-free dairy presents the industry with a huge opportunity to generate some big sales.”

The report provides detailed case studies on today’s leading brands, including Arla Foods’ Lactofree, Valio’s Zero Lactose, and McNeil’s Lactaid.

Contact New Nutrition Business for further details or to purchase a copy of the 32-page report.