How Beverage Producers Can Cater For Health-Conscious Consumers
White milk remains the most important product in the LDP sector representing approximately 70% of all consumption. Liquid dairy products already account for one fifth of worldwide beverage sales, a figure which is expected to grow by a further 5% by 2016.
One factor in the growth of the LDP sector of the beverage industry is the influence of consumer’s seeking products which fit more readily with the trend towards healthier lifestyles. The natural and nutritious content that typifies LDP is exactly what the health-conscious consumer is looking for. In the more mature markets, current consumer trends that relate to health, different tastes, convenience and value for money still present niche growth opportunities. A particularly notable trend which continues to gain momentum is the demand for enriched dairy products with healthy functionalities. This includes products such as milk-based probiotics, products with added calcium to help promote healthy bones, and more natural products which are free from preservatives and other additives.
Packaging response to market growth
In meeting this growth in demand for LDP, opportunities are constantly being explored in packaging, seeking to protect the integrity of the products while also helping to stimulate sales through eye-catching look and feel.
Consumers want convenience from their beverages and LDP is no different. There is a move away from standard sizes to packaging formats such as single serve or portion-based options which are more suited to an on-the-go lifestyle. At present, cartons and HDPE are the most widely used materials for packaging LDP, with glass, the more traditional option, falling away. PET is one of the materials experiencing significant growth as LDP producers realise the creative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions that PET can offer. Forecasts predict annual increases in PET’s share of the packed LDP market of 5% by 2016, out-stripping the growth forecasts for both carton and HDPE.
Source: Sidel