By IDDBA

Dairy products are basking in the spotlight as their health halo extends with functional properties and yogurt popularity, according to What's in Store, the annual trends report of the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA).

Dairy for Health
Dairy products are uniquely positioned to include many dietary components. Dairy providers are responding with product offerings encompassing a wide array of functions: digestive health, cardiovascular health, immune support, relaxation, beauty and skin health, and seniors’ nutritional needs, according to Mintel.

Cottage cheese is getting a shot of innovation as a premium and snack food. Artisanal cottage cheese is now packaged in glass containers. Individual portions are also enhanced with prebiotic fiber and fruit. Dairy continues to be an important category in organic foods. The dairy category contributes 14.6% of organic food sales with sales of nearly $4.3 billion. These sales represent dairy category penetration of 5.9%, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Lifeway recently reformulated its Helios Greek yogurt kefir with more protein and added honey.

Yogurt
In the United States, yogurt has seen an increase in consumption as consumers’ interest in healthy eating has increased. Mintel projects that this trend will continue, forecasting sales at $9.5 billion in 2016.

The popularity of yogurts shows no signs of failing. Yogurt producers continue to develop interesting flavors to differentiate their product, like orange chocolate, additional fruit (generally packaged in clear cups to make the fruit visible), white chocolate almond, banana cream pie, and tropical fruits like mango and guava, playing off of the exotic flavors trend. Mix-ins like cereal and granola are also popular. The yogurt category continues to provide a full gamut of functional offerings. From omega-3 to fiber to protein, yogurt companies are providing retailers and consumers with many options. For instance, protein shakes that provide satiety and help with weight management, enriched yogurt smoothies, and Greek yogurt smoothies that come packed with the protein of Greek yogurt, but in a drinkable format.

Some major ice cream makers are pioneering frozen Greek yogurt. They're being flavored with indulgent flavors such as chocolate, white chocolate, banana cream pie, and vanilla bean. In addition, bigger sizes of Greek yogurt at retail help consumers substitute it for sour cream, mayonnaise, or cream cheese in recipes.

The milk category continues to offer new varieties with added benefits and convenience. Relaxation, energy, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin, and fiber fortification are all available to consumers in the milk section.

What’s in Store 2013|
Our 27th edition is a 200+ page trends report that details consumer and industry trends affecting the dairy case, cheese case, bakery, deli, and foodservice supermarket departments. Its nearly 200 tables, developed in cooperation with leading industry firms and associations, include department sales, per capita consumption, consumer preferences, random-weight, UPC, and private label sales data. The cost is $99 for IDDBA members and $399 for non-members, plus shipping and handling. For more information and to order, visit iddba.org/wis.

About IDDBA
IDDBA is a nonprofit membership organization serving the dairy, deli, bakery, cheese, and supermarket foodservice industries. Member companies enjoy many benefits and services including the annual seminar and expo, leading-edge research, training programs, management tools, and an annual trends report. For more information, contact IDDBA at 608.310.5000 or visit our web site, www.iddba.org.

SOURCE: IDDBA