When we last reported on sales within the U.S. refrigerated retail milk category back in our February issue, the situation was quite rosy. Dollar sales had risen significantly during the 52-week reporting period, and unit sales growth was solid, too. Of course, that growth surge reflected a time during which COVID-19 restrictions forced many people to work and learn — as well as eat and drink — from home.
As folks started to trickle back to offices and schools, refrigerated milk’s growth at retail saw a slowdown. Data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI show that the overall refrigerated milk category (which includes both milk and milk alternatives) posted only a 1.8% increase in dollar sales (reaching $16,583.2 million) during the 52 weeks ending July 11, 2021. Unit sales actually fell 2.1% to 5,501.7 million.