News
Cheese snacks are an opportunity
3 Nov 2016Reinventing cheese as a naturally-healthier snack is the biggest growth opportunity for dairy companies, according to New Nutrition Business in its new report, 10 Key Trends in the Business of Dairy Nutrition.
![Cheese snacks are an opportunity](/img/ingnet-logo.png)
Reinventing cheese as a naturally-healthier snack is the biggest growth opportunity for dairy companies, according to New Nutrition Business in its new report, 10 Key Trends in the Business of Dairy Nutrition.
Cheese has had a major boost from scientific research showing that it is one of nature’s “naturally functional” whole foods, with no negatives either from fat or sodium content. Now, new sales numbers show that connecting cheese to the snackification trend spells market success.One of the most successful products launched in the US, with first year sales hitting $67 million, is Sargento Balanced Breaks, a snack that pairs cheese with fruit and nuts. Its winning marketing strategy highlights the convenience of a snack as well as cheese’s naturally-nutritious properties.And consumers are willing to pay a premium price for a cheese snack. Sargento Balanced Breaks retail at a 150% premium to regular mass-market cheese. “For profitable growth, premium niches are the highest-opportunity, least-risk targets in dairy. In almost every case the most effective strategy for profitable dairy growth is to begin by focusing on the low-volume, high-value segments of the market,” said Julian Mellentin, director of New Nutrition Business.Spire Brands is another company that found a simple solution for a growing consumer need. Its Moon Cheese snack – dried pieces of Gouda, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack in a convenient pack – hit a $10-million run rate in early 2016 with prospects to double annual revenues to about $20 million in 2017.For years cheese has been out of favour because of its high fat content and faulty research linking it to cardiovascular disease. But new consumer awareness about the health benefits of cheese means there is scope for growth in countries where cheese consumption has been low. If Americans were to reach the same per capita consumption of cheese as France, for example, the US market would double in size.Just when a critical mass of science revealed that dairy is a natural whole-food with a wealth of health benefits, it is faced with some new negatives (thanks to online bloggers), and these are helping fuel the dairy-free trend.“Non-dairy dairy is both an opportunity and a threat. Dairy companies must take note of the trend and know how to respond to it – which in many cases means entering the market,” said report co-author Joana Maricato, senior market analyst at New Nutrition Business.Danone has turned non-dairy into an opportunity by acquiring WhiteWave, thus becoming both one of the world’s biggest dairy companies and the world’s biggest non-dairy company.Almond and coconut milk brands have been capitalizing on people’s interest in digestive health (one of the most powerful trends in the food and beverage industry), positioning themselves as “easier to digest” than dairy milk. Addressing people’s worries about dairy and digestive wellness presents a wealth of opportunities for dairy, as the A2 cows’ milk brand has demonstrated in Australia, where it has taken a 12% share of the liquid milk market with its “easy to digest” marketing message.Related news
![Consumers dislike faba beans’ sensory profile](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/45/47/th124547.png)
Consumers dislike faba beans’ sensory profile
3 Jun 2024
Consumers display low acceptance of faba beans, with sensory properties such as bitterness a core concern, a study suggests. However, for product varieties such as cocoa-free chocolate, this attribute could prove to be a benefit.
Read more![Food scientists uncover new way to preserve nutrient and flavour quality](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/45/35/th124535.png)
Food scientists uncover new way to preserve nutrient and flavour quality
29 May 2024
Researchers have developed a method that guarantees food safety for low-moisture products, such as dried milk, while maximising quality by retaining vitamins, minerals, and flavours, they say.
Read more![FDA scrutinizes milk pasteurisation over HPAI risk](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/45/33/th124533.png)
FDA scrutinizes milk pasteurisation over HPAI risk
28 May 2024
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is undertaking additional scientific research work to ensure that approved pasteurization processes are rigorous enough after retailer milk tests showed contamination from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPA...
Read more![Magnum targets ice cream lovers’ moods with new flavours](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/42/41/th124241.png)
Magnum targets ice cream lovers’ moods with new flavours
2 May 2024
Unilever-owned Magnum has released a suite of “mood-inspired flavours” as the 2024 ice cream season kicks off. The offerings, marketed as the Magnum Pleasure Express, are Magnum's first foray into the “mood-food” category.
Read more![The eight global food trends shaping the future of dining](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/41/92/th124192.png)
The eight global food trends shaping the future of dining
23 Apr 2024
Unilever’s Future Menu Trend 2024 report identifies the global food trends shaping the food service industry, providing insights into changing consumer preferences that could provide inspiration for packaged food and drink brands.
Read more![Report outlines how the US interfered with marketing restrictions on formula across the globe](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/41/93/th124193.png)
Report outlines how the US interfered with marketing restrictions on formula across the globe
18 Apr 2024
A recent investigative report by ProPublica unmasked the extensive interference by the US government in international regulations concerning the marketing of formula.
Read more![Ultra-processed food intake in South Africa at concerning levels, study suggests](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/39/42/th123942.png)
Ultra-processed food intake in South Africa at concerning levels, study suggests
19 Mar 2024
As South Africa considers introducing front-of-pack warning labels and strict marketing limits for unhealthy foods, research has found that low-income South Africans get around half of their calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – “a cause for con...
Read more![India’s mithai market develops new ingredient and flavour profiles](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/39/31/th123931.png)
India’s mithai market develops new ingredient and flavour profiles
18 Mar 2024
Mithai is a hugely popular dessert and sweet snack in India and manufacturers are experimenting with unique ingredients, new flavour combinations, and healthier versions to capture new audiences.
Read more![Unilever and Perfect Day’s animal-free dairy dessert: Is precision fermentation the future of dairy?](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/38/53/th123853.png)
Unilever and Perfect Day’s animal-free dairy dessert: Is precision fermentation the future of dairy?
6 Mar 2024
Perfect Day, a precision fermentation dairy supplier, has partnered with Unilever's Breyers, a brand of ice cream and frozen dairy desserts, to launch Breyers lactose-free chocolate frozen dessert.
Read more![Macauba oil emerges as potential rainforest-friendly palm oil alternative](/47/pdcnewsitem/12/38/03/th123803.png)
Macauba oil emerges as potential rainforest-friendly palm oil alternative
1 Mar 2024
Producers and researchers consider the rainforest-friendly credentials of Macauba palm oil and whether its sustainability credentials offer an opportunity to replace palm oil.
Read more