Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
CAGR | 5.20 % |
Market Concentration | High |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
South America Dairy Alternatives Market Analysis
The South America Dairy Alternatives Market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.
The emergence of the COVID-19 scenario made major changes in the market, positively impacting its' growth. The increased health consciousness stemming from covid precautions has led to the increased preference for plant-based milk.
The gaining popularity of the vegan diet and incidences of lactose intolerance drive the market. Increased health consciousness among consumers has led to the demand for functional beverages. The development of palatable and nutritionally adequate functional beverages with plant-based derivatives drives the market. Also, the increasing milk allergies resulting in adverse immune reactions after ingesting animal milk among the global population, particularly children and infants, has become another major factor driving the market.
However, the comparatively high prices of dairy alternatives pose a challenge to the market. The presence of nutritionally equivalent alternatives for a lower price affects consumer behavior and refrains the purchase of dairy alternatives.
South America Dairy Alternatives Market Trends
Increase in Lactose Intolerance and Milk Allergy
Lactose intolerance is a prevalent and distressing condition that affects approximately 70% of individuals across the South American region. Adulttype hypolactasia (lactase non-persistence or lactase deficiency) is the most common enzyme deficiency among people in Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador, which leads to lactose intolerance and primary lactose malabsorption. Due to this, consumers are shifting toward dairy-free products. Allergies and intolerances are major reasons behind the shift toward dairy-free products, especially considering the Food Allergy Initiative's statistics, which state that cow milk allergy is the leading food allergy in both infants and adults in South American countries. This factor is driving the demand for dairy alternatives in the South American market.
Brazil is Driving the Regional Market
Brazil accounted for the largest market share for dairy alternatives in the South American region, as the rising middle-class population and millennials are causing a change in traditional buying patterns. The three major trends affecting the Brazilian market are sugar reduction, healthy food, and the rise of protein and fiber content in food. These trends are affecting the sale of plant-based products in the market. More consumers are considering healthy lifestyle choices, generating greater interest in new lactose-free, dairy-free, and plant-based/vegan options.
South America Dairy Alternatives Industry Overview
South America's Dairy Alternative Products Market is consolidated with major players. Mergers and acquisitions are the most impacting strategies in the South American dairy alternative market, as small and regional players are acquired by global players to expand their presence and product portfolio in the region. An advanced distribution network gives an upper edge to the manufacturers to expand their range of products suitable for various consumer needs. Moreover, it is crucial for players to continuously innovate to operate and grow in the market due to the rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences.
South America Dairy Alternatives Market Leaders
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McCormick & Company, Inc.
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General Mills Inc. (Yoplait USA, Inc.)
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Nestle SA
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Blue Diamond Growers
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SunOpta Inc.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
South America Dairy Alternatives Market News
In March 2021, Almond Breeze, a milk-alternative brand of Blue Diamond Growers, expanded its portfolio with the launch of the First Brazilian Almond Cooking Cream & New Flavor of Almond Breeze Beverage.
In August 2020, Swiss conglomerate Nestle SA developed a wide range of plant-based dairy alternatives. It has launched its first fully pea-based beverage in Brazil under its Nesfit brand.
In June 2018, Soft drinks firm Coca-Cola Brasil expanded its portfolio of alternative dairy drinks in Brazil with the launch of new plant-based beverages under the AdeS brand.
South America Dairy Alternatives Industry Segmentation
Dairy alternatives are consumer products that do not contain lactose and possess all the properties of milk. South America Dairy Alternative Products Market includes dairy-free food such as Plant-based milk, Frozen desserts, Yogurt, and Others. The others include sour cream. Dairy-free beverages include Soy milk, Almond milk, Coconut Milk, Rice milk, and other types. The other beverages include cashew, pea, oat, and hemp, by sales channel into Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience stores, Online Stores; and others. The other sales channel include warehouses, discounters, kiosks, vending machines, etc. The report offers market size and forecasts for the dairy alternative market in value (USD million) for all the above segments.
By Type | Soy-based |
Almond-based | |
Coconut-based | |
Rice-based | |
Other types | |
By Distribution Channel | Hypermarket/Supermarket |
Convenience Store | |
Health Food Store | |
Online | |
Other sales channel | |
Geography | Brazil |
Argentina | |
Rest of South America |
South America Dairy Alternatives Market Research FAQs
What is the current South America Dairy Alternatives Market size?
The South America Dairy Alternatives Market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in South America Dairy Alternatives Market?
McCormick & Company, Inc., General Mills Inc. (Yoplait USA, Inc.), Nestle SA, Blue Diamond Growers and SunOpta Inc. are the major companies operating in the South America Dairy Alternatives Market.
What years does this South America Dairy Alternatives Market cover?
The report covers the South America Dairy Alternatives Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South America Dairy Alternatives Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Dairy Alternative in South America Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 South America Dairy Alternatives market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South America Dairy Alternatives analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.