STRAWBERRIES and cream may sound like the perfect partnership. But, according to the latest research from Mintel, future generations might prefer almond whip with their summer berries.
The research company’s latest report – Dairy Drinks, Milk and Cream – shows that volume sales of fresh dairy cream declined by 2% between 2011 and 2013 to stand at 52m litres in 2013.
For non-dairy alternatives, volume sales increased by 12% over the same two-year period, to reach 19m litres in 2013.
Kiti Soininen, head of UK food, drink and foodservice Research at Mintel, said: “The opposing trends of health concerns over cream’s fat content, price fluctuations and the boost to scratch cooking and baking originally sparked by recession have seen a volatile performance in the cream market in recent years.
“However, sales of dairy alternatives and lactose-free produce have benefited from increased marketing activity as well as improved availability in terms of variety and distribution.
“Many consumers may well be turning to dairy alternatives or lactose-free cow’s milk for perceived health reasons as our research shows that a number of people feel drinking milk can upset their digestive system and leave them feeling bloated.”
More than one in 10 Brits drink soya milk, 7% drink other alternatives to cow’s milk (such as goat’s milk) and 5% drink lactose-free milk.
