Global Kefir Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Kefir Market Outlook

The global kefir market size reached a value of more than USD 1.44 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.80% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of USD 2.39 billion by 2032.

Kefir is a fermented milk beverage that tastes like a thin yoghurt and is prepared from kefir grains, which are a particular kind of mesophilic symbiotic culture. It is created by mixing milk with yeast and bacteria cultures. As a result, the cultures can grow and produce a fermented beverage. Kefir has a consistency similar to drinkable yoghurt with an acidic, sour flavour.

Kefir is a rich source of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health. It also contains various essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. The fermentation process reduces the lactose content in kefir, making it more digestible for people with lactose intolerance.

The probiotics in kefir can help balance gut flora, improving digestion and potentially alleviating conditions like diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers. Regular consumption of kefir may boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. High in calcium and vitamin K2, kefir may be beneficial for bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

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Key Trends in the Market

Increasing concern among consumers about their health and diet has positively impacted the demand for kefir

Consumers in the current days are increasingly concerned about their health and diet, and they frequently choose products that are good for their physical wellbeing. The adoption of kefir has been favourably impacted by this factor, thus aiding the kefir market growth. Kefir contains nutrients such as protein, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B2, phosphorus, and B12 as well as a lot of probiotics, which aid in improving gut health and digestion.

The probiotics in kefir are believed to boost the immune system, a particularly appealing attribute in the wake of heightened health consciousness. Some studies suggest that kefir has anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for overall health and in managing certain conditions.

Ready-to-drink kefir offers a convenient way for health-conscious consumers to incorporate beneficial nutrients and probiotics into their diet. Kefir's versatility in various culinary applications, from smoothies to baking, makes it appealing to a wide range of consumers.

The growing preference for flavoured kefir over plain kefir is a notable trend in the food and beverage sector

Growing preference for flavoured kefir over plain kefir is one of the crucial kefir market trends accelerating the market's expansion on a global scale. People of all ages enjoy the taste and benefits of flavoured kefir. A variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be added to kefir for flavouring. The easiest method to acquire the recommended daily intake of probiotics, which are good for gut health, is through flavour-infused kefir. It can help strengthen the immune system and is a rich source of calcium and protein.

Flavoured kefir is often available in convenient, ready-to-drink formats, making it suitable for busy lifestyles and on-the-go consumption. Flavoured kefir also fits well into the snacking trend, where consumers look for quick, healthy, and tasty options.

The inclusion of plant-based and vegan flavour options in kefir aligns with the growing preference for plant-based diets. There is potential for continued innovation in flavour, including the use of superfoods and unique ingredient pairings. As the range of flavours expands, so does the potential consumer base, contributing to the overall growth of the market.

Strong distribution channel with multiple retail stores greatly enhances the availability and popularity of kefir products.

A strong distribution network with multiple retail locations and the availability of kefir products at reasonable rates are some of the major factors contributing to the kefir market expansion. A comprehensive distribution network ensures that kefir products are available not just in local markets but also nationally and internationally, making them accessible to a wider audience. Effective distribution ensures that kefir reaches both urban and rural areas, catering to diverse consumer bases with varying access to healthy foods.

Placing kefir in mainstream supermarkets and grocery stores increases its visibility to the average consumer, encouraging impulse buys and trials. Presence in health food stores targets health-conscious consumers specifically looking for nutritious products like kefir. Leveraging e-commerce platforms caters to the growing segment of consumers who prefer shopping online. This is particularly relevant in the context of increasing online shopping trends.

Opportunities and Challenges in the Market

The increasing popularity of plant-based kefir among consumers in several countries offers significant opportunities for propelling kefir market demand. Plant-based kefir is made from products such as almond, soy, or coconut milk because these products have similar nutritional profiles to dairy-based Kefir. Plant based kefir is also lactose-free which makes it a suitable choice for people with lactose intolerance. Additionally, kefir is becoming more popular among people worldwide as a healthy beverage. This is encouraging businesses to launch new kefir products in various regions and experiment with their taste and flavour.

However, kefir can cause several side effects such as intestinal cramping, bloating, nausea, and constipation, mainly when first started. These side effects generally stop with continued consumption of kefir. This is one of the major factors that may hamper the market's growth during the forecast period. Also, the lack of adequate awareness about the health advantages of kefir is posing a challenge to the market growth.

Global Kefir Market Segmentation

Based on source, the market can be segmented into animal milk, soy milk, and coconut milk, among others. The market based on nature is divided into organic and conventional. On the basis of type, the market is segmented into flavoured and non-flavoured.

Based on distribution channel, the market is categorised into speciality store, supermarkets/hypermarkets, and convenience store, among others. The regional markets for kefir can be divided into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

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The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global kefir market, covering their competitive landscape and the latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

• Lifeway Foods, Inc.

• Chuckling Goat Limited

• Maple Hill Creamery, LLC

• Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery

• Danone S.A.

• Biotiful Dairy Limited

• Green Valley Creamery

• Others

Global Kefir Market Analysis

Growing consumer demand for natural and organic products contributing to the demand for organic kefir

Organic kefir accounts for a sizable portion of the market due to its rising demand as a result of the increasing preference of consumers for organic products and their belief in its superior health advantages. The method used to manufacture the milk differentiates organic and conventional kefir. Lactose- and gluten-free organic kefir is made from organic, non-GMO components.

Organic milk is produced without the use of artificial hormones or pesticides contrary to conventional milk, which is produced utilising these techniques. Although the nutritional value of both varieties of kefirs is comparable, organic kefir is considered to be potentially healthier due to the absence of synthetic additives.

The demand for conventional kefir, which refers to kefir produced using traditional methods and ingredients, remains strong, driven by several factors. The fermentation process in kefir reduces lactose content, making it a suitable dairy option for people with lactose intolerance. As consumers increasingly seek whole, minimally processed foods, conventional kefir fits into this category due to its natural fermentation process and lack of artificial additives.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the leading segment based on the distribution channel

Supermarkets and hypermarkets have held a strong position in the global kefir market and are predicted to continue growing over the coming years. A wide range of kefir variations and flavours can be found in one location, providing consumers with more options.

Additionally, most consumers choose to use these channels to purchase food because they provide great discounts, and accordingly can purchase kefir along with other food items. Kefir can also be purchased in larger quantities with ease so that shoppers who prefer consuming it on a regular basis can conveniently do so.

The increased availability of kefir in convenience stores reflects a broader trend of consumers seeking healthier, nutritious options in more accessible retail locations. Kefir's presence in convenience stores caters to on-the-go consumers who seek quick, healthy options that fit into their busy lifestyles. Kefir available in single-serve bottles is convenient for immediate consumption, making it an attractive choice for shoppers in convenience stores.

Global Kefir Market Share by Region

Europe is one of the biggest markets for kefir, driven by rising demand for probiotic beverages and the health advantages offered by the product. Furthermore, the market is expanding as a result of the rising demand for natural and organic goods. The high demand for kefir products in households across a number of countries including Greece, Denmark, Georgia, Bulgaria, Belarus, and Bulgaria, is anticipated to continue to be a major driver of market growth. Additionally, the rise in obesity as well as the development of low-fat and sugar-free milk products are contributing to the market expansion in the region.

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Competitive Landscape

Lifeway Foods, Inc., founded in 1986 produces and sells dairy goods, probiotic supplements, and beverages. The company, which is headquartered in Illinois in the United States offers a variety of products, including kefir, bio kefir, low-fat whole milk cheese, bio kefir, probugs, cupped kefir, and frozen kefir. It provides a variety of flavours and variations for health-conscious consumers, including low-fat, whole-milk, and organic variants as well as a kids' line.

Chuckling Goat Limited, established in 2014 is a leading kefir manufacturer in the United Kingdom and an authority on gut health. The business provides a variety of organic gut health products, including microbiome testing, goats milk kefir, kefir skincare, therapeutic herbal tea, and free nutritional therapy consultations.

Maple Hill Creamery, LLC, headquartered in New York in the United States manages farms and makes organic dairy products. The company sells milk, kefir, cheese, and yoghurt made from whole milk. Maple Hill is one of the company’s leading dairy brands and is considered to be America's first 100% grass-fed organic dairy, with a goal to provide families across the country with wholesome, organic, 100% grass-fed dairy products.

Other market players include Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Danone S.A., Biotiful Dairy Limited, and Green Valley Creamery, among others.

Key Highlights of the Report