Kefir Global Market Report 2024

Kefir is a fermented dairy product made from kefir grains, which consist of bacteria and yeast. The fermentation process involves using commercialized freeze-dried kefir starter cultures, traditional kefir grains, or the byproducts left after removing kefir grains. During fermentation, the bacteria and yeast actively develop, leading to the production of enzymes and substances that influence the digestion of meals.

The primary types of kefir include milk kefir and water kefir, both sourced from various liquids such as animal milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and others. Milk kefir, a fermented dairy product, is created by adding the kefir culture to milk and allowing it to ferment in a warm environment, similar to the process of making yogurt. Rich in probiotics, milk kefir supports digestion. It is available in both flavored and unflavored varieties, sourced from both organic and conventional ingredients, and distributed through supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, and other distribution channels.

The kefir market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides kefir market statistics, including kefir industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a kefir market share, detailed kefir market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the kefir industry. This kefir market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The kefir market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.86 billion in 2023 to $1.99 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to factors such as the rise in awareness of probiotic and fermented foods, an increased interest in gut health and digestive wellness, a growing demand for natural and functional food products, a shift in consumer preference toward dairy alternatives, and the adoption of health-conscious lifestyles and diets.

The kefir market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.65 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The projected growth in the forecast period can be linked to the expansion of online retail channels for kefir, the increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivities, ongoing research on kefir's potential health benefits beyond digestive health, a growing demand for convenient and ready-to-drink kefir products, and the inclusion of kefir in functional food and beverage formulations. Key trends expected in the forecast period involve the emergence of plant-based and non-dairy kefir, innovations in flavors and blends, the popularity of DIY kefir kits and home fermentation, packaging innovations for extended shelf life, and the incorporation of kefir into snacks and beverages.

The Kefir market is set to experience growth driven by the increasing popularity of functional beverages. Functional beverages, which are non-alcoholic drinks enriched with ingredients like herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and more, are gaining traction. The demand for nutrient-rich, sugar-free, and non-dairy products is contributing to the expansion of the Kefir market. According to Nielsen IQ's data from March 2021, products aligned with a plant-based diet constituted 14% of the expenditure on food and beverages. Thus, the surging demand for functional beverages is expected to propel the kefir market.

The kefir market is anticipated to witness growth due to the rising demand in the health and wellness industry. This industry, focusing on enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being, encompasses a wide array of products and services. Kefir, being a rich source of probiotics that support gut health, aligns with the health and wellness trend. Consumption of kefir may contribute to a healthy gut flora balance, potentially reducing digestive issues and improving overall gut function. According to Wellness Creative Co.'s data from February 2023, the UK's health and wellness sector is projected to reach $37.22 billion by 2023. Thus, the increasing demand in the health and wellness industry is a driving factor for the kefir market.

A notable trend in the kefir market is the emphasis on research and development (R&D) initiatives and investments. As consumer preferences for healthy snacks and drinks grow, companies operating in the kefir market are investing in R&D to introduce innovative kefir products. For instance, a New Zealand-based producer of young coconut kefir initiated a crowdfunding campaign in October 2021 to support the R&D of a novel range of kefir-fermented food and beverage products, collaborating with local producers in Aotearoa.

Major companies in the kefir market are innovating with new products, such as Krunchy Kefir, to enhance their market presence. Krunchy kefir, a solid kefir product providing an alternative to traditional liquid kefir, was launched by Synbio Technologies, a US-based biotechnology company, in October 2023. With a probiotic boost and distinctive texture, Krunchy kefir can be added to smoothies, various foods, baked products, or enjoyed as a standalone snack, offering versatility in incorporating this new kefir product into the diet.

In March 2021, Lactalis Canada, a French multinational dairy product cooperation, completed the acquisition of Agropur’s yogurt business for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition included the IGO and IGO nanö yogurt brands and the Olympic yogurt, sour cream, and kefir brands. This strategic move aims to strengthen national footprints and reaffirm a long-term commitment to the Canadian food processing industry. Agropur Dairy Cooperative, a North American dairy cooperative, serves the industrial, retail, and food service sectors.

Major companies operating in the kefir market include Danone SA, Lifeway Foods Inc., Nestle SA, Fresh Made, Maple Hill Creamery LLC, The Hain Celestial Group Inc., Green Valley Organics, Wallaby Yogurt Company, Biotiful Dairy Ltd., Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery Inc., Babushka Kefir, Greek Gods Yogurt, GO-KEFIR, Nancy's Probiotic Foods, Yofix Probiotics Ltd., Grace Harbor Farms, Forager Project LLC, Rumba Kefir, Organic Meadow Limited Partnership, Oak Knoll Dairy, Oy Elopak Ab, Latta Buildtech Private Ltd., Güvenç A.S, Kri Kri Milk Industry SA, New Age Farm Inc., One Straw Farm, Lifeway Foods Canada Inc., Granarolo S.p.A, Good Karma Foods Inc., The Icelandic Milk and Skyr Corporation, Green Mountain Creamery LLC

North America was the largest region in the kefir market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the kefir market share during the forecast period. The regions covered in the kefir market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the kefir market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.

The kefir market consists of sales of kefir grains, kefir milk, kefir yogurt, kefir smoothie, kefir probiotic drink. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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