Milk is getting knocked down by changing consumer demographics and attitudes, but a comeback is viable for the nearly $15.6B category. Milk sales are up due to higher prices, while unit sales fell 3.1%

Take a quick look at the data, and you will observe that dairy product sales across the industry have seen good year-over-year (YoY) dollar growth at retail. 

Some dairy categories are still stationed at mission control waiting for the perfect weather conditions. However, a majority of segments are ready for takeoff, especially as dairy consumption reaches an all-time high, according to FDA data.

Frozen novelty sales are particularly enjoying robust strength. 

Yogurt, cream cheese are loved to the moon and back as per cultured dairy sales. IRI reports that yogurt, No. 3 on IRI’s Dairy15 Top Categories list, generated $8.4 billion in dollar sales and an 8.6% YoY growth. No. 9 on the list, cream cheese sales totaled $2.3 billion with 8% YoY growth.

All categories within nondairy beverages, with the exception of juice products, are shooting for the stars. Ready-to-drink coffee in chilled, take-home format packaging is driving 37% growth.  . Check out which brands are thriving.

Despite a 3.3% decrease of unit sales, the milk category demonstrated strong strength, notching an increase of more than 7% to $15.32 billion for the 52 weeks ending Sept. 4, IRI data reports. Milk is king of the dairy category leader, followed by Cheese and Yogurt. 

Versatile butter is “old reliable” for baking, on top of toast, while snacking spreads appeal to consumer cravings.  

Suppliers are keeping pace with evolving processor and shopper demands for flavorful products that emphasize wellness and visual appearance. 

The future looks bright however.