I recently received an email with the subject line: "A well-balanced diet consists of a taco in each hand … on the beach (can’t forget that vitamin D)." The line was memorable and highlighted the fact that modern consumers have some novel ideas about what constitutes a healthy diet.
Consumers are interested in food trends, including plant-based foods. While households may sometimes buy plant-based products, almost all still purchase dairy overall. That's a good thing, because not all proteins are equal.
There have been some interesting shifts in the global trade of dairy products that aren't apparent on the surface. Chinese milk-equivalent import growth slowed from 13% in the first quarter of 2019 to an estimated 1.7% in the second quarter.
In the dairy aisle (and elsewhere), crowing about a formulation's natural colors barely merits a pat on the back anymore. These days, consumers expect natural ingredients, colors included, in their food and drink, and they won't settle for less.