Yogurt opportunities are broadening
HOME cooking is the name of the game for many in January with takeaway menus firmly confined to the drawer which, thanks to changing tastes, could be good for yogurt.
That’s the message from yogurt producers, at least, anticipating an uptick in more adventurous cooking opening up a whole host of new uses.
“One of the most significant trends in the yogurt market right now is the use of the product as an everyday ingredient,” said Azhar Zouq, managing director of Lancashire Farm Dairies.
“Once only used as a breakfast staple, consumer attitudes towards yogurt are broadening as the street food invasion has increased awareness of the versatility of yogurt.
“It is being increasingly seen as a stand-alone ingredient to be used in curries, breakfast dishes and the ever-popular overnight oats, as well as being used as a healthier alternative for cream or mayonnaise – the possibilities are endless.”
Many possibilities should also mean many packs according to Zouq.
“There has been an increase in sales of big pot yogurt (450g and above), with 450g, 500g and 1kg formats in Lancashire Farm natural yogurt seeing 28% growth, as yogurts become a daily staple for families introducing it more regularly into a number of meal occasions – it doesn’t last long,” he said.
It’s not just the evolution of British cooking that’s creating an opportunity for larger packs in convenience. Zouq reckons changing shopper habits have also made it essential for retailers to stock these sizes.
“As more shoppers are opting to visit local convenience stores for ‘little and often’ shops, they are still expecting the same range of products that would be found in the big retailers,” he said.
“This means convenience store owners are having to be more strategic in how they stock yogurt, with 1kg pots becoming increasingly sought after.”
Isadora Toner, brand activation manager at Nomadic, said that retailers would be wise to take another look at their yogurt range. Toner also highlighted how an increase in yogurt consumption occasions among consumers can generate strong sales.
Consumers are increasingly looking for exciting textures and flavour profiles to keep them interested.
“Whilst yogurt has always been popular, consumers are increasingly looking for exciting textures and flavour profiles to keep them interested and work not just for breakfast, but for lunch and snacks, too,” said Toner.
“Nomadic Cluster Pots and Bircher Museli are both found in both the FTG fixtures and the main estate yogurt fixtures because of the many different occasions they deliver against, and we see shoppers regularly purchasing two units in one shopping trip to satisfy different demands throughout the day.”
To fully capitalise on changing consumer demand, Toner suggested keeping an eye out for NPD and outlined some of the products Nomadic has been rolling out to stores.
“People are always interested in new and exciting flavours and like to try something a little bit different, which Nomadic aims to provide with our bio live yogurts and yogurt drinks.
“We are still seeing phenomenal growth with our Cluster range, which are predominantly fruit or chocolate, and consumers understand that when they buy a Nomadic Cluster Pot they are guaranteed satisfaction whether from a fruity flavour or a more indulgent chocolate treat.”
