In the market, yogurt drinks are typically flavored with fruit or fruit juice, and they can be fortified and supplemented with healthy nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics or probiotics. Fruit-flavored yogurts or drinks are made by mixing fruit pulp (50%) with fruit purée (30%) and a suitable stabilizer into yogurt before packaging. These combinations are further altered according to regions. Moreover, there are two types of yogurt fruit blend drinks organic and inorganic.
Market Growth and Drivers
According to OMR Research, the global yogurt fruit blend drinks market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period (2023-2029). The growth of the market is mainly attributed to the rising consumer awareness regarding lifestyle disorders and the resultant shift towards healthy and probiotic-rich food products. Furthermore, organic yogurt fruit blend drinks are becoming more common compared to inorganic ones. Companies are focusing on providing 100% organic taste and flavor in their yogurt drink products to meet rising consumer demands and interests. For instance, stevia is a natural sweetener derived from plants that is gaining popularity among yogurt drink manufacturers. Companies such as Arla Foods offer yogurt drinks mixed with stevia. Other alternatives to sugar as a sweetener include aspartame, sucralose, neotame, fructose, honey, and others.
Moreover, drinking yogurt is widely available worldwide through modern and traditional trade outlets. Shelf stable portions are becoming more widely accessible, eliminating the need to keep the drink refrigerated in order to maintain its functional value. The increasing convenience of internet retailing has also benefited shelf stable drinking yogurt, allowing large quantities to be delivered to the consumer's door.
Recent Developments
The key companies in the market include Biogreen Dairy, China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd., Chobani Global Holdings, LLC, Danone S.A., FrieslandCampina, MLEKOVITA, Nestle, Powerful Foods LLC, Raisio plc, Stonyfield Farm, Inc., and others. These players are following various market development strategies such as new product launches, investments, collaborations, and others. Some recent activities in the market include-
• In September 2022, Petits Filous, a Yoplait UK-owned company, launched a new line of nutrient-rich drinkable yogurts aimed at helping children increase their vitamin intake. The Petits Filous Vitamin Rich line comes in two flavors- strawberry and beetroot and apricot, peach, and carrot. The new product is described by the company as the first yogurt to combine fruit and vegetables together in a drinkable manner.
• In June 2022, Danone North America introduced the Activia+ Multi-Benefit Probiotic Yogurt Drinks. Activia+ contains billions of live and active probiotics that help promote intestinal health. It is also a good source (20% DV) of vitamins C, D, and zinc, which help strengthen the immune system.
• In February 2022, OUTSHINE®, known for its wholesome frozen fruit bars, introduced the company's first shelf-stable, take-anywhere snack, Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie Pouches, for both kids and adults. Outshine Fruit & Yogurt Smoothies are offered in four fruit-forward flavors, including Blueberry Pear, Strawberry Coconut, Peach Raspberry, and Pear Vanilla, and are made with real fruit blended with nonfat yogurt.