World Plant Milk Day highlights global shift to low-emission dairy alternatives

GLOBAL – World Plant Milk Day, celebrated annually on August 22, has become a significant event since its inception in 2017, raising awareness about the environmental and health benefits of plant-based milk alternatives.

As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, the movement towards plant-based diets is gaining momentum, with plant-based milks such as almond, soy, oat, and rice emerging as popular alternatives to traditional dairy.

One of the main drivers behind this shift is the environmental footprint of cow’s milk, which is substantial due to the methane produced by cows—a potent greenhouse gas.

Dairy farming also consumes vast amounts of land, water, and energy, contributing to a high carbon footprint. Research conducted by Michael Clark et al. in 2022 revealed that producing one liter of dairy milk results in approximately 3.7 kg of CO2 equivalent emissions.

In contrast, plant-based milk alternatives offer a more sustainable option. Clark’s research shows that these alternatives emit between 0.45 kg (oat milk) and 1.44 kg (rice milk) of CO2 equivalent per liter, making them a much lower-emission choice.

By opting for plant-based milks, consumers can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Over the last decade, the plant-based market has witnessed explosive growth. Although the term “plant-based” was introduced in the 1980s, it only gained significant global traction around 2015.

This shift was fueled by growing environmental and health concerns, leading to increased consumer interest in vegetarian diets and sparking a wave of innovation in the plant-based industry.

According to Mintel data, new packaged consumer goods with a plant-based claim surged by 302% between 2018 and 2022, with analysts forecasting the market could reach US$160 billion by 2030.

As the global shift towards plant-based diets accelerates, Africa is also emerging as a key player in the plant-based dairy sector. Data Bridge Market Research projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6% for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) plant-based milk market from 2023 to 2030, reaching an estimated USD 2,028.65 million by the end of the forecast period.

Similarly, the Africa Dairy Alternatives Market is expected to grow from USD 457.37 million in 2024 to USD 641.01 million by 2029, with a CAGR of 6.98%, according to Mordor Intelligence.

Nigeria is leading this growth with a remarkable CAGR of 7.09%, reflecting a broader regional trend where Egypt and South Africa are at the forefront.

These two countries accounted for 66% of volume sales of dairy alternatives across Africa in 2022. South Africa’s dairy alternative market is set to expand by 23% in value from 2024 to 2027, reaching USD 273.6 million.

Local companies are responding to the growing demand for plant-based products, launching innovative offerings to cater to the evolving preferences of African consumers.

For instance, in October 2023, Nestlé introduced ‘Nido Milk & Soya’ in Central and West Africa, a product that blends dairy and plant-based ingredients, marketed as both affordable and nutritious.

Zambia’s 260 Brands also launched the ‘Nutramilk’ range, made from non-GMO soybeans sourced locally and free from preservatives and cholesterol.

Eastern Africa’s Brookside Dairy Limited has ventured into the plant-based category with 100% Almond Milk and 100% Soy Milk products, while Bio Food Products Ltd. has introduced coconut milk yogurt in various flavors.

These developments are supported by industry players like Blue Diamond Growers, Good Hope International Beverages, and Juhayna Food Industries, further fueling the market’s expansion.

As World Plant Milk Day gains recognition, it indicates a global shift towards more sustainable and compassionate food choices, with plant-based milks at the forefront of this transformation.

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