Gut health revolution fuels Africa’s dairy boom
Post-pandemic immunity needs and rising lactose intolerance drive Africa’s probiotic and lactose-free dairy market growth
Gut health is a pressing issue in Africa, where lactose intolerance affects 60-95% of the population, per the National Institute of Health.
In South Africa, 70-80% of adults face this challenge, creating a demand for digestible dairy.
According to Allied Market Research, the global lactose-free dairy market, valued at US$11.45 billion in 2021, is projected to reach US$24.36 billion by 2031 (CAGR 8%).
South Africa’s segment is growing faster, at over 10% CAGR, potentially hitting USD 300-400 million by 2025.
Probiotics are also surging. A MarketsandMarkets report forecasts the global probiotics market at US$105.7 billion by 2029 (CAGR 8.2%), with Africa’s yogurt and fermented milk sales rising post-2020, per the International Probiotics Association.
Company innovations
Companies are innovating to meet these needs. Danone Southern Africa’s Activia Lactose-Free Yogurt, featuring Bifidobacterium lactis, has seen a 12% annual sales increase since 2022, per company reports.
Clover Industries’ Tropika Probiotic, a lactose-free milk with probiotics, boosted its non-traditional dairy segment by 15% by 2024, per Clover’s data.
In Nigeria, FrieslandCampina’s Peak Lactose-Free Milk, launched in 2023, saw a 20% sales rise in urban areas within six months, targeting a 90% lactose-intolerant population (American College of Gastroenterology).
In Kenya, Bio Food Products Ltd. offers probiotic yogurts with Lactobacillus acidophilus, aligning with immunity trends. Arla Foods’ Lurpak lactose-free milk in East Africa reported a 15% sales increase since 2021, per Arla’s data.
Post-COVID-19 demand trends
Post-COVID-19, immunity concerns have spiked probiotic demand. A Grand View Research report notes 60% of global consumers prioritized health post-2020, with South Africa’s yogurt market growing 8% annually since 2021.
The International Probiotics Association found 70% of African consumers in 2022 linked probiotics to immunity.
Preventive healthcare and urbanization (70% urban in South Africa by 2025, Stats SA) further drive a 10% annual rise in lactose-free sales, per Allied Market Research.
South Africa spotlight
In South Africa, the lactose-free segment thrives as companies innovate. NielsenIQ reports an 18% sales increase in lactose-free milk and yogurt (2022-2024), with Clover and Danone leading.
A McKinsey survey (2022) shows 66% of consumers favor healthier dairy, supporting a market share rise from 5% in 2020 to 10% in 2024 (Dairy SA).
Africa’s dairy sector is transforming with probiotics and lactose-free innovations, driven by health awareness and post-COVID-19 trends.
With South Africa’s market expanding at 10% CAGR and companies like Danone and Clover leading, the continent is poised for growth in gut health solutions.
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