The global UHT milk market is expected to reach $158.2 billion in 2020, progressing at a CAGR of 13.6% during 2015–2020. Limited refrigeration space, rising disposable income, adoption of Western culture, and low-priced private-label UHT milk offered by supermarkets and hypermarkets are the major factors driving the growth of the market across the globe.
Adoption of Western culture in Asia-pacific and Middle East & Africa accelerates growth of the market
With increasing urbanization, several practices related to lifestyle and wellbeing are being adopted within the developing countries of Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. The growing apartment culture in countries such as China and India is influencing consumers to use products with a larger shelf life. UHT milk accounts for an approximately 60% share of the total milk consumption in China. With the fast pace of population growth in China, the UHT milk market is also being propelled ahead.
Increasing concern toward proper nourishment is hindering the growth of the market
Regular milk is considered one of the best sources of ten nutrients that are essential for health. The various nutrients found in milk are ascorbic acid, calcium, folacin, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin B12, whey protein, thiamine, amino acids, and other water and fat-soluble vitamins. The processing of UHT milk requires ultra-high temperature (greater than 161 degrees Fahrenheit) that causes the denaturation of whey protein, which is negatively impacting the growth of the UHT milk market.
UHT milk market competitiveness
The UHT milk market is competitive in nature with the presence of a noticeable number of market players. Major players are focusing on mergers and acquisitions, facility expansion, and production capacity expansion in order to increase their presence in the market. For instance, in December 2014, Grupo Lala acquired Eskimo S.A., a Nicaragua-based dairy products company, for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, the former strengthened its business in Central America.
Further, in February 2014, Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited completed the establishment of its UHT milk plant in New Zealand. The production capacity of this facility is about 24,000 milk packs an hour per line. The facility has five UHT milk production lines.
Some of the major companies operating in the global UHT milk market are Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited, Groupe Lactalis S.A., Nestle S.A., Danone Limited, Grupo Lala, S.A.B. de CV, Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. Ltd., Sodiaal Group, China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited, and Devondale Murray Goulburn Co-Operative Co. Limited.
UHT MILK MARKET SEGMENTATION
Market Segmentation by Segment
Market Segmentation by Region
