Global Kefir Market Research Report: Forecast (2024-2030)

Market Definition

Kefir is a fermented milk/water beverage that bears similarity to thin yogurt and is produced using Kefir grains, a mesophilic symbiotic culture specific to the drink. For the preparation of Kefir, yeast, and bacteria cultures are added to milk, where they get multiplied, ultimately leading to fermentation, resulting in a tangy-tasting creamy liquid similar to drinkable yogurt.

Market Insights & Analysis: Global Kefir Market (2024-30):

The Global Kefir Market size was valued at USD 2.03 billion in 2023 & is expected to reach USD 3.45 billion by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.15% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30. Factors such as health consciousness, inclination towards veganism, and a preference for functional beverages have been playing a substantial role in driving the Global Kefir Market. The expanding interest in gut microbiota and its ability to benefit immunity and overall well-being has boosted the industry growth for probiotic foods and drinks considerably.

Furthermore, with consumers demonstrating a heightened awareness of the importance of digestive health, the demand for probiotic beverages like Kefir drinks is leading significant propulsion in the global market and is expected to boost during the forecast period. Hence, in order to cater to consumer demand, companies have introduced new products to overcome health issues. For instance:

• In 2024, M&S Food launched its new Zoe Gut Shot, a milk kefir with berries, developed with the US nutrition science company Zoe Nutrition. The product launch responds to a growing consumer interest in gut health.

The demand for these new products is anticipated to surge, due to numerous health advantages, thus it is expected to drive the sales in an upward direction in the coming years, promising more revenue growth opportunities to the industry players.

Global Kefir Market Driver:

Rising Demand for Nutritional & Functional Beverages – The growing popularity of nutritional and functional beverages is profoundly contributing to market growth, as consumers increasingly seek nutritional benefits from their beverage choices. Awareness about reducing health risks such as improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and better overall well-being through nutrient-enriched drinks is significantly boosting kefir drinks demand.

In addition, the demand for water-based and non-dairy kefir options is rising, catering to their specific dietary preferences. Thus, playing a crucial role in propelling sales of functional kefir. Companies are responding by innovating and expanding their product lines to include a variety of nutritional & functional kefir options made from sources like almonds, oats, and coconuts. These products appeal to the global population, broadening the consumer base. Consequently, the continuous introduction of novel flavors and formulations in functional beverages keeps consumer interest high and drives sales, thus contributing to sustained market growth.

Global Kefir Market Challenge:

Maintenance of Kefir’s Shelf Stability – The stability challenges associated with maintaining the shelf-life of kefir due to the incorporation of lactic acid bacteria or yeast during production create a barrier to its market expansion & profitability. These difficulties in ensuring a consistent, high-quality product can lead to reduced sales, and higher return rates, thus negatively impacting the revenue streams of the Kefir Market companies. However, ongoing research & innovation in advanced packaging solutions offer potential remedies. This would not only improve consumer trust and satisfaction but also potentially increase the revenue of market players by reducing losses and expanding market reach.

Global Kefir Market Opportunity:

Rising Lactose Intolerance Population to Provide New Opportunity – Kefir sales are expected to rise in the coming years due to the growing prevalence of lactose intolerance and dairy allergies among the population. This is expected to significantly drive the demand for non-dairy substitutes, including coconut, soy, and almond milk-based kefirs. In 2022, Kefir Lab expanded its product line by introducing Coconut Milk Kefir and Coconut Milk Kefir Shots. This shift opened new market opportunities and expanded accessibility to kefir products for individuals who cannot consume traditional dairy.

Also, among the global population, countries like South Korea, Yemen, Vietnam, Oman, Iraq, Taiwan, China, South Africa, Egypt, Italy, and Japan have the highest percentage of lactose-intolerant populations, thus contributing to the market growth.

Global Kefir Market (2024-30): Segmentation Analysis

The Global Kefir Market study by MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends & influencing factors in each segment & includes predictions for the period 2024-2030 at the global level. In accordance with the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Form:

• Organic Kefir
• Conventional Kefir

The Organic category is expected to hold a major share of the Kefir Market, backed by the robust popularity of organic products. Consumers prioritize health and wellness by seeking products free from synthetic additives, pesticides, and GMOs. Organic kefir meets these preferences as it offers a natural option that promotes well-being. The organic certification assures ethical farming practices like sustainable agriculture and animal welfare standards, which appeal to those concerned about environmental sustainability issues, hence this is an added advantage of organic kefir. In addition to its health benefits, many people attest to the superior taste and nutritional profiles of organic kefir, increasing demand for clean-label food, contributing largely to overall growth within the industry.

Based on Product Type:

• Milk Kefir
  • Dairy-based
  • Non-dairy-based (Coconut Kefir, Flax Kefir, etc.)
• Water Kefir

Milk kefir holds the highest market share in the Global Kefir Market. Traditionally crafted from cow, goat, or sheep milk, this type of drink is highly valued for its probiotic content that aids gut health and rich creaminess preferred by a wide range of consumers. Additionally, it boasts high amounts of essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamins contributing extensively to its popularity. Furthermore, the rising inclination of consumers towards non-dairy-based drinks due to the increased prevalence of dairy allergies, lactose intolerance population, and the rising vegan population is projected to positively impact the growth of the milk kefir segment in the years to come.

Global Kefir Market (2024-30): Regional Projection

Geographically, the Global Kefir Market expands across:

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• The Middle East and Africa
• Asia-Pacific

Europe held a significant market share in the Global Kefir Market, thanks to the surge in demand for probiotic foods and beverages. In Eastern Europe, there is a strong affinity towards kefir due to its digestive health benefits. The consumption of this yogurt-like drink during all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) is widespread across these regions while Germany boosts its popularity by highlighting its immune-boosting properties along with digestion aid. Due to the prevailing trend amongst many people, including affluent families, young or nuclear, the inclusion of probiotics has become an indispensable part of their diet nowadays.

Furthermore, the popularity of probiotic products in the UK is driven by consumer preferences for digestive supplements that contain potent bacterial strains and high numbers of colony-forming units, which enhance beneficial gut bacteria colonization. Healthcare professionals also recommend such supplements to address issues like heartburn and indigestion, with data from Bupa suggesting that 4 out of 15 people experience indigestion annually. This has led to increased sales of probiotics including kefir. Additionally, there is a growing awareness regarding the connection between gut health and mental well-being, weight loss, and healthy skin among consumers in the region, further driving demand for these products.

Global Kefir Industry Recent Development:

• 2023: Lifeway Foods, Inc. introduced new flavors to the Kefir line of fermented probiotic products. The product selection features a range of kefir flavors, such as Guava Low-fat Kefir, Organic Strawberry Banana Whole Milk Kefir, and Organic Black Cherry Kefir.
• 2023: Biotiful Gut Health announced the introduction of a new Kids Kefir product line, showcasing its ongoing commitment to meeting gut health requirements.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our Global Kefir Market Report

• Global Kefir Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
• This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
• Global Kefir Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.