Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Study Guide Evo of PLNT-BSD Milk
Study Guide Evo of PLNT-BSD Milk
I. Introduction
A. Challenges faced by the global dairy industry
B. Decline in dairy milk sales and rise of plant-based milks (PBMs)
C. Factors contributing to the shift towards PBMs
I. Introduction
The global dairy industry is facing challenges as consumers shift away from traditional dairy
products. Dairy milk sales have declined, with some analysts predicting a cumulative decline of
21% between 2015 and 2025. Environmental concerns, such as climate change and animal
welfare, have contributed to this trend. Plant-based milks (PBMs) have emerged as alternatives
to dairy milk, and their market value was estimated to be $20.5 billion in 2020, expected to
grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%. PBMs promote their health benefits and
environmentally friendly characteristics. The decline in milk consumption is also associated with
health concerns, such as the link between dairy milk and higher rates of ovarian and prostate
cancers, and the association with increased cardiovascular risks. These factors, combined with
societal changes and the influence of younger generations, have contributed to the rise of the
plant-based milk industry.
Plant-based milks (PBMs) have experienced significant growth in the market. In 2020, the
market value of PBMs was estimated to be $20.5 billion. Furthermore, it is projected that PBMs
will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%. By 2025, PBMs are expected
to account for 24% of the overall milk market.
PBMs are gaining popularity due to their perceived health and environmental benefits.
Consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and the impact of their choices on the
environment. PBMs are seen as a healthier alternative to dairy milk, as they are often lower in
calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Additionally, PBMs are considered more
environmentally friendly, as they have a lower carbon footprint and require less water and land
compared to dairy milk production.
The rise of PBMs can be attributed to the influence of younger generations and societal changes.
Younger consumers, particularly those in the 25-44 year age group, are driving the demand for
PBMs. This demographic has disposable income and is more conscious of health and climate
impacts. Moreover, societal changes, such as increasing health awareness and declining birth
rates, have contributed to the shift towards PBMs.
D. Consumer preferences and brand awareness in the PBM market:
Consumer preferences play a significant role in the growth of the PBM market. Consumers are
choosing PBMs because they perceive them as healthier and more environmentally friendly
options. Brand awareness is also crucial in the PBM market, with private labels making up 15%
of the market. Additionally, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about different PBM
brands and their offerings, leading to increased competition for market share.
A. Volatility in soybean and almond prices: - Historical prices of soybeans and almonds in the
U.S. from 2008 to 2021 show significant fluctuations.
- Soybean prices range from $1.45 to $14 per bushel, while almond prices range from $1.56 to
$16 per pound unshelled.
- These price fluctuations can impact the profitability and stability of soy and almond milk
production.
C. Major players in the soy and almond milk market: - Danone's Silk dominates the soy milk
business in the U.S.
- Blue Diamond is the largest producer of almond milk, with a significant market share.
- Other major players in the industry include Oatly, which offers oat milk and other plant-based
milks, and various private labels.
- Brand competition and consumer preferences play a significant role in shaping the soy and
almond milk market.
Oatly, a brand that offers oat milk as an environmentally friendly alternative to dairy milk, has
experienced significant success and expansion. The founder, Toni Petersson, focused on
burnishing the Oatly brand and expanding it globally. He targeted the U.S. market and used an
unconventional strategy by partnering with a coffee shop chain, Intelligentsia, to introduce oat
milk to baristas. Oatly proved to be a viable substitute for dairy milk, especially when it came to
decorating lattes, and its popularity grew rapidly. By 2020, Oatly was sold in numerous retail
establishments and coffee shops. Oatly's success can be attributed to its alignment with
consumer desires for environmentally friendly alternatives and its commitment to addressing
climate change.
Despite Oatly's successful IPO in the U.S., 2021 has been challenging for the company. Oatly
initially seemed to weather the COVID crisis well by offsetting lost sales from restaurant closures
with increased sales through grocery stores and direct consumer channels. However, Spruce
Point Capital Management, an activist private equity investment company, filed a class action
lawsuit against Oatly, accusing the company of lack of transparency in capital expenditure costs,
water usage at its New Jersey plant, and suspicious accounting practices that inflated revenues
and profitability. One of the main points of contention was that Oatly's competitors, Califa
Farms and Chobani, were taking away market share, leading to a decrease in shelf space and
online price discounting for Oatly. This lawsuit had a noticeable impact on Oatly's share prices,
causing them to drop below the IPO price.
The plant-based milk market is highly competitive, with various brands vying for market share.
Oatly, as a popular oat milk brand, faces competition from other plant-based milk options such
as soy and almond milk. Other brands, including Elmhurst and Pacific Foods, have emerged in
the plant-based milk market and are able to command premium prices. The proliferation of
plant-based milk brands has resulted in competition for shelf space in grocery stores.
Differentiation in the market is achieved through factors such as flavor profiles, health
attributes, and input materials. As the plant-based milk market continues to grow, new entrants
will challenge the dominance of dairy milk and existing plant-based milk brands, creating a
dynamic and competitive landscape.
The global dairy industry is experiencing a decline in the number of dairy farms. According to a
report by Mintel, the number of dairy farms in the US has decreased by half since 2003. While
the impact of plant-based dairy alternatives on this decline is relatively small, it is a contributing
factor to the challenges faced by the dairy industry.
B. Nutritional considerations of cow's milk and alternative options:
The nutritional considerations of cow's milk and alternative options play a role in the shift
towards plant-based dairy alternatives. Research from Harvard University highlights the health
concerns associated with dairy milk consumption, such as the link between dairy milk and higher
rates of ovarian and prostate cancers, as well as increased cardiovascular risks. This has led
some consumers to seek alternative options that are perceived as healthier.
The growth of non-dairy milk alternatives is significant. According to an article in Forbes, the
non-dairy milk alternatives market is experiencing a significant moment. A report by Grand View
Research also projects growth in the non-dairy milk market in the coming years. Plant-based
milks, such as almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk, are gaining popularity among consumers who
are looking for alternatives to traditional dairy milk. This growth in non-dairy milk alternatives is
contributing to the shift away from traditional dairy products and impacting the dairy industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on consumer preferences, including in the
dairy industry. As people faced lockdowns and restrictions, there was a shift in purchasing
behavior towards plant-based milks. Consumers became more health-conscious and
environmentally aware, leading to an increased interest in plant-based alternatives. The
pandemic accelerated the trend of consumers seeking out products that align with their values,
such as those that are perceived as healthier and more sustainable. This shift in consumer
preferences has contributed to the growth of the plant-based milk market.
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, there is a positive outlook for soybeans
in 2021. Soybeans are expected to experience increased demand as the year progresses. This
positive outlook is driven by factors such as the recovery of the global economy, the reopening
of foodservice establishments, and the growing popularity of plant-based diets. As more people
adopt plant-based eating habits and seek out alternative protein sources, the demand for
soybeans is likely to rise.
Overall, the impact of COVID-19 on the dairy industry has been significant, with consumer
preferences shifting towards plant-based milks. This trend is expected to continue in the future,
leading to changes in milk consumption patterns and presenting opportunities for the growth of
the plant-based milk market. Additionally, the positive outlook for soybeans indicates potential
growth and increased demand for alternative protein sources.