Milk (cow, sheep, goat and butter) and other liquid dairy products like coffee creamer and other creams, are still holding strong even though nut and other plant-based milks have made the dairy case competitive.

In 2012, we ran an article by on liquid dairy packaging trends to 2020. I was curious to find out which came true, the trends we haven’t hit and what we can look forward to — especially since plant-based milk and coffee creamer are now the norm.

The outlook revealed that liquid dairy products expected an increase in demand for products in both emerging markets and established regions. The global consumption rate was expected to rise from 71.3 billion gallons in 2010 to about 92.4 billion by 2020. While we could still hit that number, a report by Statista cites that in 2018, around 176.8 million metric tons of cow’s milk alone was consumed.

Ultra-filtered milk is the new hope for dairy producers to revive dairy milk consumption. Additionally, many milk producers have chosen to add a lactose-free variety, which allows for lactose-intolerant consumers to go back to traditional dairy. In fact, lactose-free milk volume sales were up 11.5 percent in 2017, according to I.R.I.

Research also shows that many shoppers buy both dairy and plant-based options, leading many dairy processors to offer non-dairy options to keep shoppers buying their brand.

And let’s not forget about the other side of liquid dairy: the decadent, creamy sauces such as hollandaise, crème fraiche and crème anglaise — the icing on the cake if you will, of many restaurant and food truck fare.

The projected trends seven years ago, from Roper Reports Worldwide, include personalization, value for money, concern for the environment and food safety.

Seem familiar? These trends should be considered consumer necessities as all are sure to impact product purchase as well as brand loyalty.

The packaging world has worked to improve upon consumer concerns — yet still has some work to do as consumer trends change quickly. Speaking of consumer trends, check out the Brand Packaging feature on the importance of color for packaging.

Which trends do you foresee in 2030?

KRISTEN KAZARIAN

kazariank@bnpmedia.com