Sales of plant-based milks have risen sharply in Ireland recently, reports the Irish Independent. Data by Kantar Worldpanel shows 40% increase in sales of plant-based milk alternatives this January compared to the same period in 2018, with almond, oat, and soy milks being the most popular.
“After an indulgent festive period, many Irish shoppers started the year with good intentions and January sales of fruit and vegetables were up €7m year on year,” said Douglas Faughnan. Kantar’s consumer insight director. “Vegetable side dishes and vegetarian sausages and burgers collectively rose by 35% and, amid the rising popularity of ‘Veganuary’, sales of plant-based milks were 40% higher than in January 2018.”
Despite the increase in demand and sales for plant-based alternatives, the dairy industry doesn’t see plant-based milks as a threat to the dairy industry, according to Pat McCormack, chair of Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association.
“I don’t want to be disrespectful to these new foods and products – in return I’d ask that the same courtesy is shown to traditional dairy and beef – but the fact of the matter is that cow’s milk has been an integral part of the human diet for millennia,” commented McCormack.
In other news, the plant-based milk alternatives market is predicted to be worth $29.6 billion by 2023.
