A2 Milk Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Form (Liquid and Powder), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global A2 milk market size was valued at USD 2.24 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 2.48 billion in 2024 to USD 5.91 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.45% during the forecast period.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with A2 milk experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 9.89% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Cow's milk includes the A2 type of beta-casein protein rather than the more common A1 protein typically found in regular milk that does not have the proteins at risk of causing some disease. It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that help the human body's growth and development. Nowadays, the expanding income levels and the rising awareness concerning the nutritional benefits of the product have boosted the market's growth globally.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the supply chains of the market. The sudden lockdown in several countries has influenced raw material supply for manufacturing, packaging, and delivery. As a result, the global market has disrupted the entire supply chain. In addition, the demand for dairy products has also decreased due to the severe impact of COVID-19 on various channels. The present situation of the global market is shown to be stable due to continuous efforts of key players and manufacturers. In the present context, the global market is projected to account for higher industry revenue in the coming years.

A2 Milk Market Trends

Growing Consumer Health Awareness Leading to Increased Consumption of A2 Grade Milk

The trend of eating nutritious and healthy food is increasing among consumers across all regions. Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are considered one of the most consumed foods worldwide. Milk is consumed largely, as it is considered as a healthy and nutritious product. But, there is an increasing number of people who cannot consume milk and milk products due to lactose intolerance and other health-related problems. The availability of products, for example, A2 grade milk makes it easier for people with lactose intolerance to use these products without any discomfort. Moreover, A2 grade milk is a rich source of calcium, proteins, vitamins, and minerals; and the structure of A2 protein is more similar to human breast milk as well as milk from sheep, buffalo, and goats.

A2 Milk Market Growth Factors

Growing Number of Diseases with Excessive Consumption of A1 Milk to Boost Market Growth

The benefits of milk on human health is well known in all parts of the world. However, there is a shift in consumption of milk, owing to the availability of multiple options. Cow milk is considered healthy among different milk options, and consists of two major proteins such as A1 and A2. A1-based milk or A1 milk is obtained from cows of Western origin that produce large quantities of milk. The high production of A1 milk further leads to large availability and high consumption. The high utilization of A1 milk leads to health issues such as cognitive disorders and histamine in children; and obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in other age groups of the population. Thus, the health benefit of A2 milk over the negative impact of excessive consumption of A1 milk propels the A2 milk market growth.

Increasing Product Application in Infant Formulae Boosting the Market Growth

A2 grade milk is considered healthy for infants as it helps to boost the immunity and provides essential nutrients required for the proper growth and development of infants. In addition, A2 protein is present in mother’s milk, and thus A2 grade milk is thought to be equivalent to mother’s milk. Thus, this type of milk and its allied products are increasingly used in infant formulae as the A2 beta-casein protein is similar to that found in breast milk. Also, numerous manufacturers are utilizing A2 beta-casein milk for making infant food. Several novel infant food products are being launched every year by various producers, surging the product demand.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Prices May Hamper the Market Growth

Cows of Indian origin produce A2 milk; however, the production of A2 milk per cow is less. Thus, this creates the gap between supply and demand. The gap in supply and demand of A2 grade milk further leads to rise in prices of the final product, making the A2 type of milk costlier than A1 milk. The nutritious nature of A2 grade milk also increases its overall value leading to its increased application in dietary products.                                                                                             

Several years back, cows were involved in the domestication process. As a result, cows produced A1 milk. Cows that produce A1 milk are likely to have more quantity than A2 beta-casein milk. As a result, most companies began to sell A1 milk so that milk can be made available to the public at an affordable price. Hence, the price of A2 is higher than regular A1 milk.

Many developing countries in Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America region, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Niger, Liberia, Colombia, and Peru, do not have enough and secure access to milk and other dairy products. Consumers living below the poverty line and in lower income groups cannot afford the luxury of buying high-quality food products. For the lower income group customers, access to food is most important, not the luxury of consuming high-quality milk. Even when government authorities distribute milk and dairy products to these income groups via campaigning or schemes, their preference is aimed at A1 milk and not at A2 milk. These factors keep the customers away from the A2 milk and raise awareness about its health benefits, making the market growth challenging in developing countries.

A2 Milk Market Segmentation Analysis

By Form Analysis

Liquid Hold Largest Market Share Owing to its High Rate of Convenience and Consumption

The liquid segment holds the most significant A2 milk market share on account of being more convenient. It helps consumers derive maximum nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and calcium. These vitamins support maintaining the health of the nervous system. Fresh A2 milk also entails more phosphorus and selenium than powdered milk. The natural flavor and gentle taste of liquid A2 beta-casein milk surge consumption, driving the market growth.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Segment to Hold Largest Market Share Due to Varied Range Available

The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment accounted for the most considerable revenue share in 2021. The primary factors driving the segment growth are the availability of a wide range of products in stores and the rise in supermarkets and hypermarkets. Supermarkets and hypermarkets have controlled temperature shelves for dairy-based products to avoid spoilage. Consumers find it convenient to purchase everyday needs at lower prices in such stores, which is expected to drive the segment growth significantly in the coming years. Additionally, the online segment is anticipated to ascend at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to the convenience offered by these distribution channels. Moreover, the growing internet usage for shopping, reduction in lead time, higher convenience, and more discounts are the crucial factors driving the sales of the market through online stores.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share in 2021 and is anticipated to witness substantial gains over the A2 milk industry forecast period. The region is considered a prominent market due to growing awareness concerning the benefits of A2 beta-casein milk in developing countries such as China and India. Moreover, the product is produced mainly in the Asia Pacific region due to the presence of A2 breed cows and the increasing demand for dairy products in the region.

The European region is expected to be a significant market due to the highly developed dairy industry. The growing use of A2 grade milk in bakery and confectionery products in Germany, the U.K., and France is also expected to boost the product demand in the anticipated period. The region is expected to exhibit robust growth due to the dairy sector's continuous research and development activities.

With increasing cases of lactose intolerance in North America, there has been a rising demand for the product in the region. Moreover, increased innovations and research and development activities in the market are also driving the market. The easy availability of A2 beta-casein milk and widening distribution channels, including supermarkets and hypermarkets are also aiding the market growth in the region.

List of Key Companies in A2 Milk Market

Companies to Focus on the Growth in their Production Capacity to Meet the Global Demand

Major companies have established their dominance in the market by higher integration throughout the value chain. Key companies include GCMMF, the A2 Milk Company, Vinamilk, Freedom Foods Group, Vedaaz Organics Pvt. Ltd, Nestle S.A., and Ripley Farms.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• The A2 Milk Company (New Zealand)


• Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF) (India)


• Godrej Jersey (India)


• PROVILAC Dairy Farms Pvt. Ltd. (India)


• Freedom Foods Group (Australia)


• Vinamilk (Vietnam)


• Erden Creamery Private Limited (India)


• Nestle S.A. (Switzerland)


• Vedaaz Organics Pvt. Ltd. (India)


• Ripley Farms (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2023: “A Greener World (AGW)” Nonprofit certifier of food products has announced that The a2 Milk Company’s Grassfed a2 Milk 2% Reduced Fat Milk and Grassfed a2 Milk Whole Milk are Certified Regenerative by AGW. This certification offers an assurance of sustainability and regeneration, measuring benefits for water, soil, air, infrastructure, biodiversity, social responsibility and animal welfare.


• April 2023: One of the popular names in the U.S. A2 milk industry, “The A2 Milk Company”, expanded its product line into grass-fed milk with the launch of two new products. The company launched “A2 Milk Grassfed 2% Reduced Fat Milk” and “The A2 Milk Grassfed Whole Milk” through major U.S. retailers.


• August 2022: “SwadeshiVIP”, an Indian brand in the A2 cow milk industry launched one-of-a-kind A2 Shishu milk focusing specially at infants and kids. A2 milk products are enriched with A2 beta-casein protein and are a great source of calcium.


• March 2020: The A2 Milk Co. Ltd announced an agreement with the Canadian Agrifoods Cooperative for the production, distribution, sales, and marketing of milk in Canada.


• November 2019: Nestle China extended its A2 grade milk product portfolio for the elderly, YiYang YiChang, to capitalize on the increasing demand among consumers.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, form, and leading distribution channels of the product. Besides this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation