In collaboration with CP Kelco, Chr. Hansen has unveiled a brand-new plant-based yogurt substitute that doesn't need to be refrigerated. The so-called ‘vegurts’ are ambient dairy substitutes that have gained popularity in Asia but are less well-known in Europe and North America. Ambient products are particularly advantageous in the categories of sustainability, cost, and flexibility in channel strategy regarding e-commerce and market reach.
Ambient yogurt, also known as yogurt-based products for ambient distribution, do not rely on cold temperatures to stay good. Key positives include ease of storage, transportation, and a reduction in food waste, but many manufacturers may run into barriers regarding “naturalness,” as the vegurts have a “poor taste and mouthfeel compared to dairy equivalents.”
The collaboration will see the production of industrially validated prototypes for drinkable and spoonable vegurts made with oat, soy, pea, coconut, or almond bases.
Image Credit: Chr. Hansen
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Plant-based Ambient Substitutes
- The trend towards plant-based ambient substitutes for traditional refrigerated products presents an opportunity for disrupted innovation and market penetration.
- Sustainable Food Products
- The trend towards sustainable food products and practices presents an opportunity for feature market growth and increased demand.
- Channel Strategy Flexibility
- The trend towards e-commerce and changing distribution channels presents an opportunity for innovative marketing strategies and increased market reach.
Sectors Adopting This
- Dairy Industry
- The dairy industry can explore the possibility of creating plant-based ambient yogurt substitutes and leverage this trend towards increased market share and more sustainable food practices.
- Food Packaging Industry
- The food packaging industry can develop innovative packaging solutions that allow for more sustainable and cost-effective ambient products to be easily distributed and marketed.
- Retail Industry
- The retail industry can explore the potential market opportunity presented by the trend towards sustainable and ambient food products and adjust their product offerings and marketing strategies accordingly.
