Key Findings

Continued decline for baby food

Although baby food is growing in much of Asia Pacific, it continues to decline in China and Japan, due to the low birth rates in these countries. With China dominating regional sales of baby food, it has a major impact on the overall Asia Pacific performance, which is expected to remain in negative territory over the forecast period.

Strong growth for cheese in Indonesia

Cheese has been recording very strong growth in Indonesia in recent years as local consumers embrace its versatility, not only as an ingredient in pastries and savoury dishes, but even in desserts. The expanding variety of cheese products available in retail stores has also significantly increased consumer awareness and acceptance across the country, even if cheese consumption still remains largely concentrated in larger cities.

South Korea with the biggest e-commerce share

While small local grocers continue to dominate distribution in India, modern grocery retailers such as supermarkets and hypermarkets are gradually gaining share as they are expanding at a rapid pace in the country, with these retailers equipped with the infrastructure required to store dairy products. South Korea remains the biggest e-commerce market, with online sales holding a 70% retail value share in the baby food category in this country.

Yakult shifts emphasis to its higher-priced lines in Japan

While Japan has been struggling with a declining population and inflation, which has stymied volume growth across packaged food and beverages, Yakult has successfully shifted its brand portfolio towards the higher-priced Y1000 and Yakult 1000. This strategic move has allowed it to expand its share in value terms in recent years.