Dairy Products and Alternatives in Japan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List Of Contents And Tables

Executive Summary

• 2026 Developments

Key Data Insights

Key Industry Trends

• CHART 1 Key Industry Trends for Dairy Products and Alternatives

Industry Performance

• Dairy Products and Alternatives Achieves Growth Despite Demographic Decline
• Plant-Based Dairy Leads Growth as Everyday Wellness Drives Innovation
• CHART 2 Morinaga Turns Cheesecake into a Protein-Rich Everyday Indulgent Snack
• Functional Indulgence Drives Growth as Wellness and Treats Blur
• CHART 3 Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 4 Value Sales by Category 2026

What's Next?

• Dairy Products and Alternatives to Grow as Premiumisation Offsets Population Decline
• CHART 5 Analyst Insight for Dairy Products and Alternatives
• Yoghurt to Retain Lead and Cheese Grows Fastest, Driven by Health-Focused Functionality
• Expanding Consumption Occasions Projected to Offset Demographic Decline
• CHART 6 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 7 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031

Competitive Landscape

• Yakult and Megmilk Snow Brand Reinforce Loyalty through Product Innovation
• CHART 8 Company Shares 2026
• CHART 9 Brand Shares 2026

Channels

• Supermarkets Lead While Pharmacies Expand by Prioritising Convenience
• Foodservice Trends Spark New Demand for At-Home Products
• Retail E-Commerce Faces Growth Barriers but Finds Niches in Baby Food
• CHART 10 Retail Channels 2021-2026

Products

• Meiji's Hba1c Care Yoghurt Redefines Dairy as Targeted Metabolic Wellness Gains Traction
• CHART 11 Meiji Targets Blood Sugar Management with the World'S First Yoghurt Highlighting Hba1c Support
• Morinaga's Chiisana Cheesecake Blurs the Line between Dessert and Nutrition

Economic Context

• CHART 12 Economic Context for Dairy Products and Alternatives
• CHART 13 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
• CHART 14 Inflation 2021-2031

Consumer Context

• CHART 15 Consumer Context for Dairy Products and Alternatives
• CHART 16 Population 2021-2031
• CHART 17 Population by Generation 2026
• CHART 18 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
• Country Reports Disclaimer

BABY FOOD IN JAPAN

Key Data Insights

• 2026 Developments
• Baby Food Summary

Key Industry Trends

• CHART 19 Key Industry Trends for Baby Food

Industry Performance

• Baby Food Declines as Falling Birth Rates Outweigh Premiumisation Efforts
• CHART 20 Meiji Hohoemi Adds Bifidobacteria to Support Digestive Health in Infant Nutrition.
• Milk Formula Leads as Parents Invest in Premium Nutrition Despite Declining Birth Rate
• Convenient Nutrition Drives Growth as Dual-Income Households Prioritise Ease
• CHART 21 Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 22 Value Sales by Category 2026

What's Next?

• Baby Food Forecast Modest Value Growth as Prepared Baby Food Leads on Convenience
• CHART 23 Analyst Insight for Baby Food
• Milk Formula Expected to Remain the Largest as Mixed Feeding Sustains Demand
• Child Development to Drive Premiumisation as Parents Seek Nutritional Benefits
• CHART 24 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 25 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031

Competitive Landscape

• Asahi and Meiji Strengthen Hold through Trust and Range Flexibility
• CHART 26 Company Shares 2026
• CHART 27 Brand Shares 2026

Channels

• Health and Beauty Specialists Sustain Trust as Parents Seek Advice
• Retail E-Commerce Leverages Convenience and Value to Attract Parents
• CHART 28 Retail Channels 2021-2026

Products

• Meiji Expands Trust with Functional Ingredients in Infant Formula
• Morinaga Responds to Busy Families with Ready-To-Serve Baby Meals
• CHART 29 Morinaga Simplifies Infant Mealtimes with a Nutritious, Ready-To-Serve Risotto and Oatmeal.

Economic Context

• CHART 30 Economic Context for Baby Food
• CHART 31 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
• CHART 32 Inflation 2021-2031

Consumer Context

• CHART 33 Consumer Context for Baby Food
• CHART 34 Population 2021-2031
• CHART 35 Population by Generation 2026
• CHART 36 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
• Country Reports Disclaimer

BUTTER AND SPREADS IN JAPAN

Key Data Insights

• 2026 Developments
• Butter and Spreads Summary

Key Industry Trends

• CHART 37 Key Industry Trends for Butter and Spreads

Industry Performance

• Butter and Spreads in Japan Sees Value Rise as Price Increases Offset Volume Decline
• CHART 38 Meiji'S Tube Butter Alternative Delivers Butter-Like Convenience and Value Amid Rising Butter Prices
• Flavour Innovation Sustains Butter and Spreads as Butter Leads Despite Rising Prices
• Dairy Pricing Pressures Divide Butter and Spreads as Value-Led Alternatives Gain Ground
• CHART 39 Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 40 Value Sales by Category 2026

What's Next?

• Butter and Spreads to Grow as Expanded Usage Occasions Become Critical
• Butter to Lead as Premium Positioning and An-Butter Trend Sustain Demand
• CHART 41 Analyst Insight for Butter and Spreads
• Flavour Innovation Projected to Drive Demand as Traditional Spreads Mature
• CHART 42 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 43 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031

Competitive Landscape

• Megmilk Snow Brand and Meiji Strengthen Positions as Innovation Reshape Consumer Choices
• CHART 44 Company Shares 2026
• CHART 45 Brand Shares 2026

Channels

• Supermarkets Leverages Convenience to Reinforce Their Lead in Sales
• Pharmacies Captures Value Seekers as Convenience Stores Lose Ground
• Online Retail Expands but Shoppers Still Prefer In-Store for Essentials
• CHART 46 Retail Channels 2021-2026

Products

• Meiji Tube De Butter Captures Value as Dairy Pricing Pressures Reshape Butter and Spreads
• Maple & Butter Fuumi Soft Stimulates New Purchase Occasions and Justifies Premium Prices
• CHART 47 Megmilk Snow Brand Brings Sweet Maple and Buttery Indulgence to Everyday Breakfast Spreads

Economic Context

• CHART 48 Economic Context for Butter and Spreads
• CHART 49 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
• CHART 50 Inflation 2020-2030

Consumer Context

• CHART 51 Consumer Context for Butter and Spreads
• CHART 52 Population 2020-2030
• CHART 53 Population by Generation 2025
• Country Reports Disclaimer

CHEESE IN JAPAN

Key Data Insights

• 2026 Developments
• Cheese Summary

Key Industry Trends

• CHART 54 Key Industry Trends for Cheese

Industry Performance

• Cheese in Japan Grows on Price as Demographic Headwinds Constrain Demand
• CHART 55 Morinaga Milk Turns Cheesecake into a Protein-Rich, Low-Sugar Everyday Indulgent Snack.
• Functional Indulgence Blurs Boundaries between Cheese, Snacks and Desserts
• Megmilk Snow Brand Redefines Snacking by Blending Dairy and Plant Protein
• CHART 56 Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 57 Value Sales by Category 2026

What's Next?

• Wellness Positioning and Indulgence to Sustain Demand Despite Population Decline
• CHART 58 Analyst Insight for Cheese
• Processed Cheese to Sustain Dominance While Spreadable Cheese Leads Value Growth
• Functional Health Claims and Rice Pairing Strategies to Drive Future Relevance
• CHART 59 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 60 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031

Competitive Landscape

• Megmilk Snow Brand and Rokko Butter Sustain Leadership with Innovation and Breadth
• CHART 61 Company Shares 2026
• CHART 62 Brand Shares 2026

Channels

• Pharmacies and Small-Format Supermarkets Capture Demand for Value
• Gradual Retail E-Commerce Gains Reflect Routine-Driven Cheese Shopping
• CHART 63 Retail Channels 2021-2026

Products

• Portfolio Breadth and Flavour Diversification Become Primary Innovation Levers
• CHART 64 Megmilk Snow Brand Combines Cheese and Pea Protein to Create a Healthier Everyday Snacking Option
• Qbb and Snow Brand Demonstrate Range-Level Competitive Strategy
• Format Breadth and Flavour Variety Defend Share against Private Label Pressure

Economic Context

• CHART 65 Economic Context for Cheese
• CHART 66 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
• CHART 67 Inflation 2021-2031

Consumer Context

• CHART 68 Consumer Context for Cheese
• CHART 69 Population 2021-2031
• CHART 70 Population by Generation 2026
• CHART 71 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
• Country Reports Disclaimer

DRINKING MILK PRODUCTS IN JAPAN

Key Data Insights

• 2026 Developments
• Drinking Milk Products Summary

Key Industry Trends

• CHART 72 Key Industry Trends for Drinking Milk Products

Industry Performance

• Demographic Declines and Supply Pressures Offset Price-Driven Growth
• Milk Retains the Largest While Flavoured Milk Drinks Show Dynamic Growth
• Morinaga and Meiji Unlock Growth by Rethinking Accessibility and Wellness
• CHART 73 Meiji Love Combines High Protein and Key Nutrients in a Convenient Everyday Milk Format.
• CHART 74 Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 75 Value Sales by Category 2026

What's Next?

• Drinking Milk Products to Grow as Premiumisation Offsets Demographic Decline
• Senior-Focused Nutrition to Sustain Milk's Value Despite Volume Decline
• Expanding Consumption Occasions beyond Breakfast Will Sustain Market Relevance
• CHART 76 Analyst Insight for Drinking Milk Products
• CHART 77 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 78 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031

Competitive Landscape

• Meiji Leverages Packaging Innovation to Reinforce Leadership
• CHART 79 Company Shares 2026
• CHART 80 Brand Shares 2026

Channels

• Pharmacies Continue to Gain Traction with Pricing and Family Appeal
• Online Supermarket Services Supplement but Do Not Transform Sales
• CHART 81 Retail Channels 2021-2026

Products

• Design-Only Innovation and Nutritional Precision Emerge as Distinct Levers
• Morinaga and Meiji Illustrate Contrasting Routes to Value Creation
• CHART 82 Morinaga Redesigns Its Flagship Milk to Suit Smaller Households and Ageing Consumers.
• Pack-Size Calibration and Nutritional Specificity Redefine Competitive Advantage

Economic Context

• CHART 83 Economic Context for Drinking Milk Products
• CHART 84 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
• CHART 85 Inflation 2021-2031

Consumer Context

• CHART 86 Consumer Context for Drinking Milk Products
• CHART 87 Population 2021-2031
• CHART 88 Population by Generation 2026
• CHART 89 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
• Country Reports Disclaimer

YOGHURT AND SOUR MILK PRODUCTS IN JAPAN

Key Data Insights

• 2026 Developments
• Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products Summary

Key Industry Trends

• CHART 90 Key Industry Trends for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products

Industry Performance

• Wellness Positioning Offsets Demographic Decline in Japan
• Flavoured and Drinking Formats Face Competitive Pressure
• CHART 91 Morinaga Milk Brings the Acai Bowl Trend to Yoghurt
• Everyday Wellness and Science-Backed Functionality Drive Innovation
• CHART 92 Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 93 Value Sales by Category 2026

What's Next?

• Drinking Yoghurt to Leverages Convenience to Offset Shrinking Demand
• CHART 94 Analyst Insight for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products
• Brand Loyalty and Targeted Claims Set to Underpin Premium Pricing Strategies
• Convenient Formats and Functional Claims Expected to Drive Future Innovation
• CHART 95 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 96 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031

Competitive Landscape

• Yakult and R-1 Sustain Loyalty through Functional Positioning
• CHART 97 Company Shares 2026
• CHART 98 Brand Shares 2026

Channels

• Pharmacies Attract Value-Focused Shoppers with Bulk Yoghurt Deals
• E-Commerce Struggles to Overcome Cold-Chain Barriers for Chilled Dairy
• Yakult Lady Leverages Direct Selling to Deepen Loyalty for Functional Drinks
• CHART 99 Retail Channels 2021-2026

Products

• Convenience, Value and Channel Dynamics Shape Innovation
• CHART 100 Meiji Targets Blood Sugar Management with the World'S First Yoghurt Highlighting Hba1c Support.
• Recent Launches Target Specific Formats and Audiences
• Pricing Power and Channel Fit Determine Competitive Success

Economic Context

• CHART 101 Economic Context for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products
• CHART 102 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
• CHART 103 Inflation 2021-2031

Consumer Context

• CHART 104 Consumer Context for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products
• CHART 105 Population 2021-2031
• CHART 106 Population by Generation 2026
• CHART 107 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
• Country Reports Disclaimer

OTHER DAIRY IN JAPAN

Key Data Insights

• 2026 Developments
• Other Dairy Summary

Industry Performance

• Other Dairy in Japan Records Flat Value Growth Due to Price Increases
• Chilled Desserts Lead as Condensed Milk Surges on New Usage Occasions
• Everyday Wellness Reshapes Other Dairy as Protein-Rich Cottage Cheese Expands
• CHART 108 Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 109 Value Sales by Category 2026

What's Next?

• Other Dairy to Grow as Cream Drives Value through Premiumisation and Home Cooking
• Coffee Whiteners Face Challenges While Condensed Milk Grows on Cooking Repositioning
• Affordable Indulgence, Premiumisation and Culinary Authenticity to Shape Future Growth
• CHART 110 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 111 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031

Competitive Landscape

• Megmilk and Ezaki Sustain Leadership through Strong Brand Equity
• CHART 112 Company Shares 2026
• CHART 113 Brand Shares 2026

Channels

• Pharmacies Attract Value-Conscious Shoppers with Affordable Dairy Treats
• Online Retail Struggles to Gain Ground Amid Cold-Chain Barriers
• CHART 114 Retail Channels 2021-2026

Economic Context

• CHART 115 Economic Context for Other Dairy
• CHART 116 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
• CHART 117 Inflation 2021-2031

Consumer Context

• CHART 118 Consumer Context for Other Dairy
• CHART 119 Population 2021-2031
• CHART 120 Population by Generation 2026
• CHART 121 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
• Country Reports Disclaimer

PLANT-BASED DAIRY IN JAPAN

Key Data Insights

• 2026 Developments
• Plant-Based Dairy Summary

Key Industry Trends

• CHART 122 Key Industry Trends for Plant-Based Dairy

Industry Performance

• Plant-Based Dairy in Japan Recovers with Robust Value Growth
• Plant-Based Milk Leads as Almond Milk Drives Growth
• Everyday Wellness Redefines Plant-Based Dairy
• CHART 123 Glico Adds High-Protein Nutrition to Almond Milk, Strengthening Plant-Based Wellness Positioning.
• CHART 124 Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 125 Value Sales by Category 2026

What's Next?

• Plant-Based Dairy to Grow as Premiumisation Offsets Population Decline
• Plant-Based Milk to Retain Leadership as Almond Milk Drives Popularity
• Kikkoman and Marusanai to Respond to Rising Demand for Functional Benefits
• CHART 126 Analyst Insight for Plant-Based Dairy
• CHART 127 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
• CHART 128 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031

Competitive Landscape

• Kikkoman Expands with New Launches as Glico Leverages Protein Innovation
• CHART 129 Company Shares 2026
• CHART 130 Brand Shares 2026

Channels

• Pharmacies and Vending Machines Expand Consumer Reach through Health and Convenience
• Cosme Kitchen Segments the Offer with Premiumisation and Lifestyle Positioning
• Online Channels Remain Supplementary as Store-Based Retail Dominates Everyday Purchase
• CHART 131 Retail Channels 2021-2026

Products

• Format Versatility and Allergen Avoidance Open New Innovation Pathways
• CHART 132 Asahi Launches Like Milk as Japan's First Yeast Milk
• Franchise Extension and Yeast Technology Illustrate Distinct Innovation Routes
• Sku Strategy and Shelf Competition Redefine the Growth Model

Economic Context

• CHART 133 Economic Context for Plant-Based Dairy
• CHART 134 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
• CHART 135 Inflation 2021-2031

Consumer Context

• CHART 136 Consumer Context for Plant-Based Dairy
• CHART 137 Population 2021-2031
• CHART 138 Population by Generation 2026
• CHART 139 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
• Country Reports Disclaimer