CANADA – French multinational food group Danone has redefined the plant-based category by launching Nextmilk under the Silk Canada brand.
Silk Nextmilk is described as an excellent source of vitamin B12 and riboflavin, and a good source of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, zinc, and fiber.
The beverage is a non-GMO product that is free from lactose, gluten, carrageenan, artificial colors, and flavors.
The French Group says by being the leader in plant-based beverages in Canada, Silk’s Nextmilk product will help dairy-loving consumers overcome plant-based barriers while prompting further choice.
The company claims they had to develop this brand owing to 60 percent of Canadians being reluctant to try plant-based beverages despite all the extraordinary momentum in the category, as they feel the taste differs too much from the products they’re used to.
The group continues to explain that they have been able to develop a product that delivers on the key taste and texture attributes of dairy milk that consumers know and love.
According to Danone, it engaged its dairy experts to analyze the classic dairy drinking experience and design a specially formulated product that met dairy lover’s taste expectations.
During its robust research and innovation process to develop Silk Nextmilk, the company analyzed milk’s molecular composition and iconic sensory experience to ultimately reconstruct a plant-based product that mirrors the flavor profile and mouthfeel of dairy.
Vice President of Research and Innovation at Danone Canada, Pierre Morin says: “During the recipe development process, we thoroughly studied the beloved dairy taste attributes and engaged in robust testing, trying out hundreds of high-quality plant-based ingredient pairings to best recreate the taste of dairy.
We have been able to achieve a versatile product that most closely mimics the taste of dairy milk so that whether consumers want to enjoy it in their coffee, with their cereal, or in recipes, plant-curious dairy lovers can easily add it to their shopping list.”
Danone’s recent move is timely as the plant-based milk market is to reach US$21.52 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 10.18%, for the duration spanning 2020-2024, according to Research and Markets.
The market research firm states that factors such as the expansion of the beverage industry, growing obese populace, increasing diabetic population, rapid urbanization, and increasing disposable income are expected to drive the market.
However, the growth of the market would be challenged by concerns regarding beverage additives and a lack of awareness among people about plant-based beverages.
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