Camel milk is emerging as a sought-after ingredient in response to rising consumer demand for food products with perceived health benefits, reveals a recent report from market research firm Fact.MR.
Product sales of camel milk are currently valued at $1.34 billion and are projected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 4.1% through 2032 as consumers increasingly turn to alternatives boasting digestive and nutritional advantages. The report attributes the surge in popularity to the milk’s digestive properties, particularly appealing to those following lactose-intolerant diets, and its superior nutritional profile compared to cow’s milk.
As plant-based milk alternatives reshaped the dairy landscape, camel milk is now poised to carve its niche in the market. Plant-based milks, representing 14% of the category in 2020, had previously posed a threat to traditional dairy, with a 19% sales growth in 2019 while dairy milk sales remained stagnant.
There are nutritional disparities between plant-based milks and dairy, with many lacking essential components such as protein, vitamin D, and calcium. Camel milk, identified as a potential competitor to plant-based options, boasts superior nutritional properties and ease of digestion and is being embraced as a natural probiotic.
With a focus on offering whole ingredients, consumer preferences in 2023 are shifting towards products with nutritional value. Camel milk, rich in antioxidants, nutrients like Vitamin A, and essential ingredients, aligns with this trend, contributing to the market’s remarkable growth.
Despite the positive trajectory, the camel milk market faces a challenge comparable to the plant-based segment—price. The report indicates that camel milk is approximately 7-8 times more expensive than cow’s milk. However, experts suggest that targeted education and heightened awareness among the “high-end” consumer demographic could facilitate wider adoption.
To enhance the product’s visibility, camel milk producers are employing innovative strategies, including positioning it within the beauty category. By incorporating camel milk into body lotions, hand creams, shampoos, and other luxury products, producers aim to increase consumer awareness of its unique health benefits.
Camel milk is riding the wave of increasing consumer interest in functional ingredients, poised to challenge plant-based milk alternatives and traditional dairy products. As awareness grows and education efforts target the right consumer base, camel milk stands to become a prominent player in the evolving market of alternative milk options.