Consumer demand for plant-based milk continues to grow, with global demand for dairy alternatives expected to rise 11 percent between now and 2031.
Steady growth in milk such as almond, cashew, oat, rice and hemp is credited to an increasing shift towards veganism, renewed focus on health, the environment and surges in cases of lactose intolerance.
"It is timely that we are discussing this on World Plant Milk Day [August 22]. Obviously, as a coffee business, we cater to all tastes, but since January, our team has seen a solid increase in the number of customers opting for plant-based alternatives. This is a huge revenue driver for the milk substitute market in Australia with indications suggesting that by 2026 it will generate about $550 million," said David Holt, Merlo Coffee's General Manager.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported that Australians are drinking about half a cup of milk alternatives per week. A decade ago, soy milk was the main alternative milk on the market. But soy milk consumption has decreased 16 percent in the last two years, while almond milk has increased 31 percent. Even so, Australian revenue from the soy and almond milk industry is set to increase by $432.6 million this year, according to IBIS.
Merlo Coffee has made sure to move with the market.
"We source our non-dairy milk from the Alternative Dairy Company. They’re specifically crafted for baristas and produce a creamy coffee every time,” said Holt.
Merlo
