Sales of yogurt and chilled desserts have been adversely affected by Europe’s economic uncertainty, with consumer spending habits increasingly dictated by price. Thanks to its larger population size and high take-up of yogurt, Germany is the leading market in terms of volume, but the UK takes the top position in the value sales of desserts.

Recent new product activity has concentrated on additive- and preservative-free products, as well as low-fat varieties, reflecting the general health and naturalness trend that is shaping product innovation across food markets.

Sales of yogurt and chilled desserts have been adversely affected by Europe’s economic uncertainty, with consumer spending habits increasingly dictated by price. Thanks to its larger population size and high take-up of yogurt, Germany is the leading market in terms of volume, but the UK takes the top position in the value sales of desserts.

Recent new product activity has concentrated on additive- and preservative-free products, as well as low-fat varieties, reflecting the general health and naturalness trend that is shaping product innovation across food markets.

Yogurts and desserts enjoy wide appeal among consumers from various socio-demographic backgrounds, with the French the keenest on the products. The core consumer base is formed of women, under-45s, high earners, the working population, families with children and 3+ households.

Some key findings from the report include:

Sales of yogurt and desserts have been adversely affected by the unfavourable economic setting, with the latter being particularly lacklustre.

Germany is the number-one European market for both yogurt and desserts in terms of volume, but the UK takes the number-one position in the value sales of desserts.

Growing consumer concerns regarding the use of artificial ingredients in food has placed the focus of product innovation on additive- and preservative-free products and low/no/reduced fat options.

Yogurt and desserts enjoy generally high penetration rates, with French consumers the keenest on desserts at 86%, and sharing the pole position with the Germans for yogurt at 93%.

Product use is biased towards women, under-45s, top earners, the working population and 3+ households with children.