Thailand’s Health-Conscious Consumers Increasingly Thirsty for Plant-Based Almond Milk

Bangkok – US almond-growing agricultural cooperative Blue Diamond Growers, based in California, is fulfilling growing demand in Thailand for plant-based milks, with almond milk leading the way and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze® a firm favorite.

Beverages based on rice, nuts, grains and/or soybeans (RNGS) are the only rising category within Thailand’s milk market, continuously expanding by over 16 percent. Almond milk is at the forefront of this, with a 40 percent share of the RNGS sector (Nielsen Thailand Data from Jan 2019 – Dec 2020).

Nielsen reports that the market profile of Blue Diamond Almond Breeze® within Thailand is increasingly dynamic in terms of consumer value and demand. Q4 figures reveal that the brand hit 67 percent in sales volumes among almond milks, compared to 59 percent the previous year, with sales value at 61 percent, an increase from 52 percent over the same time period.

Managing Director for Asia at Blue Diamond Growers, Nitin Batra explains why the brand’s popularity is soaring. “Blue Diamond Almond Breeze® is at the helm of more mindful, health-conscious consumer expectations. With demand for almond milk soaring, the fact that this is the number one brand in Thailand, as well as the US, is testament to its quality, as well as delicious taste.”

In the US, the plant-based milk market is predicted to be worth over USD $6 billion by 2026, with a global forecast over in excess of USD $21 billion (Ahuja,K and Rawat,A 2019, Global Market Insights). Thai consumers are part of a worldwide trend focused on being more health conscious, with veganism becoming ever-more popular. Dairy-free milk that is low in calories and contains valuable nutrients is a clear consumer choice.

Within the era of the current global pandemic, consumers have become more focused in on their health according to Vittavat Phonphaisan, Executive Vice President, Heritage Group, Thailand’s leading natural food manufacturer and producer of Blue Diamond Almond Breeze® in the market. “There is greater attention on healthy choices in terms of diet, with greater interest in less sugary, calorie-laden drinks. Unsweetened Blue Diamond Almond Breeze® is the most popular variety with no added sugar and just 25 kcal in a 180ml carton.”

A thirst-quenching drink and creamy cooking ingredient, the value-for-money range is made from the finest California almonds. Blue Diamond Almond Breeze® is available in six delicious flavors: Original, Unsweetened (with just 25kcal), Vanilla, Chocolate, Matcha and Latte; retailing at THB 20 for a 180ml carton and THB 99 for a 946ml carton at convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide in Thailand. Available online with home delivery at Shopee; Lazada; JD Central; Shopat24; and Line Official.