Deepak's Musings #115: Dairy Versus Plant-based

July 11, 2023

All things consumer & insurgent brands. What I am currently reading, thinking about, and reflecting upon. You can follow me on Twitter at @dishahdadpuri or follow DSGCP at @dsgcp.

The world’s leading dairy businesses, or food majors with a significant position in dairy, are becoming ever more involved in providing dairy alternatives 🥛🐮🌱

Their consumers are evolving and so are they. If you can’t beat them, then join them.

The dairy companies also present in dairy alternatives

Just Food rounds up what the world's leading dairy businesses are providing in the growing market of dairy alternatives.

Ulta’s Kristin Wolf shares her POV on growth strategies in the BPC segment

A wide-ranging interview spanning the evolving importance of physical stores to the potential role that generative AI could play in transforming customer experiences.

Meeting beauty consumers where they are—and where they’re going

Ulta Beauty’s Kristin Wolf details strategies for growth across a 600-brand portfolio.

The David versus Goliath battle: Sugar versus Artificial Sweeteners

With the WHO (World Health Organization) last week warning against using artificial sweeteners, how do beverage companies navigate the demands of consumers and what healthcare professionals are saying?

As WHO sours on sweeteners, is it time for a reset of the soft drink industry?

Huib van Bockel, founder of natural energy drink Tenzing and former head marketer at Red Bull, has been warning about the risks of artificial sweeteners for years. He reflects on feeling vindicated by WHO research into aspartame.

India POV: FSSAI says it will do its own research on how artificial sweeteners impact Indians.

The WHO red flags and any similar guidelines in India could significantly dent sales of a wide range of products, which straddle aerated drinks, ice creams, cookies and confectionery.

Confusing sugar wars: Defying West, India will go its own sweet way on aspartame

Reports say the World Health Organization is set to classify aspartame as a possible carcinogen. India's FSSAI, which initially banned a natural alternative sugar, stevia in 2011, reversed the order later and gave it its nod. It now says that India may not necessarily follow the West's path on aspartame, as India is currently in a 'powerful' situation.

Portfolio update: Sula Vineyards reports strong Q1 update 🍷🍷

Sula has recorded its highest ever Q1 net revenues overall as well as for Own Brands and the Wine Tourism business.

Sula Vineyards Q1 Update: Revenue Estimated To Grow 17%

Elite and premium brands, priced at Rs 1,000 and above, grew by an "impressive" 30% in the June quarter, according to Sula Vineyards.

CPG giants continue to look for acquisitions in the better-for-you category.

The purchase of Kevin’s further expands Mars’ better-for-you portfolio at a company best known for confections such as Twix, M&M’s and Snickers.

Mars to buy healthy meal maker Kevin’s Natural Foods for an undisclosed amount

The fast-growing startup, which makes chef-inspired sous-vide meals, sides and sauces using whole foods and simple ingredients, will continue to operate as a standalone business.

Inc42’s list of 80 D2C brands that are disrupting India’s consumer market

Most of you who know me, know that I can get pedantic about how people define D2C, usually defined as a type of business-to-consumer retail sales strategy where a business will build, market, sell and ship a product directly to the customer. But let us leave that for another time. For now, all I want to highlight is that 7 DSGCP brands have made the list. These are insurgent brands but most of them are not direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands given most sell multi-channel and not directly to the consumer.

The 7 brands being recognised, in no particular order, are (1) Chai Point, (2) Power Gummies, (3) The Mom’s Co, (4) 82°E, (5) XYXX, (6) Super Bottoms and (7) Arata.

80 D2C Brands That Are Disrupting India's Consumer Market

India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) market, which is likely to reach a size of $100 Bn by 2025, has grown exponentially in the last few years

Flash Readers Poll: The Dairy Wars

What are you consuming at home or out of home today?

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