To Dairy or Not To Dairy … That is the $2 Billion Lactose Intolerance Market Question

New York, July 5, 2006 — Lactose intolerance—that bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that afflicts millions of Americans—is big business, with sales of no- and low-lactose dairy products expected to surpass $500 million by the end of 2006. In addition, sales of dairy-alternatives, such as soy and rice milks, will reach nearly $1.4 billion, according to No- and Low-Lactose Foods and Beverages, a new report from Packaged Facts.

With the increasing prevalence (real or perceived) of consumers with decreased lactase activity, as well as more dairy product marketers investing in the technology to make innovative no- and low-lactose dairy products, Packaged Facts projects that the retail market for no- and low-lactose dairy products will reach $827 million by 2010. This projection reflects an annual growth of 16%. Similarly, the market for dairy-alternative products will rise to nearly $2 billion, as this market sector appeals to both lactose-intolerant and dairy-allergic individuals.

While in the past many lactose intolerant individuals painstakingly avoided dairy products, they are now returning to the market, thanks to newer lactose-free dairy product options and educational efforts launched by the dairy industry and federal government.

“As the number of lactose-free ice creams, cheeses, and cultured dairy products begins to grow, consumers are eagerly returning to dairy for both nutrition and taste,” said Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts. “Consumers appreciate the available lactose-free choices and we expect that newer lactose removal technologies will bring on a wealth of new products along with new marketers willing to dive into this high-growth market.”

No- and Low-Lactose Foods and Beverages examines the evolution of the industry, analyzes new product trends, offers competitive profiles of key industry players, and looks at consumer trends and behaviors surrounding the growing usage of lactose reduced and lactose-free foods and beverages. Priced at $1,995, this report can be purchased directly from Packaged Facts by visiting: http://www.packagedfacts.com/pub/1302985.html. It is also available at MarketResearch.com.

About Packaged Facts
Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer industries, including consumer goods, food and beverage, and demographics. For more information visit www.PackagedFacts.com, or contact Tom Ehart at 240-747-3014, or tehart@marketresearch.com.