Midan’s Top 10 Meat & Dairy Trends to Watch in 2026
Midan Marketing has published its annual Top 10 meat and dairy industry trends for 2026, highlighting the forces likely to shape consumer behaviour, product development and value-chain strategies in the year ahead. The forecast integrates continuous consumer tracking with marketplace evaluation to offer a forward-looking view of what will matter most in meat and dairy sectors.
According to the Midan report, sustainability and transparency are moving from niche differentiators to core consumer expectations; shoppers are increasingly seeking products that clearly demonstrate environmental and ethical credentials. Claims around natural production, grass-fed and antibiotic-free attributes are translating into purchase behaviour, signalling that producers must embed sustainability into mainstream offerings rather than treat it as optional marketing language.
Another key trend is the “food as medicine” movement, where protein — including dairy protein — is increasingly seen by consumers as essential for overall health, strength and longevity. Around 80 % of Americans now prioritise protein at least once a day, reflecting a broader shift toward nutrient-dense diets that support wellness.
Midan also forecasts growth in dairy production alongside rising demand for hybrid and plant-infused dairy products. In the United States, milk production is expected to increase modestly in 2026, while consumer interest in plant-based and hybrid dairy formats — part animal/part plant — continues to rise, with the plant-based dairy market projected to reach significant scale by 2030.
Beyond sustainability, health and hybrid formats, the trends emphasise consumer demand for quality, innovation and transparency throughout the protein landscape. This outlook encourages industry players — from processors to retailers — to adapt quickly to shifting preferences, leverage data insights and align product portfolios with emerging health and ethical priorities to capture growth in 2026 and beyond.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Jan 10th 2026 Read full story here