Sour cream is a dairy product that is obtained by fermenting regular or pasteurized cream with certain kinds of lactic acid bacteria, usually benign bacteria is used. The bacteria in the fermentation process is introduced either deliberately or naturally that sours and thickens the cream. Sour creams undergo certain nutritional composition check before being distributed and retailed in public. According to FDA (Food & Drug Administration) standards, fat content lesser than 18% should not be labeled as sour cream. FDA also mentions that sour cream should have a titratable acidity of not less than 0.5 percent.
The sour cream market is segmented by category into organic and conventional. The organic segment accounts for the maximum share owing to the natural methods of cream formation. The cows used for the extraction of dairy are raised organically without the use of antibiotics. The milk from organic cows contains heart-healthy fatty acids that result in the production of better quality sour cream. Organic sour creams are gaining high demand as they are healthier than the conventional ones, owing to omega three fatty acids, CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), and more antioxidant and vitamin content. CLA is a natural fatty acid that has grown popularity for its application in weight loss supplements.
The sour cream market is segmented by packaging types, where the bottles segment generates the maximum revenue as bottles are cost-effective and easy to carry and store.
The distribution of sour cream has been segmented into store based and non-store based. Owing to strong vendor networks of the manufacturers, store-based distribution channel holds major share in the sour cream market. However, in the coming years, non-store-based distribution channel will have a substantial contribution in the market owing to the developments of e-commerce platforms.
Top Key Players Analysis:
Some of the key players in the Global Sour Cream Market are Laiterie Chalifoux, Inc. (Canada), Organic Valley (US), Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Inc. (US), Uelzena Ingredients (Germany), Daisy Brand LLC (US), Meggle (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Dean Foods (US), HP Hood LLC (US), Kraft Heinz Company (US), and Saputo Inc. (Canada).
Regional Analysis:
Europe is holding the maximum share in the sour cream market due to a high inclination of consumers towards dairy products and baked goods in this region. Sour cream originated in the Eastern Europe, which has encouraged the consumption of sour cream as a traditional food product in this region.
North America holds a decent share in the sour cream market owing to the high dependency on dairy products in food preparations as well as baked goods. Asia-Pacific is witnessed to be the fastest growing market for sour cream owing to the growing population that is mainly inclined towards the adoption of global eating habits. Globally, the market is growing at a steady rate, and it is expected that the key players will strengthen the distribution system, thereby, increasing the consumer base.
