23 Apr Trends in labels and packaging for dairy products

Índice de contenidos:

• Dairy products market situation 2024
• Trends in the dairy sector
• Trends in labels and packaging for dairy products
• Labels and packaging for dairy products: what we do at Rieusset

Dairy products market situation 2024

The dairy sector is going through a period of transition. After several years marked by inflation, falling household consumption and increasing pressure on costs, some stability was regained in 2024.

According to Alimarket’s 2024 report on the dairy sector in Spain, the fall in raw material prices and a general containment of costs are favoring the recovery of consumption, which grew by 2.1% in milk, 3.6% in dairy products and 6.6% in cheese. However, the rise in VAT and competitive pressure, especially from private label brands, continue to condition market performance. Brands that are committed to added value must differentiate themselves not only through the product, but also through the way they present it. And this is where packaging has become a key tool.

Trends in the dairy sector

There is an increasing variety of dairy products in supermarkets today. In addition to lactose-free ranges or those with functional benefits, there are new launches in segments such as kefir (which has grown by 43% in volume in the last year), high-protein yogurts (+67.4%) and vegetable drinks, which are becoming more and more common. Also noteworthy are products that help control cholesterol and those enriched with calcium or vitamins.

At the same time, there is a clear commitment to new flavors and textures, especially in yogurts and desserts: combinations with exotic fruits, functional ingredients or superfoods, as well as creamier, whipped or double-compartment versions.

This diversification has also reached formats. Single-serve packs are booming, driven by on-the-go consumption and the demand for convenience. Clear examples are children’s milkshakes with reusable caps, mini bottles of ready-to-drink (RTD) dairy coffee or small-bottle drinkable yogurts designed for on-the-go. The use of stand-up pouches is also spreading in products such as milkshakes, desserts or grated cheeses, thanks to their lightness, functionality and good environmental perception.

These days, sustainability is a priority. New European standards and consumer environmental awareness have led many companies to change the way they design and manufacture their packaging. They are opting for recyclable materials, labels that generate less waste and solutions that facilitate recycling. All this without losing sight of something essential: that the packaging works well on the production line and maintains the good image of the product at the point of sale. It must also explain well what the product offers and be practical: easy to open, easy to store in the refrigerator and easy to recycle.

Trends in labels and packaging for dairy products

Brands are opting for solutions that reduce their environmental footprint, such as linerless labels, recycled materials and low-migration inks. Eco-design is also gaining prominence, with labels that are easy to separate and recycle.

At the same time, there is a need for technologies that allow high-speed printing with high precision and flexibility. Digital or single-pass inkjet printing is ideal for short or customized runs, while rotogravure remains a solid option for large volumes with high-quality finishes.
Among the formats gaining prominence are shrink sleeves, which offer total package coverage and allow the application of 360-degree wrap-around designs. This solution not only amplifies product visibility, but also makes it possible to include differentiating elements such as textures, glossy finishes or personalized messages, generating a greater connection with the consumer. In addition, sleeves facilitate the inclusion of elements such as heat-sensitive inks, which adds value to the package.
Another relevant development is the increasing use of variable printing. This technology makes it possible to adapt each label with unique data: promotional codes, personalized messages, or differentiated designs for specific segments. Personalization thus becomes a powerful marketing tool, enabling more direct, emotional and effective communication with the end consumer.
A good example of our commitment to efficiency without sacrificing image can be found in our collaboration with some of our clients. For these brands, we produced labels on reels with a matte finish, designed to be integrated into high-speed lines. The result is attractive, functional labeling aligned with the visual identity of the brand, especially in its range of fresh and organic milk.

Labels and packaging for dairy products: what we do at Rieusset

At Rieusset we have been working for years with some of the leading brands in the dairy industry, helping them to develop innovative and sustainable labeling solutions adapted to their production and commercial needs.

Our expertise covers both roll labels and sleeves, and we work with technologies including rotogravure and digital printing. This allows us to offer versatile and efficient solutions for a wide variety of formats and products.

One of our most visual success stories is Rica, for whom we manufacture the sleeve for the single-serve milkshake and 1.5 L bottles. These formats stand out not only due to their eye-catching design, but also for their excellent production performance, which makes them an ideal option for high turnover products.

We also work for Central Lechera Asturiana, one of the most recognized brands in the market. Their labels, printed with precision and high quality finishes, reinforce the brand image and help maintain their positioning in the dairy sector.

Beyond printing, we perform color tests, carry out material testing and guarantee the compatibility of our labels with the packaging lines of each client. This allows us to offer a complete service adapted to the specific needs of each project.

At Rieusset, we strive to ensure that each label adds value and contributes to the success of the product, focusing on continuous improvement and putting quality first at every stage of the process. In a competitive environment such as the dairy industry, a well thought-out label can make all the difference. If you are looking for a labeling solution that combines sustainability and industrial efficiency, we are here to help.