Concentrated sweetened milk and cream market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The market for concentrated sweetened milk and cream in Japan expanded from 3.3 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 4.0 thousand metric tons in 2020. This growth was driven by active product development, including the introduction of lactose-free functional milk and premium clean-label segments that attracted health-conscious consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further boosted at-home consumption of dairy products, supporting market expansion.

Following the peak in 2020, the market volume contracted to 3.1 thousand metric tons by 2023. The revision of the Food Labeling Act in 2021 led to stricter labeling requirements, raising compliance standards for manufacturers. Concurrently, a shift in consumer preferences toward plant-based milk alternatives diverted demand away from traditional dairy products, while tighter food safety regulations introduced in 2022 also influenced market dynamics.

Production remained robust through 2022, exceeding 3.8 thousand metric tons, but declined in 2023 amid changing consumer tastes and the evolving regulatory landscape.

Production concentrated sweetened milk and cream in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of concentrated sweetened milk and cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of concentrated sweetened milk and cream, 2018-2021

Japan's production of concentrated sweetened milk and cream has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 3 823 tonnes, marking a modest 2.9% increase from 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 21.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of growth, Japan's production value for concentrated sweetened milk and cream fell in 2021. The output was valued at 23 753 thousand US dollars, reflecting a slight decline of 7.3% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value increased by 32.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 25 622 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 35.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports concentrated sweetened milk and cream from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Japan's exports of concentrated sweetened milk and cream have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 124.9 tonnes, showing a modest 9.9% rise from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 43.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Asia, not elsewhere specified, remained the dominant export destination in volume terms, accounting for 83.7% of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed across various other markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Japan's export value for concentrated sweetened milk and cream declined in 2021. Exports totaled 776 thousand US dollars, indicating a slight 1.0% decrease from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, export value increased by 56.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 16.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 784 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 35.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Asia, not elsewhere specified, consistently represented 76.7% of total export value, highlighting a strong focus on this market. The remainder was shared among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021

Imports concentrated sweetened milk and cream to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during these years. In 2019, imports peaked at 576.9 tonnes, but by 2021, they had dropped to 165.1 tonnes, representing a 54.0% decrease from the previous year and a 3.5-fold difference from the 2019 high. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 152.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Italy, and Australia were the main sources for imports in volume terms, with shares of 27.4%, 27.1%, and 26.6%, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 81.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Japan's import value for concentrated sweetened milk and cream declined for the second year in a row in 2021. Imports amounted to 1 329 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp drop of 34.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value decreased by 5.9%, with an annualized decline rate of 2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 359 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 66.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Italy, Belgium, and Australia were the top contributors to import value, with shares of 48.4%, 29.2%, and 12.6%, respectively. Combined, these three countries made up 90.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021