World Plant Milk Day Highlights Shifting Consumer Preferences Across North American Dairy Markets

TORONTO, ON — Food industry analysts and agricultural associations marked World Plant Milk Day on Saturday by publishing updated consumer data showing that oat, soy, and almond beverages have captured a record 18.2 percent share of Canada’s retail beverage milk market.

Agricultural Processing and Crop Diversification

Prairie farmers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba have significantly expanded dedicated high-protein oat acreage to supply domestic processing plants in Winnipeg and Saskatoon, creating lucrative local value-added manufacturing supply chains.

"Plant-based alternatives have transitioned from a niche dietary category to a mainstream household staple," said Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. "Canadian processing investments are allowing domestic producers to capture global export demand."

Supply Management Co-Existence

Traditional dairy cooperatives have responded by launching ultra-filtered, high-protein dairy products, highlighting healthy coexistence and expanded choices across Canadian grocery aisles.