Is Ozempic a threat to the dairy industry of 18 billion euros in Ireland?

For the dairy industry of 18 billion euros in Ireland, the rise in power of Ozempic drugs or other GLP-1 can present challenges thanks to a reduction in the consumption of certain dairy products but of an increase in others such as cottage cheese and yogurts.

During a recent seminar on the dairy markets of BIA BIA, Nicholas Fereday, executive director of Rabobank Research, said that the rise in weight loss drugs is an evolving subject that changes “daily”.

Ozempic drugs and other weight weights

“The first thoughts of food societies in response to this (weight loss drugs) are that it is a manageable threat because the supply constraints of this new class of drugs are so limited that there is no way that a large percentage of the population takes it back.”

We expected only 1% to 2% of the American adult population to take these drugs by 2030. “Fast advance until today, this figure has been completely blown away from water,” said Fereday.

He explained that around 10% to 12% of the American adult population several times take GLP-1 medicines, trying them for a certain time, “which is equivalent to around 25 m to 30 m adults in the United States, mainly women”.

“It is also important to emphasize that mainly women control the household budget, the impact of these drugs on what they eat influences all the cleaning,” he said.

By focusing on food implications, Fereday said: “We now know that consumers do not only eat less, about 10 to 15% less on these drugs. They also eat very differently too. ”

His comments were reflected by Grace Binchy, responsible for industry and international information at Bord BIA who said that the rise in popularity and the use of GLP-1 drugs has created a “conscientious consumer”.

There was an increased demand for meals more controlled by portions and rich in nutrients, with Ms. Binchy, citing the new range of vital dishes from Nestlé de Nestlé de Nestlé de Nestlé de Nestlé de Nestlé, specifically intended for users of GLP-1 as well as people on weight management programs.

With an increase in interest in more foods rich in protein, consumers on these drugs “are looking for foods richer in nutrients, their desires of sweet teeth have been composed, which also has an impact on snacks,” said Fereday.

Globally, the generalized adoption of these drugs could have the potential to change the economy of food production as we know it. Investors and stakeholders can start to seriously reconsider investments made in fast food, confectionery and other practical food companies, making GLP-1 a significant threat.

Discussing a recently published Cornell study, Mr. Fereday said that, although, as a whole less cream, milk, cheese, ice cream and GLP-1 users, more cottage cheese and yogurt have been consumed.

“These drugs have never been considered a unique solution; they had to be taken in parallel with a change in lifestyle and food consumption,” said Fereday.

A similar feeling was established in the presentation of Ms. Binchy, as it reported that Danone North America had increased 4.2% of the consumption volume in the fourth quarter of 2024, especially in their range of high protein products. The company takes it as an early indicator of the impact that GLP-1 can have on the market.

Food and drinks trends

Discussing consumer trends, Lu Ann Williams, co-founder and world research vice-president with Innova Market Insights, said the number one trend for consumers in 2025 is “ingredients and beyond”.

As consumer demand for added value in products becomes a standard, it is general to raise the quality of the products beyond the ingredients.

According to a recent innova study, Ms. Williams explained: “Consumers prioritize the safety and natural products” for dairy products. She added that almost one in five consumer would reduce their dairy consumption due to artificial ingredients in processed dairy products.

Precision Wellness is the second largest trend for 2025, which is difficult for brands to meet the nutritional needs targeted at any stage of life.

The dairy market has experienced a “growth of 24% of product launches specific to children from 2023 to 2024,” said Williams.

Other precision well-being approaches other than age specific products include balanced nutrition, specific to sex, based on lifestyle, specific to the state and performance.

As mentioned, with the rise of weight management drugs and an increase in interest in healthier lifestyles, Ms. Williams also commented on product manufacturing brands specially adapted to health needs.

An increase of 38% of the new dairy launches followed with a “ weight management complaint ” was observed from 2023 to 2024. Another innova survey declared that a consumer in five considered weight management as the main reason for the health of maintaining milk consumption.

With one in four consumer concerned about animal welfare, dairy brands have advanced their efforts to make consumer minds comfortable with a 16% increase in animal welfare allegations from brands from 2022 to 2024.

There is also an increase in environmental concerns with regard to eating habits and consumer drinks. Climate adaptation is at number six on food trends and drinks for 2025. An innova survey has revealed that 22% of consumers cite environmental concerns surrounding subjects such as carbon emissions and water use in terms of milk consumption.

Ms. Williams explained that 30% of consumers worldwide have chosen products with packaging adapted to the environment or less. Williams said that a “critical component” in the objective of the dairy industry towards a sustainable future is also the association of sustainable packaging.