August 22nd is World Plant Milk Day – a day that marks the fact that millions of people across the world are turning away from dairy and towards plant-based alternatives. It is thought that the dairy alternatives industry is set to top $35 billion by 2024, up from $8.2 billion in 2014, with over 58% of people in the US now using or having tried plant milks.

Meanwhile, there are now fewer than 9,500 dairy farms in the UK compared with 13,000 a decade ago. Predictions suggest there will only be around 5,000 by 2025. This demonstrates a significant market trend away from dairy and towards plant-based milks, representing one of the biggest global dietary shifts ever, according to ProVeg UK

“Never before have we seen people across the world transition so quickly from one foodstuff to its alternatives in this way. People are fast realising that plant milks outweigh dairy in terms of benefits for personal health, animal welfare and the environment,” said Zephie Begolo, Head of Campaigns for ProVeg UK.

The plant milk market, which was predicted to surpass $16 billion this year alone, is booming thanks to a rapid increase in plant-based alternatives that are flooding the market.

“Consumers can now buy a huge variety of plant milks and dairy alternatives and they are more readily available than ever. And with big supermarkets, high street chains, retailers and food outlets buying into the trend, it seems it is unstoppable,” Zephie added.

Brands, cafes and restaurants across the UK including Kellogg’s, Bella Italia, Handmade Burger Co, Pret a Manger and Starbucks are set to join the campaign with special promotions on their dairy-free food and beverages on or around World Plant Milk Day. Consumers are advised to watch this space to see what will be on offer.

World Plant Milk Day was founded by ProVeg UK and Plant Based News in 2017 to raise awareness of the vast array of plant milks on the market, highlight their many benefits and to encourage people to make the switch.

ProVeg UK recently launched its 7-Day Dairy-Free Challenge, which is calling on people to give up dairy for a week.

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