HRA in The Dairymen 2025
Every autumn, The Grocer publishes its flagship Dairymen supplement; an in-depth look at the performance, challenges, and opportunities across the UK dairy sector. It has become one of the most anticipated reports in the industry and a valuable resource for those working with dairy.
At HRA Global, we’ve contributed to The Dairymen for many years, sharing our perspective on the consumer shifts, regulatory pressures, and innovation opportunities shaping categories from butter and spreads to yoghurt, ice cream, and cheese.
This year is a particular milestone, with four members of the team featured across the report. Ellen, Liv, Kim, and Hamish each provide expert commentary on their respective categories, reflecting both the breadth and depth of expertise within the team.
From the clean-label demands reshaping yoghurt, to the bold flavours driving a blue cheese revival, to the lifestyle storytelling influencing ice cream and the natural appeal of block butter, the 2025 edition highlights the dynamics set to define dairy in the year ahead.
Check out the summary of each contribution below and click through to read the full articles on The Grocer’s website:
Butter & Spreads Under Pressure
Butter & Spreads Under PressureEllen Jenkins, shares her insights on the trends shaping one of dairy’s most traditional yet fast-evolving categories.
She highlights how block butter continues to win favour with health-conscious consumers thanks to its perception as a more natural, minimally processed option. While shoppers may be more cautious with usage as prices rise, butter’s reputation for authenticity is keeping demand strong.
She also points to the growing excitement around flavoured butters, predicting sweet and adventurous flavour profiles will continue to expand: from cinnamon bun to miso, and even umami and yuzu. Versatility in baking and desserts makes this an innovation space to watch. Read the full article in The Grocer here: https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/category-reports/spread-too-thin-dairymen-butter-and-spreads-category-report-2025/709969.article
Ice Cream in the Spotlight
Ice Cream in the SpotlightThe UK ice cream category is as competitive and creative as ever. Olivia Lucas, Project Delivery Executive, explores how regulation, digital platforms, and brand identity are shaping the market.
With new HFSS advertising restrictions on the horizon, she highlights how ice cream brands will need to become more inventive in their communications. She predicts a shift from direct product-pushing towards richer, lifestyle-driven storytelling that connects with consumers on a deeper level.
She also points to the importance of brand love and recognition in a crowded category. As she notes, the brands that succeed will be those that people actively seek out, staying top-of-mind even when advertising space becomes more limited. Read the full article in The Grocer here:
https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/category-reports/the-viral-scoop-dairymen-ice-cream-category-report-2025/709720.article
Yoghurt: Balancing Simplicity and Substance
Yoghurt: Balancing Simplicity and SubstanceThe yoghurt category is on the rise, but not without challenges. Kim Shaddick, Senior Research Consultant, sheds light on how consumer expectations are reshaping the sector.
She points out that brands are under pressure from the growing awareness of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Shoppers are demanding shorter ingredient lists, fewer additives, and healthier profiles, yet they still want yoghurts that deliver on taste and texture. It’s a tough balancing act – offering products that feel substantial and satisfying while cutting back on thickeners, stabilisers, sugar, and artificial sweeteners. For yoghurt makers, the winners will be those who can deliver clean-label products without compromising on indulgence.
Read the full article in The Grocer here: https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/category-reports/a-simple-aim-dairymen-yoghurt-category-report-2025/709882.article
British Cheese: Heritage Meets Innovation
British Cheese: Heritage Meets InnovationThe British cheese market is in flux, with blue cheeses enjoying a resurgence, territorials under pressure, and even cottage cheese making a viral comeback. Hamish Renton, CEO of HRA Global, shares his perspective on where the opportunities lie.
He points out that British blue cheese is increasingly valued for its flavour and provenance, resonating with younger consumers who are seeking authenticity and craft. But the opportunities don’t stop there: he sees potential for territorial cheeses like Wensleydale and double Gloucester to be repositioned with stronger storytelling, clearer labelling, and new usage occasions.
He also highlights the importance of consumer education, helping shoppers discover the versatility of bold cheeses, whether on menus, in recipes, or as part of everyday meals. And beyond blue, he notes that cottage cheese is enjoying a “phoenix from the flames” moment, fuelled by TikTok trends and high-protein diets.
The key to sustaining momentum? Innovation in textures, flavours and formats, ensuring British cheese continues to evolve while staying true to its heritage.
Read the full article in The Grocer here: https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/category-reports/blue-bounces-back-dairymen-british-cheese-category-report-2025/709875.article
We’re proud to contribute to The Grocer’s Dairymen and thank the team for featuring our perspectives once again.
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