The latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for August 2023–July 2024 reveals a noteworthy shift in Indian dietary patterns, according to a government report. Milk and milk-product consumption has increased across both rural and urban households. In urban areas, the share of milk in the consumption basket rose from 12.8% to 12.9%, while in rural areas, it climbed from 10.6% to 11.0%. Meanwhile, staple consumption saw modest declines: cereals dropped slightly to 38.7% from 38.8% in urban areas and more sharply from 46.9% to 45.9% in rural regions. Pulse consumption also diminished, with urban share falling from 9.6% to 9.1% and rural from 8.8% to 8.7%.
These nutritional shifts occurred despite overall per capita calorie intake holding relatively steady—at approximately 2,240–2,250 Kcal/day. Notably, consumption of high-value proteins such as eggs, fish, and meat increased in rural areas, from 12.3% to 12.4%, yet remained flat at about 14.1% in urban regions. The data also shows ‘other foods’—including fats, oils, and processed items—gaining share in both rural and urban diets.
Industry Insight:
This trend signals growing demand and consumer preference for dairy products amidst a gradual dietary transition. For dairy processors and investors, it underscores an opportunity to scale value-addition and diversify offerings—especially targeting growing rural markets and premium segments with fortified and convenience dairy options.
SOURCE : DAIRYNEWS7X7 JULY 3RD 2025