Plant-based milks have been growing in popularity  the past decade. This is because more people are switching  vegan diets and foods that are more sustainably produced. A recent cause  people switching  dairy to plant-based alternatives is the global rise  the prices of foodstuffs. This has been exacerbated  Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. This has increased the costs  fertilizer and feed for cows. Many countries in Europe and Asia rely on Russia for  50 per cent of their fertilizer supply.  addition, the supply of Ukrainian corn used to feed cows has almost dried up. The UK's National Farming Union has said fertilizer prices have risen fourfold and animal feed  70 per cent.
The global plant-based milk market is projected to more than double  the next ten years. Experts have forecast a rise  $53 billion in 2028  $22 billion in 2021. Consumers now have a dizzying array  plant-based milk options. Supermarket shelves are stocked  milk made from soy, almonds, coconuts, cashews, oats and more. In February, the world's first potato milk was launched. It is  a Swedish milk brand called Dug and is described as being "deliciously creamy". Dug is advertised as, "the most sustainable plant-based dairy alternative  the market". The dairy milk industry is defending its product. It is reminding people that dairy milk is rich  calcium, protein and vitamin D.