Nestle India [Get Quote] entered the probiotic milk market on Thursday by launching its new low-fat product, Nestle Nesvita Dahi.

During the day, Yakult Danone India, an equal joint venture between Yakult Honsha of Japan and Group Danone of France, and Mother Dairy too announced their entry into the probiotic market with a probiotic health drink and yoghurt.

Probiotics are special bacteria with the unique ability to reach the intestine alive and make a positive contribution in the functioning of the digestive system.

The rising health consciousness among the Indian consumer is set to open new avenues for probiotic product innovation in the market.

Globally, the market for probiotic products is estimated to be $14 billion with countries like Japan and Europe taking the lead.

"We feel that Indian consumers are becoming increasingly health conscious and it is the right time to launch probiotic food products in India. Yakult Danone India is setting up a manufacturing facility close to Delhi and will be shortly bringing in world's number one probiotic drink Yakult to India," said Kiyoshi Oike, managing director, Yakult Danone India.

Nestle's Nesvita Dahi is slated to roll out across the six metros in the future. It is available in packs of 200 gm and 400 gm, priced at Rs 15 and Rs 25, respectively.