Infant Nutrition Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Baby Food and Infant Formula Market is Segmented by Product (Infant Formula, and Baby Food) and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America). The Market Size and Value (in USD Million) for the Above Segments.

Infant Nutrition Market Size

Infant Nutrition Market Summary
Study Period 2021 - 2029
Market Size (2024) USD 94.77 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 134.86 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 7.31 %
Fastest Growing Market North America
Largest Market Asia Pacific

Major Players

Infant Nutrition Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

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Infant Nutrition Market Analysis

The Infant Nutrition Market size is estimated at USD 94.77 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 134.86 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.31% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The rising cases of COVID-19 in the initial phase of the pandemic have had a short-term adverse impact on the export-import activities in the nutrition sector. The direct short-term impact on the nutrition sector was less prominent; however, the effect of COVID-19 on the global economy had a significant indirect influence on the nutrition-related divisions of several manufacturers. During COVID-19, healthcare facilities, infant nutrition companies, and the government invested heavily in maintaining the supply of essential nutrition and food. Most baby nutrition companies focused on ramping up the production of baby food to ensure availability. In May 2020, the AAP also recommended that during the pandemic, people should buy no more than 10 days to two weeks' supply of formula to ensure its availability across the population. However, the post-pandemic era witnessed a substantial change in the consumer buying patterns of infant formula products. With the upsurge in e-commerce, tier three and four cities globally observed an increase in the uptake of infant nutrition products, thereby propelling the baby formula market's growth. Therefore, COVID-19 had an adverse effect on the baby nutrition market initially, but the growing initiatives after the pandemic are expected to boost the growth of the baby nutrition market over the forecast period. 

Certain factors propelling the growth of the infant nutrition market include an increase in the working mother population, higher spending on baby health, and the rising demand for organic baby food. For instance, over the past few years, there has been a remarkable increase in the population of young working mothers. This has worked as a key factor in propelling the growth of the baby nutrition market, as these working mothers are heavily dependent on processed infant nutrition products. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the number of working mothers has increased to one of the highest levels in recent decades. In 2021, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) of the United Kingdom published data on families and the labor market. The data revealed that the number of mothers in the labor market had grown substantially over the last two decades. From April to June 2021, three in four mothers (75.6%) were working in the United Kingdom, reaching its highest level in the equivalent quarter over the last 20 years, up from 66.5% in 2002. In 2021, the employment rate for mothers (75.6%) was greater than that for women without dependent children (69.1%). The low wages and high cost of living in cities have increased the number of women working to support their families. Therefore, this factor plays a key role in driving the infant food nutrition market, as working mothers are primarily dependent on processed child nutrition products. 

Stress is also currently one of the most common problems working women face, which causes low milk production in them. These factors have encouraged the adoption of convenience-oriented lifestyles, making infant formula and baby foods more desirable. , According to baby formula industry analysis, factors such as the growth of the middle class, rapid urbanization, and rising rates of female participation in the labor force in many developing markets have encouraged the adoption of convenience-oriented lifestyles, making prepared baby foods and baby formula more desirable. 

The increasing middle-class population in emerging and developing countries has opened new horizons in the baby formula market, as the need for products compatible with a working mom's schedule is growing. However, increasing approval from the US FDA and product launches by baby nutrition companies are expected to boost the market. For instance, in January 2021, Timios launched its new category of "Made to Order Porridge" for infants and toddlers. 

Similarly, in August 2022, Danone launched a new dairy and plant blend baby formula to meet parents' desire for more plant-based foods. Therefore, these factors are expected to boost the growth of the infant nutrition market share. 

However, concerns regarding food safety and stringent regulations for infant food are expected to hinder the growth of the baby formula market size. 

Infant Nutrition Market Trends

This section covers the major market trends shaping the Baby Nutrition Market according to our research experts:

Dried baby food is either refrigerated or powdered form products that have a comparatively higher shelf life than traditional packaged food. These products are easy to carry and consume. Meeting government standards in terms of food safety, hygiene, and nutritional value, along with an attractive flavor variety, will drive the demand for dried baby food. Nutrient-rich formula and the option of lactose- and soy-free milk versions make this a good option, especially for working women. 

The rising COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures introduced to reduce the spread of COVID-19 resulted in a rapid change in circumstances for pregnant women, new mothers, and their infants. The global food and beverage industry is one of the major industries suffering due to the outbreak of COVID-19. These factors have severely affected the baby formula market. There was a huge loss found disrupting the sales of market products, and market players were found investing heavily in maintaining the supply of essential nutrition and food to children. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends iron-fortified cow's milk infant formula as it is most appropriate for babies (0 to 12 months old) who are not breastfed or who are partially breastfed. 

The infant nutrition companies resort to various strategic initiatives, such as new product launches, to strengthen their foothold in the market and expand their product offerings. For instance, in February 2021, the company planned to launch instant baby cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables, freeze-dried finger foods, and teething biscuits in the near term. 

Due to changing lifestyles and the need to supply additional nutrients to infants apart from breastfeeding, the demand for infant-dried food is expected to grow, thereby driving the infant formula market growth.

Infant Nutrition Market : Birth Rate by Country 2021 (number of births per 1,000 population)

North America is Expected to Witness High Growth Throughout the Forecast Period

The Infant Formula Market in North America is expected to grow due to the increasing number of working women and the increasing demand for baby food. The presence of high per capita healthcare expenditure, coupled with high awareness levels and rising disposable income, is also contributing to the growth of the baby nutrition market in the region. 

The rising COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sales of baby nutrition products due to the lockdown. There were rising efforts to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, which is disrupting food systems, upending health and nutrition services, devastating livelihoods, and threatening food security. However, the market players are found to invest heavily in maintaining the supply of essential nutrition and food to children. 

The percentage of working women is high and rising in the United States. As per a report by the Catalyst Organization published in August 2022, there were 75,699,000 women aged 16 and above in the labor force, representing 56.1% of all women in the US population and making up close to half (47.0%) of the total labor force in 2021. As a result of these factors, working women find infant/baby nutrition helpful, which can be fed to their babies even in their absence. 

According to the 2020-2025 United States DGAs provided by the INCA, USDA, and HHS, commercial, iron-fortified infant formula was the only safe and recommended alternative for those who cannot or choose not to use breast milk in the United States. 

Additionally, in August 2022, Reckitt received approval from the US FDA to import 150 metric tons (approximately 331,000 pounds) of infant formula base powder from Reckitt's nutrition facility in Delicias, Mexico. 

There is also a rising number of start-ups in the United States that work with existing infant nutrition companies to improve their blends. A start-up called Sugarlogix is using cutting-edge gene-editing tools to recreate the most common breast milk sugars in a lab, which are known to be associated with boosting the baby's immune system. Moreover, in October 2022, Bobbie launched Bobbie Labs, its research and development hub dedicated to evolving infant feeding. Bobbie Labs is a core element of Bobbie's commitment to invest USD 100 million to increase infant formula access, quality, and options for all US families by 2030, via funding critical research that will reimagine the future of infant feeding through the lens of research and data. Several more such initiatives are expected to boost the growth of the baby formula market. Hence, the robust guidelines and new initiatives and start-ups have helped the increasing demand for infant nutrition be met, which has helped the overall growth of the infant formula market size in the region. 

Moreover, consumers, especially in developed countries, are willing to pay premium amounts for such products, owing to the general perception that these products are healthier and safer than conventional products. 

Infant Nutrition Market - Growth Rate by Region

Infant Nutrition Industry Overview

The baby nutrition market is competitive in nature. Some of the baby nutrition companies currently dominating the market studied are Abbott Laboratories, Baby Gourmet Foods Inc., Bellamy's Australia Limited, Danone SA, Royal Friesland Campina NV, Reckitt Benckiser (Mead Johnson), Nestlé SA, Perrigo Company PLC, Parent's Choice Infant Formula, The Kraft Heinz Company, Meiji Holdings, Beingmate Group, Synutra International Inc., Glanbia PLC, and Dana Dairy Group Ltd.

Infant Nutrition Market Leaders

  1. Abbott Laboratories

  2. BABY GOURMET

  3. Danone S.A.

  4. Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC.

  5. Nestle

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Infant Nutrition Market Concentration
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Infant Nutrition Market News

  • In October 2022, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc. launched its flagship Chinese store on Tmall Global in September and is now selling Else Nutrition Toddler Formula and Baby Cereal products directly to Chinese consumers through the store. The opening of the Chinese market is the third market for Else in its international expansion.
  • In September 2022, Nestlé identified a nutrient blend of components found in breast milk, myelin, and launched Nutrilearn Connect, an infant formula containing the novel ingredient, in Hong Kong before expanding to other markets.

Infant Nutrition Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Increase in Working Mother Population
    • 4.2.2 Higher Spending on Infant Health
    • 4.2.3 Rising Demand for Organic Baby Food
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Concerns Regarding Food Safety
    • 4.3.2 Stringent Regulations for Infant Food
  • 4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD million)

  • 5.1 By Product
    • 5.1.1 Infant Formula
    • 5.1.1.1 First Infant Formula
    • 5.1.1.2 Follow-on Formula
    • 5.1.1.3 Growing-up Formula
    • 5.1.1.4 Specialty Baby Formula
    • 5.1.2 Baby Food
    • 5.1.2.1 Prepared Food
    • 5.1.2.2 Dried Food
    • 5.1.2.3 Other Baby Foods
  • 5.2 Geography
    • 5.2.1 North America
    • 5.2.1.1 United States
    • 5.2.1.2 Canada
    • 5.2.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.2.2 Europe
    • 5.2.2.1 Germany
    • 5.2.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.2.2.3 France
    • 5.2.2.4 Italy
    • 5.2.2.5 Spain
    • 5.2.2.6 Rest of Europe
    • 5.2.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.2.3.1 China
    • 5.2.3.2 Japan
    • 5.2.3.3 India
    • 5.2.3.4 Australia
    • 5.2.3.5 South Korea
    • 5.2.3.6 Rest of Asia Pacific
    • 5.2.4 Middle East & Africa
    • 5.2.4.1 GCC
    • 5.2.4.2 South Africa
    • 5.2.4.3 Rest of Middle East & Africa
    • 5.2.5 South America
    • 5.2.5.1 Brazil
    • 5.2.5.2 Argentina
    • 5.2.5.3 Rest of South America

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Company Profiles
    • 6.1.1 Abbott Laboratories
    • 6.1.2 Baby Gourmet Foods Inc.
    • 6.1.3 Bellamy's Australia Limited
    • 6.1.4 Danone SA
    • 6.1.5 Royal FrieslandCampina NV
    • 6.1.6 Reckitt Benckiser (Mead Johnson)
    • 6.1.7 Nestlé SA
    • 6.1.8 Perrigo Company PLC
    • 6.1.9 Parent's Choice Infant Formula
    • 6.1.10 The Kraft Heinz Company
    • 6.1.11 Meiji Holdings
    • 6.1.12 Synutra International Inc.
    • 6.1.13 Dana Dairy Group Ltd
  • *List Not Exhaustive

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

** Subject To Availablity
**Subject to Availability
**Competitive Landscape covers- Business Overview, Financials, Products and Strategies, and Recent Developments
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Infant Nutrition Industry Segmentation

As per the scope of the report, infant nutrition is a substitute for breast milk. The initial six months after birth play a crucial role in the development of a child, and ensuring optimal nutrition during this period is of paramount importance. Breast milk is highly nutritious and contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins that are imperative for the child's development. However, in some instances, the mother may not be able to produce breast milk or may not be able to breastfeed the baby due to other reasons. In such cases, infant nutrition products act as a suitable substitute. The Infant Nutrition Market is segmented by Product (Infant Formula, and Baby Food) and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America). The market report also covers the estimated infant formula market size and trends for 17 different countries across major regions globally. The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above-mentioned segments.

By Product Infant Formula First Infant Formula
Follow-on Formula
Growing-up Formula
Specialty Baby Formula
By Product Baby Food Prepared Food
Dried Food
Other Baby Foods
Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Geography Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Geography Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
Geography Middle East & Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
Geography South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
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Infant Nutrition Market Research FAQs

The Infant Nutrition Market size is expected to reach USD 94.77 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 7.31% to reach USD 134.86 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Infant Nutrition Market size is expected to reach USD 94.77 billion.

Abbott Laboratories, BABY GOURMET, Danone S.A., Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC. and Nestle are the major companies operating in the Infant Nutrition Market.

North America is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).

In 2024, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Infant Nutrition Market.

In 2023, the Infant Nutrition Market size was estimated at USD 87.84 billion. The report covers the Infant Nutrition Market historical market size for years: 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Infant Nutrition Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.

The opportunities in the Infant Nutrition Market for emerging economies are a) Increased knowledge about the importance of proper infant nutrition fuels market growth b) Local manufacturing can cater to specific needs and cultural preferences, potentially reducing import reliance

Infant Nutrition Industry Report

The baby food and infant formula market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing awareness and acceptance of these products. Urbanization, changing lifestyles, and a rise in the number of working mothers are key factors contributing to market expansion. Specialized products, such as alpha-lactalbumin-rich infant formulas, are in high demand due to their tailored nutritional benefits for infants.

The global market is segmented by product, including infant formula and baby food, and by geography, covering regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. The market size and value for these segments are substantial, reflecting the industry's robust growth.

Parental awareness and the growing trend towards organic ingredients are driving the market share of infant milk formula and baby food segments. The market showcases innovation and strategic collaborations aimed at enhancing product offerings. Regulatory standards play a crucial role in ensuring that these products are safe and nutritious for infants.

Sales channels are evolving to meet consumer preferences, with hypermarkets and online platforms becoming increasingly popular. This dynamic landscape highlights the industry's commitment to infant health. Industry analysis and market research indicate a positive market outlook, with industry trends suggesting continued growth and market value appreciation.

Market segmentation and market data provide insights into the diverse dietary solutions available, catering to the nutritional needs of infants. Industry reports and market reviews offer a comprehensive industry overview and market forecast, helping stakeholders understand market dynamics and make informed decisions.

The market leaders are leveraging industry information and industry statistics to maintain their competitive edge. The industry outlook remains optimistic, with market predictions indicating sustained growth. Research companies are actively engaged in studying market trends and providing valuable industry research.

Overall, the baby food and infant formula market is poised for continued expansion, driven by innovation, strategic collaborations, and a strong focus on infant health and nutrition. The report pdf and report example from Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports offer detailed insights and a comprehensive market review.

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Infant Nutrition Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)