Infant Nutrition Market (By Product Type: Infant Milk Formula, Baby Food; By Form: Solid, Liquid; By Sales Channel) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2024-2033

The global infant nutrition market was estimated at USD 365.63 million in 2023 and it is expected to surpass around USD 769.85 million by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.73% from 2024 to 2033.

Key Pointers

• North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 25% in 2023.
• The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• By Product Type, the infant milk formula segment held the largest revenue share of 39% in 2023.
• By Product Type, the baby food segment is anticipated to witness significant market growth over the forecast period.
• By Form, the solid form segment held the largest revenue share in 2023.
• By Sales Channel, the hypermarket/supermarket segment holds the market dominance with the largest share in 2023.
• By Sales Channel, the online channels segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Infant Nutrition Market Overview

The infant nutrition market is a crucial sector within the broader food industry, dedicated to meeting the specific dietary needs of infants during their initial stages of development. This market encompasses a diverse range of products designed to provide essential nutrients required for the optimal growth and well-being of infants. From formula milk to complementary feeding options, the infant nutrition market plays a pivotal role in supporting the nutritional requirements of this vulnerable demographic.

Infant Nutrition Market Growth

The growth of the infant nutrition market is propelled by several key factors. Increasing awareness among parents about the critical role of early nutrition in infant development has significantly contributed to the market's expansion. Moreover, ongoing technological advancements in nutritional science have led to the formulation of innovative products that closely replicate the nutritional composition of breast milk, fostering better infant health outcomes. A stringent regulatory framework ensures product safety and quality, instilling consumer confidence. Global trends, such as changing demographics and urbanization, further drive the demand for convenient and nutritionally rich infant feeding solutions. The emphasis on health and wellness has spurred a growing preference for organic and premium infant nutrition products, creating new avenues for market growth. These factors collectively create a conducive environment for sustained expansion in the infant nutrition market, with ample opportunities for innovation and market differentiation.

Report Scope of the Infant Nutrition Market

Infant Nutrition Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing Health Consciousness: The rising awareness among parents about the crucial role of early nutrition in shaping a child's health and development is a primary driver of the infant nutrition market. This heightened consciousness propels the demand for high-quality and nutritionally balanced infant nutrition products.
• Technological Advancements in Formulations: Ongoing advancements in nutritional science and technology contribute to the development of innovative infant formulae. Formulas that closely mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk, aided by scientific breakthroughs, appeal to parents seeking optimal nutrition for their infants.

Restraints

• Complex Nature of Infant Nutrition: The intricate nature of infant nutrition, with varying nutritional needs at different developmental stages, poses a challenge for formulators. Creating products that meet diverse requirements and preferences can be complex and may hinder market expansion.
• Competition from Breastfeeding: Despite advancements in formula formulations, breastfeeding remains the gold standard for infant nutrition. Promoting the benefits of formula over breast milk can be challenging, and market players must navigate the delicate balance between promoting their products and respecting breastfeeding recommendations.

Opportunities

• Expanding Product Lines: Market players have the opportunity to diversify and expand their product lines to meet the varied needs of infants. This includes the development of specialized formulas targeting specific health conditions or dietary requirements, providing a broader range of choices for caregivers.
• Focus on Organic and Premium Segments: The increasing demand for organic and premium infant nutrition products presents an opportunity for market players to focus on this segment. Offering products with natural, high-quality ingredients and positioning them as premium options can attract a growing segment of health-conscious consumers.

Product Type Insights

Infant milk formula segment held the largest revenue share of 39% in 2023. The market dominance was fueled by heightened parental awareness of optimal infant nutrition and the convenience of formula feeding. Continuous innovation in baby formula with formulations closely resembling breast milk nutrition appeals to consumers seeking specialized and high-quality options. Shifting lifestyles, including more working mothers and the prevalence of nuclear families, drive the adoption of infant milk formula as a convenient feeding choice. Manufacturers respond by offering diverse newborn formula products to meet varying dietary needs. For instance, in September 2022, Nestlé launched Nutrilearn Connect, featuring myelin, a unique ingredient, in Hong Kong.

Baby food segment is anticipated to witness significant market growth over the forecast period. Companies are strategically offering a diverse range of convenient and nutritious options for parents, capitalizing on the rising popularity of ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare baby food to meet the demand for time-saving solutions. These factors contribute to the sustained growth of the segment throughout the forecast period.

Form Insights

Solid form segment held the largest revenue share in 2023. Powdered infant formulas offer greater convenience and portability than liquid alternatives, making them a preferred choice for on-the-go parents or those who prefer flexibility in preparation. In addition, powdered formulas are generally more cost-effective than ready-to-feed or liquid concentrates, attracting price-sensitive consumers.

The liquid form segment is anticipated to witness a significant CAGR, driven by pre-packaged and sealed options, addressing contamination concerns, and appealing to parents prioritizing hygiene and safety.

Sales Channel Insights

The hypermarket/supermarket segment holds the market dominance with the largest share in 2023. Hypermarkets and supermarkets, such as SM Market, Walmart, Amazon, Morrisons, and others, provide a convenient one-stop shopping experience for parents seeking infant nutrition products alongside groceries and household items. The appeal of this convenience factor drives consumer preference for these retail channels. Companies are increasingly launching their products in hypermarkets/supermarkets to enhance sales. For instance, in July 2023, Else Nutrition expanded its distribution in the Midwest market through a partnership with Schnucks, a major regional supermarket chain. The Else Toddler Organic 22oz product is now available at approximately 110 Schnucks locations across Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.

Online channels segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Online platforms offer a broad range of infant nutrition products, including various formulas, baby food, and supplements. This extensive product selection allows consumers to explore different options and choose products that meet their preferences and requirements. The increasing internet penetration and global shift towards online shopping would likely drive the segment growth over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 25% in 2023, driven by factors such as the increasing number of working women, government support for quality healthcare, high purchasing power parity, and the presence of key market players. In the U.S., the proportion of working women is increasing. For instance, according to a Catalyst Organization analysis published in August 2022, there were 75,699,000 women aged 16 and up in the labor force in 2021, representing 56.1% of all women in the U.S. population and nearly half (47.0%) of the entire labor force. This trend highlights the growing reliance of working mothers on infant/baby nutrition, enabling them to feed their newborns conveniently, even in their absence.

Simultaneously, the region is witnessing strategies such as new product launches by startups and established baby-feeding companies. For instance, Sugarlogix, a startup, leverages advanced gene-editing technologies to replicate the most common breast milk sugars in a lab known for enhancing the baby's immune system. In addition, Bobbie Labs, its research, and development unit focused on enhancing newborn nutrition, was inaugurated in October 2022. Bobbie Labs is a crucial element of Bobbie's USD 100 million commitment to improve infant formula accessibility, quality, and choices for all US families.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period due to a rising number of childbirths and an increasing population of working women. The combination of high birth rates in some APAC countries and growing urbanization contributes to a large and expanding consumer base for infant nutrition products.

Infant Nutrition Market Key Companies

• Nestlé
• Walgreen Co.
• Nutricia
• Abbott
• The Hain Celestial Group
• Holle baby food AG
• China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited
• Perrigo Company plc,
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• DANA DAIRY GROUP

Recent Developments

Danone stated in September 2023 that a new newborn formula with milk droplets that closely resemble mothers' milk would be available in China.

The clinically proven, readily digested, and certified-clean ingredient baby formula from ByHeart, which will be sold at Target stores nationwide, will make its retail debut in August 2023. The business further said that it will reintroduce its product to customers directly at ByHeart.com later this year.

Danone stated in April 2023 that it would be expanding its line of nutrition products in Poland by purchasing ProMedica.

Infant Nutrition Market Report Segmentations:

By Product Type

• Infant Milk Formula
• Baby Food
• Follow-on Milk
• Others

By Form

• Solid
• Liquid

By Sales Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Pharmacy/Medical Stores
• Online Channels
• Specialty Stores
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa