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Market Overview

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The global infant nutrition market was valued at USD 68.44 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 106.84 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. The Convention on the Child’s Rights recognizes the right of every infant and child to receive proper nutrition. Consumer awareness of health, a better understanding of children’s health and fitness, and the increasing adoption of natural and organic infant nutrition products are key drivers of market growth.

First infant formula holds significant potential in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, accounting for 47.81% of the market share. This can be attributed to the growing health awareness and demand for personalized nutrition for infants. Rapid modernization and rising disposable incomes in developing and developed nations contribute to the increasing demand for infant nutrition solutions. Urbanization is expected to further drive market growth during the forecast period.

The demand for organic infant formula is being fueled by parents’ interest in providing their infants with organic nutrition and a focus on sustainability. Around 47% of global consumers seek organic food and drinks due to environmental concerns. There is a significant opportunity for players to boost sales of organic infant nutrition products as the number of working mothers worldwide continues to rise, along with their spending power.

Today, parents are selecting formulas based on their infants’ specific needs and preferences, driving the growth of the personalized nutrition market. China has the highest potential in this market. Notably, Nestle, a prominent player, has introduced a plant-based infant formula as part of their commitment to vegan products. The rise of e-commerce platforms has also contributed to increased demand for infant food enriched with vitamins, such as vitamin D.

The use of probiotic supplements in infant formula, baby food, and supplements for healthy early life is another factor driving market growth. Product innovation plays a significant role in the expanding baby nutrition market. In 2020, the APAC region held the largest share of the infant nutrition market at 44.69%.

In North America, the trend in infant nutrition is towards customization, with a focus on developing tailored infant nutrition products to meet individual needs.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including product type, forms, distribution channels, and geography.

Segmentation by Product Type
First Infant Formula
Follow-On Formula
Growing-Up Formula
Specialty Baby Formula

Segmentation by Forms
Powder Formula
Concentrated Liquid Formula
Ready-To-Feed Formula

Segmentation by Distribution Channels
Supermarket & Hypermarkets
Pharmacies & Drugstores
Online Channels
Convenience Stores
Others

Segmentation by Geography
North America – US, Canada
Europe – Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain
APAC – China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia
Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
Middle East & Africa – South Africa, UAE

In 2020, the specialty baby formula segment was valued at USD 5.39 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.58% during the forecast period. The fastest-growing category among breastmilk substitutes is the follow-on formula. Growing-up formula and toddlers’ milk are marketed as alternatives to whole cow’s milk for children over one year old.

The powder formula segment is expected to contribute USD 22.70 billion to the market by 2026. High demand for powder formula is anticipated in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa regions. This growth can be attributed to factors such as convenience, ease of mixing, and increased sterilization compared to powdered formula in the baby nutrition market.

The global ready-to-feed formula segment is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 8.69% in the coming years. Distribution methods play a crucial role in determining the sales and market share of brands in the infant nutrition market. In 2020, supermarkets and hypermarkets emerged as the dominant distribution channels and are expected to maintain this momentum throughout the forecast period. Additionally, many players sell their products through online platforms due to the convenience and ease of shopping they offer.

The APAC region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the infant nutrition market, with a CAGR of 8.67% during the forecast period. The region’s large consumer base and rapidly increasing purchasing power have attracted investments from multinational brands. For example, Nestle, a key player, has entered China’s third and fourth-tier cities and implemented substitution strategies, contributing to its sales recovery in 2020. Innovative packaging of baby nutrition products is driving the growth of infant formula and supporting the development of infant nutrition in the APAC region. Goat milk is also a focus for producing infant formulas, further augmenting the infant formula market in APAC. Sales of infant nutrition products are expected to be higher in lower-tier cities compared to first and second-tier cities in APAC.

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Competitive Landscape

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The infant nutrition market is characterized by intense competition, with numerous players vying for market share. The global market is predominantly controlled by vendors with a strong international presence. These international players are expected to expand their operations worldwide, particularly in rapidly developing countries in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and Latin America, in order to augment their market share. According to industry reports, China and India offer highly lucrative and significant markets for plant-based baby formula. For example, Else Nutrition Holdings, an organization specializing in the baby formula segment of the plant-based market, offers a 100% non-soy, non-dairy, plant-based alternative. In order to gain a competitive edge, players in the market are actively manufacturing infant nutrition products with innovative specifications.

Key companies profiled in this report include Abbott, Danone, Nestle, Mead Johnson & Company, Perrigo Company, Meiji Holdings Company, Reckitt Benckiser, Arla Foods, Bellamy’s Organic, FrieslandCampina, Parent’s Choice Infant Formula, The Kraft Heinz Company, Beinmei Company, Glanbia, Dana Dairy Group, GCMMF, HiPP, Hero Group, Ausnutria Dairy Company, Babynat, Earth’s Best, FASSKA, Yashili International Holdings, Happy Family Organics, Holy baby food, Else, MORINAGA MILK INDUSTRY COMPANY.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the projected growth rate of the Infant Nutrition Market?

The Infant Nutrition Market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.70% during the forecast period.

Which region holds the largest share in the Global Infant Nutrition Market?

As of 2020, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market holds the largest share, accounting for 44.69% of the Global Infant Nutrition Market.

Who are the major players in the Infant Nutrition Market?

The key players in the Infant Nutrition Market include Abbott, Danone, Nestle, Mead Johnson & Company, and Perrigo Company.

What are the different types of products in the Infant Nutrition Market?

The Infant Nutrition Market offers a range of products, including first infant formula, follow-on formula, growing-up formula, and specialty baby formula.

Which distribution channel is expected to have the highest market share in the Infant Nutrition Market?

Supermarkets & hypermarkets are anticipated to have the highest market share in the Infant Nutrition Market by 2026.