Global Infant Nutrition Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030

MARKET INSIGHTS

The global infant nutrition market was valued at USD 81.38 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 110.28 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period. The market has witnessed exponential growth in recent and upcoming years due to the attention growing towards infant health and nutrition, vendors are seeking for most advanced and highest quality product development. Recently, the infant nutrition market has observed several trends including a shift from organic to vegan-based infant formulas, mimicking of breastmilk with advanced and safe ingredients, and continued increasing product launches. These factors are responsible for continued development in the market growth.

MARKET DEFINITION

Infant nutrition is a process of feeding essential nutrients to support an infant’s development, growth, and resistance to diseases. Breast milk or formula is the primary source of infant nutrition. From birth to adulthood, adequate infant nutrition is fundamental to a child’s continued health. Every infant has the right to good nutrition under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Worldwide, in most countries, less than 4th of infants have a source to the required feeding frequency and dietary diversity. However, child malnutrition is steadily growing due to several factors such as birth defects, congenital diseases, economic instability, lack of awareness, poverty, etc.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Rising Interest in Mimicking the Nutrition of Breast Milk

In infant care, nutrition is an exciting category that is expected to be continuously driven by research & development (R&D). Of these, one of the most popular trends is the development (mimicking) of breast milk. In human breast milk, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are considered the most essential compound that majorly contributes to the infant's health, growth, and development. In recent years, the growing interest in the development of breast milk formulas with HMOs become a more popular trend across the global market. Worldwide, new baby milk/formula launches with HMO ingredients growing rapidly) more than 10 folds from 2016 to 2022. the growing awareness and interest in the role of HMOs in breast milk formula development is expected to deliver significant market growth opportunities. In 2023, Nestlé developed and launched a growing-up milk solution with HMOs for early-life nutrition in China, under its Wyeth Illuma Brand.

Growing Concern and Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Infants

Malnutrition is a highly common condition in infants and its severity and prevalence growing rapidly across the world. Malnutrition is the demand for an adequate amount of nutrition in the first 1,000 days (around 3 years). Of these, infant age is most essential to understanding the nutritional demand and appropriate demand. Malnutrition affects much earlier in babies and more nutritional support is required for newborns to prevent disease, impaired cognition, and death. In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that severe acute malnutrition is highly recognized in infants under 6 months of age and it also accounted for higher mortality. In 2023, around 37% of infants under 6 months of age are underweight and 20% are wasted. The impact of malnutrition is highly seen across the lower resource settings, and the highest burden is seen in South Asia where more than 20% of children were stunted at birth in 2022. The factors behind infant malnutrition are seasonal changes, food insecurity, and poverty.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Concerns about Product Safety

Feeding appropriate nutritional food or formulas is a highly essential factor in infant health development. Infants are highly sensitive to food allergies, and parents show high concern even about infant nutritional products. Around 3% of infants have food allergies and about 10% of 1-years-old. Where the introduction of infant nutrition become a major choice among parents and medical professionals, due to its effectiveness and safety. However, there are still some issues with infant nutrition products that can also lead to mild to moderate negative impacts. Hence the rising concern among parents about infant formulas hinders the market growth. DSM one of the leading companies in infant nutrition reported that around 74% of parents stated that they are concerned about the sugar content of products, and around 67% are concerned about additives, as they want ingredients that they trust and know. In 2024, one claim was reported for Nestle’s Cerelac baby cereal for adding 2.7 grams of sugar per serving. In addition, around 71% of parents seek clean label claims on packs.

INFANT NUTRITION MARKET INSIGHTS

• By Product: In 2024, the first infant formula segment accounted for the largest market share of over 48%. First infant formula, containing easily digestible whey protein and casein, is commonly recommended by health professionals as the ideal first formula for infants. Available in dry powder and ready-to-feed liquid forms, it is suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. The formula's widespread use, driven by its recommendation for newborns and its suitability for low-birth-weight or sick babies, leads to higher adoption and demand compared to other formulas. This broadens the consumer base and contributes to significant revenue growth in the market.
• By Product Form: The ready-to-feed formula segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 5.91% during the forecast period. Ready-to-feed formulas are popular for their safety and convenience, especially for newborns. They are sterile and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, making them ideal for infants who can't be breastfed or are in special medical conditions. Recognized globally as a breast milk substitute, these formulas contain added nutrients like fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. UNICEF supports their use in situations like medical conditions, orphanages, or humanitarian contexts. While more expensive, ready-to-feed formulas require no mixing or measuring, offering convenience for parents and contributing to market growth.
• By Distribution Channel: The supermarkets & hypermarkets account for the largest market share, as they are major distribution channels for infant nutrition products and they offer wide selection criteria. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are key distribution channels for infant nutrition products, offering a wide range of items like formulas, cereals, snacks, and toddler meals. These stores provide a convenient one-stop shopping experience, often promoting trusted global brands at discounted prices, which fosters consumer loyalty. With a strong presence in urban areas, where parents have higher awareness and disposable income, these channels drive revenue growth in the infant nutrition market.
• GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS
• APAC region dominates and holds the largest share of the global infant nutrition market and shows the fastest-growing CAGR of 6.05% during the forecast period. APAC, home to about 50% of the global population and over 50 million annual births, offers substantial market potential for infant nutrition. Factors like low birth weight, malnutrition, and health conditions are driving demand. As parents and medical professionals focus more on infant nutrition, the region's demand continues to grow. With a large consumer base and rising purchasing power, APAC is expected to dominate the market, attracting multinational brands, including foreign infant formula companies expanding into lower-tier cities in China.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global infant nutrition market report consists of exclusive data on 25 vendors. The market is highly competitive, with several leading, growing, and emerging players present across the global market. The leading players largely compete with emerging and niche competitors. Abbott, Danone, Nestlé, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Perrigo Company, and Friesland Campina are some of the leading companies that account for a major market share in the global infant nutrition market. These vendors are continuously focusing on expanding their product portfolios to meet consumer requirements, comply with international regulations, and increase the efficiency of their products to strengthen their market position. Additionally, the adoption of various strategies, such as partnerships and collaborations, by key players, prominent companies, and emerging market players has intensified competition in the market.

RECENT VENDORS ACTIVITIES

• New Product Launches
• In 2024, Else Nutrition announced the first commercial launch of its groundbreaking and only plant-based infant formula in Australia. With the launch of this new infant nutrition, the company aims to grow in APAC’s baby and child nutrition industry. This is a follow-on formula for infants and toddlers.
• In 2024, Abbott announced the expansion of its Infant Formula – Pure Bliss by Similac line which gives parents a variety of products to meet specific formula preferences.
• Key Strategies By Vendors
• In 2024, Perrigo Company announced a new partnership of Good Start and Dr. Brown’s infant formula solutions. Good Start is the most trusted infant formula brand with 50 years of experience and legacy and Dr. Brawns is the most popular brand of pediatrician-recommended baby bottle in the US. This partnership will offer the same infant formula with refreshed packaging. Also, this new partnership is expected to strengthen the market position of the company in upcoming years.
• In 2023, Danone –a French food giant and one of the leading infant nutrition companies signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a multi-phase collaboration with Else Nutrition. With this collaboration, Danone makes a move into the vegan infant formula segment. Vegan infant formula will be the next upcoming trend in the market.