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.

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.

RECENT VENDORS ACTIVITIES

New Product Launches

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. In 2024, Bobbie- a pediatric nutrition company announced its first step towards launching organic infant supplements, such as Organic Vitamin D and Probiotic Drop. This new step will make the company’s first foray into non-formula products.
4. In 2024, Nestle (India) developed “No Refined Sugar” variants of the infant food Cerelac and aims to launch it soon.
5. In 2024, Wyeth Nutrition- a nutrition product manufacturing company launched its first infant formula which contains two essential HMOs that offer more nutrition products to newborns.
6. In 2023, Nestlé developed and launched a growing-up milk solution with HMOs for early-life nutrition in China, under its Wyeth Illuma Brand. Now this formula is available across China and is expected to be available in other countries soon.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Market Growth: 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.
2. By Product: The first infant formula segment holds the largest market share of over 48%. The first infant formula is whey protein and casein which is easier to digest than other formulas for infants, thus helping the segmental growth.
3. By Product Form: The ready-to-feed formula segment shows the highest growth of 5.91% as it is the safest option for babies because it limits a newborn’s exposure to excessive fluoride.
4. 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.
5. By Geography: APAC holds the largest global infant nutrition market share and shows the highest growth of 6.05% during the forecast period.
6. Growth Factor: The global infant nutrition market is set to grow due to rising interest in mimicking the nutrition of breast milk and increasing attention towards organic/natural nutrition for infants.

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.

Attention Towards Organic/Natural Nutrition for Infants

In infant nutrition, feeding adequate nutrition is an important event where parents look for the most safe and effective formulas. Of this, the growing parent’s interest in natural and organic nutritional ingredients for infants and sustainability in general are offering growth in natural/organic infant formula. The Glanbia plc company reported that, in 2015, only 7% of baby milk formula (infant nutrition products) were available with organic claims, which reached more than 10% of claims in 2020 and more than 11% in 2023. The growing R&D and the application of organic ingredients identify parents’ concerns about product safety and environmental sustainability. Organic ingredients are now become a lifestyle in infant nutrition. The growing concern about the quality and safety of the food they feed to their children has led to a growing demand for organic infant nutrition solutions. On another side, vendors are rapidly shifting their attention toward organic ingredients for infant nutrition product development.

High Attention Towards Infant's Digestive Health and Associated Concern

In 2023, malnutrition affect more than 200 million children aged under 5 across the world. Of these, the infant population is witnessed as a significant burden. One of the major factors behind malnutrition is the poor digestion. Hence, the continuously growing attention towards the digestive health of infants accelerates the significant demand for infant nutrition. Digestive health is impacting several ways in infant development. The digestive health of an infant supports the gut, brain, and immunity development. These three factors are considered as most essential factors in infant development. Brain development in infants occurs in the first 3 years of their life, of these first years are highly essential. Whilst seemingly independent, changed to the gut microbiome and brain are inked by hormones, metabolites, and neurotransmitters as a part of the gut-brain axis. In severe malnutrition in infants, the composition of the gut microbiome and the repertoire of biochemical exchanges through the gut-brain axis is different compared to the healthy infant. This led to a rapidly growing demand for digestive health infant formula.

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. These factor creates challenges in infant nutrition sales and hinder the market growth.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT

The global infant nutrition market by product is segmented into first infant formula, follow-on formula, growing-up formula, and specialty baby formula. In 2024, the first infant formula segment accounted for the largest market share of over 48%. First infant formula contains whey protein and casein, which are easier to digest than other formulas for infants. Health professionals, general practitioners, and health visitors commonly recommend first infant formula. It is also known as first milk. Health authorities always suggest that infant formula should be the first formula given to infants. This has led to its higher adoption compared to other infant formulas. This formula is available in two major forms: dry powder and ready-to-feed liquid formula, both of which are convenient for infants as well as parents. This formula is developed for infants from the first day of birth to at least for up to 6 months. The growing prevalence of low-birth-weight babies, babies born with some illness, and other health conditions drive the highest demand for first infant formula. The demand and popularity for first infant formula are significantly higher compared to other infant formulas because it is suitable from birth. This increases the targeted consumer base and contributes to significant revenue growth.

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT FORM

The global infant nutrition market by product form is categorized into powder formula, concentrated liquid formula, and ready-to-feed formula. 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 have become popular because they are the safest option for newborns. This formula is more sterile and safer to use directly from the container. At a global level, ready-to-feed infant formula is widely recognized as a breast milk substitute in liquid form. It contains added fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) supports the use of ready-to-feed infant formulas for infants who cannot be breastfed or are partially breastfed due to medical conditions, orphans, or in humanitarian contexts. It reduces the risk of bacterial contamination for newborns, as well as premature and immunosuppressed infants. Ready-to-feed formulas require no mixing, and no measuring, and are a mess-free option. It is a premixed liquid formula that offers convenience to bottle-feeding parents at a higher cost. Moreover, this formula offers several advantages and has gained significant attention from more and more parents, thus supporting segment growth.

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

Based on the distribution channel, the supermarkets and hypermarkets segment accounts for the largest share of the global infant nutrition market. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are major distribution channels for infant nutrition products as they offer a wide selection of options. They provide a variety of products for parents, including infant formulas, cereals, baby food, snacks, and toddler meals. Furthermore, these distribution channels offer a one-stop shopping experience, making it easy for parents to find infant nutrition products alongside other items. Supermarkets and hypermarkets stock and promote globally recognized products at discounted prices, which helps build consumer loyalty and confidence. These distribution channels are widely present in urban areas, expanding the consumer base. The presence of higher awareness and greater per capita expenditure among parents living in urban areas and tier cities contributes to higher revenue growth for 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 is one of the major regions, accounting for around 50% of the global population. In addition, more than 50 million births are reported annually across the region, representing significant market potential. Low birth weight (LBW), malnutrition, and chronic and genetic health conditions are some of the factors driving the significant demand for infant nutrition in the region. These factors have led to increased attention from both parents and medical professionals towards infant nutrition and its associated benefits. The demand for infant nutrition in APAC is rapidly increasing, and in the future, the region is expected to dominate the market. The large consumer base and rapidly growing purchasing power are attracting many multinational brands to the region. Many foreign infant formula brands are expanding their geographical presence in 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 FrieslandCampina 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.

Key Strategies By Vendors

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. In 2023, Bobbie Baby - an infant formula maker company acquired Nature’s One, an Ohio-based pediatric nutrition company. This acquisition will strengthen the company's market position with a new consumer base and product portfolio.
4. In 2022, Perrigo Company, as a part of around $170 million investment in its North American infant formula manufacturing capabilities, acquired the infant formula business of Gerber Product Company in the US and Canada and Nestlé Canada Inc., including Nestlé infant formula plant located in Eua Claire, and the North American rights to the Goods Start formula brand.