Baby Food Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product Type (Milk Formula, Snacks, Purees), Nature (Inorganic, Organic), Demography (Infant, Toddler), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Pharmacies, Online) - Global Forecast to 2031

Baby Food Market Size & Forecast

The Baby Food Market is expected to reach $120.1 Billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of this market can be attributed to several factors, including the rising number of working women, growing parental concerns about children’s nutrition, decreasing mortality rate and rapid urbanization, and increasing innovation in baby food products and packaging. However, parents' shifting preference towards homemade food and the stringent regulatory environment may restrain market growth.

Moreover, increasing demand for organic and plant-based baby food and government initiatives & incentive plans for child health are expected to create market growth opportunities. However, huge capital investments & certifications and cultural & regional differences pose a significant challenge to the market’s growth.

Additionally, customers' preferences are shifting toward online channels, and superfoods & ancient grains are prominent trends in the baby food market.

Baby Food Market Growth Drivers

Rising Number of Working Women Drives the Growth of Baby Food Market

In recent years, a notable shift has been observed in the participation of women in the workforce. According to UN Women, labor force participation rates for women aged 25-54 increased from 61.4% in 2022 to 70.1% in 2023 across the globe. Further, according to the Ministry of Labour and Employment India, the total percentage of females of working age (15 years and above) increased from 23.3% in 2018 to 32.8% in 2022, registering a surge of 9.5% between 2018 to 2022. This transformation reflects not only changes in societal structures but also the evolving needs and preferences of modern families. As more women pursue careers outside the home, their purchasing patterns and consumption habits are reshaping the landscape of infant nutrition.

With dual-income households becoming increasingly prevalent, the demand for convenient, nutritious, and time-saving solutions for infant feeding has soared. This shift in consumer behavior has led to a significant expansion of the baby food market, with a particular emphasis on products catering to the needs of busy, working mothers.

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Surging Parental Concerns about Children’s Nutrition Boosting the Demand for Baby Food

Nowadays, parents are becoming more conscious of the nutritional value and ingredients in the food they provide for their infants. They seek products that are not only convenient but also offer essential nutrients crucial for their child's growth and development. As awareness grows regarding the importance of early childhood nutrition in shaping long-term health outcomes, parents are more inclined to invest in high-quality baby food options. They look for options that are organic, free from harmful additives, and tailored to meet their child's specific dietary needs.

This trend has spurred innovation in the baby food industry, with companies developing a wide range of products to cater to the diverse preferences and requirements of parents and their babies. From traditional purees to more adventurous flavor combinations and textures, there's a growing array of choices available to meet the increasing demand driven by parental concerns for their child's well-being.

Baby Food Market Growth Trend

Customers' Preferences are Shifting Toward Online Channels

Online shopping offers convenience, allowing parents to browse and purchase baby food products from the comfort of their homes or offices, often with doorstep delivery. Online platforms offer a vast array of baby food options, including organic, allergen-free, and specialty products. This gives consumers more choices than what may be available in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Online channels provide easy access to product information, customer reviews, and recommendations from other parents. This helps parents make informed decisions about which baby foods to purchase.

In addition, many online retailers offer subscription services for baby food, allowing parents to set up recurring deliveries based on their baby's consumption needs. This feature adds convenience and ensures a consistent supply of baby food. As online purchasing of baby food continues to grow in popularity, it's expected to drive further expansion in the baby food market.

Baby Food Market Growth Opportunities

Increasing Demand for Organic and Plant-based Baby Food Positively Influencing the Demand for Baby Food

The strong preference amongst parents toward purchasing organic and plant-based products for their babies is creating a new tide in the baby food market. Organic baby food is basically food that is produced and processed without using pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics, or other harmful chemicals.

The demand for organic and plant-based baby food has been driven by a preference for natural and healthy nutrition for infants, increased awareness among consumers of the importance of health and environmental concerns, and increasing new product launches in this space. For instance, in July 2022, Danone S.A. (France) launched a dairy & plant blend baby formula to meet parents’ desire for more plant-based foods. This product is suitable for vegetarian, flexitarian, and plant-based diets while meeting their baby’s specific nutritional requirements. Furthermore, in April 2022, Nestlé's (Switzerland) Gerber brand baby food brand launched a plant-based baby food called Plant-tastic. The line includes organic toddler pouches, snacks, and bowls made with beans, whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruit. As parents become increasingly concerned about the effects of childhood obesity, allergies, and long-term health consequences, they are looking for alternatives that are healthier and more natural for their children.

Government Initiatives and Incentive Plans for Child Health

Government initiatives and incentive plans aimed at child health have a significant impact on the baby food market. Government efforts to promote healthy growth and development of infants/toddlers highlight the importance of proper nutrition.

For instance, in November 2021, the National Health Commission of China released an action plan (2021-2025) to improve child health. It aims to reduce child mortality rates and address growth retardation. According to the action plan, the mortality rates of newborn babies, infants, and children under five will be kept below 3.1, 5.2, and 6.6 per thousand, respectively, by 2025. The strategy focuses on seven major areas, including newborn protection, congenital disability prevention, healthcare, and early childhood development services are among them. This action plan includes initiatives to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of nutrition in child development. This education emphasizes the role of appropriate baby food in providing essential nutrients for babies, leading to increased awareness and demand for baby food products.

Baby Food Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Product Type: In 2024, the Milk Formula Segment to Dominate the Baby Food Market

Based on product type, the baby food market is segmented into milk formula, snacks, purees, cereal-based food, juices & smoothies, and other baby food products. In 2024, the milk formula segment is expected to account for the largest share of 64.5% of the baby food market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the increase in the incidence of lactating issues in mothers, decreasing mortality rate and rapid urbanization, and growing awareness about the benefits of milk formula. In addition, infant milk formula offers convenience to parents, especially those with busy lifestyles or working mothers.

However, the snacks segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period of 2024–2031. This growth is attributed to its various benefits, such as convenience, portability, availability of a wide range of tastes and textures, and encouragement for self-feeding.

By Nature: the Organic Segment is Projected to Register a Higher CAGR during the Forecast Period

Based on nature, the baby food market is segmented into inorganic and organic. The organic segment is projected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period of 2024–2031. The fast growth of this segment is mainly attributed to the increasing demand for free-from products and the increasing demand for certified organic products supporting the demand for eco-friendly, natural, and organic baby food products.

By Demography: in 2024, the Toddler Segment to Dominate the Baby Food Market

Based on the demography, the baby food market is segmented into infant, toddler, and pre-schooler. In 2024, the toddler segment is expected to account for the largest share of the baby food market. The large market share of this segment is mainly attributed to increased healthier food options for toddlers, strong demand for convenient and portable snacks, and rising consumption of weaning food.

By Distribution Channel: in 2024, the Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Segment to Dominate the Baby Food Market

Based on distribution channel, the baby food market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, pharmacies and specialty stores, convenience stores, online channels, and other distribution channels. In 2024, the supermarkets/hypermarkets segment is expected to account for the largest share of 46.2% of the baby food market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to several factors: the growing number of modern groceries offering high-quality food products and consumer preference for shopping offline due to the enhanced shopping experience offered by these channels. In addition, baby food products are strategically placed in dedicated sections within supermarkets and hypermarkets. This strategic placement ensures visibility and accessibility, making it easy for parents to locate and purchase baby food during shopping trips.

However, the online channels segment is expected to witness rapid growth during the forecast period. The segment’s growth can be attributed to the advantages of faster and more convenient accessibility, cost-effectiveness, the availability of greater discounts compared to offline stores, and the increasing penetration of the internet and smartphones.

Geographical Analysis

North America: Fastest-growing Regional Market

Based on geography, the baby food market is divided into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of 44.1% of the baby food market, followed by North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific’s major market share is mainly attributed to the rising women's workforce and fast-paced lifestyle, high birth rates, surging disposable income, expansion of retail infrastructure, and increasing awareness about the importance of nutrition for infants.

However, the market in the North America region is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The high growth of this regional market can be attributed to the growing demand for organic baby food products, strong growth in dual-income families and high adoption of RTE products, increasing parents' concern about the health and nutrient intake of their children, and increasing new product launches.

Baby Food Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the baby food market are Nestle S.A. (Switzerland), Danone S.A. (France), Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (U.K.), Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), Feihe International Inc. (China), The Kraft Heinz Company (U.S.), HiPP Gmbh & Co. Vertrieb KG (Germany), Hero Group (Switzerland), Hain Celestial Group (U.S.), H&H Group (China), Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. (Netherlands), Perrigo Company plc (Ireland), Plum Organics (U.S.), Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. (Japan), and Arla Foods Group (Denmark).

Baby Food Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In December 2023, Danone S.A. (France) Danone partnered with Else Nutrition, a Canada-based vegan baby food manufacturer, to enter the vegan baby formula market.

• In October 2023, Nestlé S.A. (Switzerland) launched its new early-life nutrition formula, Nan Supreme Pro with Sinergity blend, a novel early-life nutrition formula. This blend integrates a probiotic along with six human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) designed to foster tailored infant development.

• In November 2021, Abbott Laboratories (U.S.) launched the Similac 360 Total Care, an infant formula containing a blend of five different human milk oligosaccharides. This new formula provides nutrition to support the whole baby's health and development, including the immune system, digestive system, and brain. 
• In January 2021, Hero Group (Switzerland) acquired Baby Gourmet, a Canada-based organic baby food manufacturer for babies and toddlers, in order to expand its portfolio and footprint in North America. 

Baby Food Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the baby food market report: