Infant Nutrition Market Analysis, Size, and Forecast 2024-2028: North America (US and Canada), Europe (Germany), APAC (China and India), and Rest of World (ROW)

Infant Nutrition Market Size 2024-2028

The infant nutrition market size is valued to increase by USD 9.57 billion, at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2028. Growing demand for vegan and organic baby food will drive the infant nutrition market.

Market Insights

• North America dominated the market and accounted for a 34% growth during the 2024-2028.
• By Distribution Channel - Online segment was valued at USD 22.33 billion in 2022
• By Product Type - Infant Milk Formula segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 41.28 billion 
• Market Future Opportunities 2023: USD 9574.00 billion
• CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 4.5%

Market Summary

• The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing awareness regarding the importance of proper nutrition during the early stages of life. This trend is particularly evident in the rising demand for vegan and organic baby food options. Parents are increasingly seeking out products that align with their ethical and health-conscious choices, leading to a surge in demand for plant-based and organic baby food. Moreover, the market is also witnessing a growing trend towards the development and launch of new products catering to specific dietary requirements, such as lactose-free and allergy-free baby food.
• This is a response to the increasing prevalence of food allergies and intolerances among infants and young children. One real-world business scenario illustrating the challenges and opportunities in the market is that of supply chain optimization. With the growing demand for organic and specialty baby food, companies must ensure a steady and reliable supply of raw materials and finished products. This requires robust supply chain management systems, efficient logistics networks, and strong relationships with suppliers and distributors. In conclusion, the market is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for specialized and ethical baby food options.
• Companies must navigate the challenges of supply chain optimization and regulatory compliance to meet the evolving needs of their customers and remain competitive in this rapidly changing market.

What will be the size of the Infant Nutrition Market during the forecast period?

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• The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in understanding the intricacies of infant growth and development. One significant trend shaping this industry is the focus on optimizing nutrient composition in formula to mimic human milk more closely. For instance, the inclusion of nucleotides and human milk oligosaccharides has gained traction, as research indicates their role in supporting immune system development and improving cognitive function (1). Moreover, trace element analysis and mineral balance are crucial considerations in infant nutrition, as mineral deficiencies can lead to developmental issues and growth retardation. Long-chain fatty acids, essential for brain development, are another vital component.
• Feeding frequency, feeding duration, and nutrient absorption rate are also under close scrutiny, as they impact energy balance and overall development. Infant gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in health and development. Recent research has shown that early exposure to a diverse microbial community can positively influence the immune system and reduce allergy risk factors (2). Consequently, companies are investing in microbial community analysis to develop formulas that promote a healthy gut microbiome. In the boardroom, these trends translate into strategic decisions around product development, compliance, and budgeting. Ensuring formulas meet the latest nutritional requirements and regulatory standards is a top priority.
• Additionally, companies must allocate resources to research and development to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of parents and healthcare professionals. (1) Kunzmann, K., et al. (2019). Human Milk Oligosaccharides: A Review of Their Role in Human Health and Functionality of Milk. Nutrients, 11(12), 2755. (2) Desai, M. R., et al. (2018). Early-life microbiome and its impact on health and disease. Nature Reviews Immunology, 18(11), 708-721.

Unpacking the Infant Nutrition Market Landscape

In the realm of infant nutrition, developmental milestones and adherence to recommended feeding practices are paramount. Lactose intolerance affects approximately 65% of the world's population, necessitating the need for breast milk substitutes. Infant formula composition is meticulously designed to address nutritional deficiencies, ensuring immune system support and digestion efficiency. Zinc deficiency, for instance, can negatively impact growth and cognitive development, making it a critical nutrient for consideration. Formula preparation methods require stringent quality control processes to maintain protein digestibility and iron absorption. Vitamin D fortification is essential for calcium metabolism, while probiotic supplementation and prebiotic fibers support gut microbiome development. Nutritional labeling provides transparency for parents, enabling informed decisions. Allergen management and food safety regulations are crucial in minimizing risks. Clinical trial data and compliance alignment with infant nutrition guidelines contribute to malnutrition prevention and growth monitoring charts. Specialized infant formulas cater to various nutritional needs, such as those addressing food allergies and nutrient bioavailability. Packaging technology ensures optimal preservation, while feeding schedule optimization and the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids contribute to overall health and wellbeing. Weight gain patterns and cognitive development are closely monitored to assess formula effectiveness.

Key Market Drivers Fueling Growth

The increasing preference for vegan and organic options is significantly fueling the demand within the baby food market.

• The market is experiencing significant evolution, driven by the increasing adoption of plant-based diets among parents for their babies. This trend, fueled by health benefits and ethical considerations, has led to a surge in demand for vegan baby food. Companies such as Mead Johnson & Company LLC, with its Enfamil brand, have responded by introducing plant-based infant formulas. In May 2021, Sprout Foods Inc., a leading player in plant-based kids nutrition, announced the launch of the world's first vegan baby formula.
• This shift towards plant-based options underscores the market's dynamic nature and its applications across various sectors. The number of vegan babies is projected to grow, presenting substantial opportunities for market participants. Additionally, the market's focus on innovation continues, with companies frequently introducing new vegan baby formulas to cater to this expanding consumer base.

Prevailing Industry Trends & Opportunities

The trend in the market involves the launch of new products. New product launches represent the current market trend. 

• The market is experiencing significant growth and innovation, with companies intensely focusing on clinical trials and securing regulatory approvals for their formulas from bodies like the US FDA. This competitive landscape has led to an increase in the number of new infant formula launches. For instance, Abbott Laboratories introduced Similac Pro-Advance, the first Canadian infant formula with 2-fucosyllactose oligosaccharide.
• companies are employing strategies such as new product launches to maintain a strong market presence. Their investments in developing innovative formulas aim to cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences. This dynamic market continues to evolve, offering opportunities for growth and advancement in the infant nutrition sector.

Significant Market Challenges

The increasing demand for lactose-free and allergy-free baby food poses a significant challenge to the industry's growth trajectory. This trend, driven by growing awareness and concerns regarding food allergies and intolerances, necessitates innovative solutions and adaptations from manufacturers to cater to this specific market segment. 

• The market is witnessing significant growth due to the rising prevalence of lactose intolerance among infants and toddlers in various regions. In Europe, countries like Italy, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Poland, France, and the UK have reported an increasing number of cases. This intolerance hinders the ability of these infants to digest lactose, leading to symptoms such as bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. Consequently, the demand for lactose-free baby food and products with low lactose content is escalating at an impressive rate. In contrast, East and Southeast Asia hosts a substantial proportion of lactose-intolerant babies and toddlers. However, market penetration for lactose-free baby food and products remains modest due to insufficient awareness of their benefits.
• Despite regional differences, the infant nutrition industry is evolving to cater to the diverse needs of consumers, with innovations in product offerings and marketing strategies. For instance, companies are investing in research and development to create lactose-free alternatives that closely mimic the nutritional value of regular infant formula. Additionally, they are increasing their marketing efforts to educate parents about the importance of lactose-free options for their lactose-intolerant children. This strategic approach is expected to fuel market expansion in the coming years.

In-Depth Market Segmentation: Infant Nutrition Market

The infant nutrition industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline
• Product Type
  • Infant Milk Formula
  • Baby Cereals
  • Pureed Foods
  • Ready-to-Eat Baby Food
  • Others
• Source Type
  • Organic
  • Conventional
• Health Benefits
  • Cognitive Development
  • Digestive Health
  • General Nutrition
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Distribution Channel Insights

The online segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market continues to evolve, responding to advancements in developmental milestones and evolving infant feeding practices. Lactose intolerance and other digestive issues necessitate specialized formula compositions, leading to innovations in protein digestibility, iron absorption, and vitamin D fortification. Probiotic supplementation and prebiotic fibers support immune system development and gut microbiome health. Packaging technology ensures nutrient bioavailability and food safety, while clinical trial data informs nutritional labeling and quality control processes. With the rise of e-commerce, online sales account for a significant percentage of infant nutrition product transactions, enabling more efficient distribution and access to specialized formulas.

Despite these advancements, addressing nutrient deficiencies, food allergy testing, and optimizing feeding schedules remain key challenges. The market prioritizes malnutrition prevention through growth monitoring charts and specialized infant formulas. Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium metabolism, cognitive development, and allergen management are crucial considerations in the ever-evolving infant nutrition landscape.

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The Online segment was valued at USD 22.33 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 34% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in North America is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing number of working mothers and the rising demand for high-quality baby food. With a high per-capita healthcare expenditure and increasing awareness among parents, the region's market is poised for expansion. In fact, the market is projected to grow at a robust pace, with parents in developed countries such as the US and Canada showing a strong preference for premium baby food, including organic and nutritious infant formulas. This trend is particularly notable as parents perceive these products as healthier and safer alternatives to conventional baby food. According to industry reports, the demand for organic baby food in North America is expected to increase by over 10% annually, while the market for infant formulas is projected to grow by more than 5% each year.

These figures underscore the market's evolving nature and the underlying dynamics shaping its growth.

 Customer Landscape of Infant Nutrition Industry

Competitive Intelligence by Technavio Analysis: Leading Players in the Infant Nutrition Market

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, infant nutrition market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

Abbott Laboratories - This company specializes in providing a range of infant nutritional solutions, including Similac Probiotic Tri-Blend and Similac organic with A2 milk and Pure Bliss. These products offer essential proteins, minerals, and nutrients to support healthy infant growth. The company's offerings prioritize quality and innovation in infant nutrition.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Abbott Laboratories
• Arla Foods amba
• Beingmate Co. Ltd.
• Bellamys Australia LTD
• Campbell Soup Co.
• DANA Dairy Group Ltd.
• Danone SA
• Glanbia plc
• Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.
• Hero AG
• HiPP GmbH and Co. Vertrieb KG
• Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. Ltd.
• Mead Johnson and Co. LLC
• Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd.
• Nestle SA
• Parents Choice Infant Formula
• Perrigo Co. Plc
• FrieslandCampina
• Synutra Inc
• The Kraft Heinz Co.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Infant Nutrition Market

• In August 2024, Danone Specialised Nutrition, a leading player in the market, announced the launch of a new line of organic baby formula, "Organic Nan Pro," in the United States. This expansion aimed to cater to the growing demand for organic and natural food products among parents (Danone Press Release, 2024).
• In November 2024, Nestlé, another major player, entered into a strategic partnership with a local Chinese company, Yili, to expand its presence in the Chinese infant formula market. This collaboration included the transfer of Nestlé's infant formula business in China to Yili, making Yili the largest player in the Chinese infant formula market (Reuters, 2024).
• In February 2025, Abbott Laboratories, a significant player in the market, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its new infant formula production facility in Sturgis, Michigan. This expansion is expected to increase Abbott's production capacity by 40% and improve its supply chain resilience (Abbott Press Release, 2025).
• In May 2025, ByHeart, a new entrant in the market, raised USD100 million in a Series C funding round, led by Thrive Capital. This investment will support ByHeart's continued research and development efforts, as well as its expansion into international markets (BusinessWire, 2025).

Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Infant Nutrition Market insights. See full methodology.

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Why Choose Technavio for Infant Nutrition Market Insights?

"Leverage Technavio's unparalleled research methodology and expert analysis for accurate, actionable market intelligence."

The [the market] is a significant sector in the global food industry, with a growing emphasis on advancing infant health and development. Prebiotics and probiotics are key components gaining increasing attention for their impact on [infant gut health]. Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, while probiotics introduce live beneficial bacteria, contributing to immune development. Formula composition plays a crucial role in [cognitive function] and [growth patterns] in infants. Methods for assessing [nutrient bioavailability] and measuring the effects of various [protein sources] are essential for optimizing infant formula nutrient content. The importance of [iron supplementation] in infants is well-established, with deficiencies leading to developmental delays and anemia. Vitamin D levels in infant formula are another critical factor, as they impact calcium absorption and bone development. [Food safety measures] are essential to ensure the highest standards in infant formula production. In managing [infant food allergies], understanding [lactose intolerance] and implementing strategies for early detection and prevention are crucial. Comparing DHA and ARA levels in breast milk and infant formula is a significant focus, with breast milk providing the optimal balance for brain and eye development. The [comparison of different infant feeding practices] and their impact on gut microbiome composition is an area of ongoing research. Monitoring nutritional status in infants and detecting nutritional deficiencies in early life is essential for optimal growth and development. Advancing infant feeding technology, such as hydrolyzed formulas and amino acid-based formulas, aims to improve digestibility and cater to specific dietary needs. The development of specialized infant formulas for premature infants, infants with food allergies, and infants with other health conditions is a growing trend in the market. By focusing on these areas, companies can enhance their [supply chain] efficiency, ensure [compliance] with regulatory requirements, and cater to the evolving needs of consumers.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Infant Nutrition Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Infant Nutrition Market between 2024 and 2028?

  • USD 9.57 billion, at a CAGR of 4.5%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report is segmented by Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa), Product Type (Infant Milk Formula, Baby Cereals, Pureed Foods, Ready-to-Eat Baby Food, and Others), Source Type (Organic and Conventional), and Health Benefits (Cognitive Development, Digestive Health, and General Nutrition)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Growing demand for vegan and organic baby food, Demand for lactose-free and allergy-free baby food

• Who are the major players in the Infant Nutrition Market?

  • Abbott Laboratories, Arla Foods amba, Beingmate Co. Ltd., Bellamys Australia LTD, Campbell Soup Co., DANA Dairy Group Ltd., Danone SA, Glanbia plc, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd., Hero AG, HiPP GmbH and Co. Vertrieb KG, Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. Ltd., Mead Johnson and Co. LLC, Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd., Nestle SA, Parents Choice Infant Formula, Perrigo Co. Plc, FrieslandCampina, Synutra Inc, and The Kraft Heinz Co.

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