Infant Formula Is Gaining Traction as the Number of Working Mothers Increases
The global market is being driven by the fastest growing awareness and focus on the nutritional needs of infants. Increasing cases of lactation, a lack of support and qualified breastfeeding experts, medications, unsupportive employment laws and cultural norms are some of the contributing factors that might enhance product demand. According to a World Health Organization report, 15 million premature infants are born globally each year. These newborns frequently have nutritional deficits that breastfeeding alone cannot address. According to the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund 's Breastfeeding Scorecard (UNICEFGlobal), the current rate of breastfeeding remains unsatisfactory as compared to global standard recommendations.
Data on families and labor market trends released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from United States revealed that 74% of mothers with children below 18 years were working in 2023, which is a slight increase than its last year figure. However, only 68.9% of mothers with children younger than 6 years had jobs while this was at 77.8% for those having elder kids aged between 6 and 17 years old. Despite this, employed mothers showed a marked tendency to work part-time compared to their male counterparts, with 80.1% of working mothers engaged in full-time roles, contrasted with 95.6% of employed fathers. The high cost of living in cities, along with low incomes, has increased the number of women working to support their family. As a result, this aspect is crucial in boosting the infant formula market, as working women heavily rely on processed child nutrition products.
Data on families and labor market trends released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from United States revealed that 74% of mothers with children below 18 years were working in 2023, which is a slight increase than its last year figure. However, only 68.9% of mothers with children younger than 6 years had jobs while this was at 77.8% for those having elder kids aged between 6 and 17 years old. Despite this, employed mothers showed a marked tendency to work part-time compared to their male counterparts, with 80.1% of working mothers engaged in full-time roles, contrasted with 95.6% of employed fathers. The high cost of living in cities, along with low incomes, has increased the number of women working to support their family. As a result, this aspect is crucial in boosting the infant formula market, as working women heavily rely on processed child nutrition products.
Infant Milk Formula to Capture a Higher Revenue Share in the World Market
Due to a lack of viable alternatives on the market, the infant milk formula segment has seen high value-based revenue and is one of the leading categories in emerging nations. The shortage of convenient and nutrient-dense products encourages manufacturers to innovate and introduce new items to the market. The high calcium, protein, iron and other micronutrient content of premiumized follow-on milk formula, along with its ability to mimic the nutritive function of breast milk, is anticipated to increase the product's market share among infant formulas. Furthermore, babies with low iron levels or a poor weaning diet require extra nourishment from their food; as a result, the demand for follow-on milk is likely to rise at a fast rate.
Recent Trends in the Infant Formula Industry:
- Growing demand for organic ingredients in infant formula reflects increasing health-conscious consumer preferences.
- Advancements in personalized nutrition tailor formulas to individual infant needs for optimal growth.
- Rising popularity of plant-based formulas aligns with broader dietary shifts towards vegan lifestyles.
- Enhanced probiotic protection supports immune system development and digestive health in infants.
- Focus on sustainable packaging aims to reduce environmental impact and appeal to eco-conscious parents.
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Cultural Barriers in Developing Economies Are Limiting Infant Formula Adoption and Stalling Sales
Infant formula sales are clearly driving the baby milk market, but over the coming years, limitations are expected. The main reason for this assumption is that experts from all around the world advise exclusive breastfeeding. In addition, due to their preference for exclusive breastfeeding, communities in certain rural areas of developing countries are unwilling to accept infant formula. Social and cultural stigma is also a factor, particularly in developing economies. Owing to cultural reservations about infant formula, mothers who choose to feed their children breast milk sometimes face negative moral judgement. These concerns are likely to restrict the market in the long run. Strict laws and regulations governing the launch of new products, as well as the complex process of registration new products, are expected to stymie the product's growth.
Innovative Infant Formula Enhances Digestive and Cognitive Health with Advanced Probiotic Blend
Major industry leaders utilize strategies that focus on launching new products, merging with competitors, and purchasing companies to grow their customer base and enhance their range of products. In June 2024, the FrieslandCampina Institute expanded its reach to Pakistan. The inauguration, held at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, represents a pivotal advancement in the education of healthcare professionals regarding nutritional practices. This expansion follows the Institute’s successful operations in regions including the Netherlands, Belgium, Nigeria, China, and Vietnam. The Pakistan branch is set to address critical nutritional challenges such as malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies by enhancing local expertise on dairy's nutritional benefits.
However, in November 2023, Nestlé is introducing an advanced infant formula in Hong Kong, enhancing its NAN InfiniPro line with a proprietary blend, Sinergity. This new formula integrates an additional human milk oligosaccharide (3-Fucosyllactose) and a second probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium infantis LMG11588. This blend aims to improve digestive, bone, and cognitive health by creating a more favorable gut environment. Research highlights Bifidobacterium infantis LMG11588’s efficiency in metabolizing HMOs, contributing to stronger immunity in infants through selective feeding on specific oligosaccharides.
However, in November 2023, Nestlé is introducing an advanced infant formula in Hong Kong, enhancing its NAN InfiniPro line with a proprietary blend, Sinergity. This new formula integrates an additional human milk oligosaccharide (3-Fucosyllactose) and a second probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium infantis LMG11588. This blend aims to improve digestive, bone, and cognitive health by creating a more favorable gut environment. Research highlights Bifidobacterium infantis LMG11588’s efficiency in metabolizing HMOs, contributing to stronger immunity in infants through selective feeding on specific oligosaccharides.
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Preventing Child Malnutrition and Government Initiatives to Boost Infant Formula Demand in India
Asia Pacific has the world's largest infant formula market. High birth rates in the region provide significant demand, which is the primary driver of the regional market. The strong motivation supplied to the domestic industry, as well as the increased reliance on imports, have further fuelled market expansion, as has growing demand for better, quality, and premium products. In the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India is positioned 111th out of 125 nations with available data, reflecting a serious hunger level with a score of 28.7. These numbers are expected to encourage both private and public sector players in the country to encourage people to use infant formula. With the increase in female participation in the workforce, it is anticipated that sales of baby formula will see a significant rise in the future. Mothers in the country who are unable to lactate are also urged to use infant formula through the POSHAN Abhiyaan and some other similar government initiatives. Another crucial factor in the dominance of the region is the presence of China, the largest consumer of child and baby food products in the world. Additionally, China's decision to remove its "one-child" policy, as well as a rise in the country's birth rate, are projected to boost market expansion.
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The report provides a detailed overview of the infant formula market insights in regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa. The country-specific assessment for infant formula market has been offered for all regional market share, along with forecasts, market scope estimates, price point assessment, and impact analysis of prominent countries and regions. Throughout this market research report, Y-o-Y growth and CAGR estimates are also incorporated for every country and region, to provide a detailed view of the infant formula market. These Y-o-Y projections on regional and country-level markets brighten the political, economic and business environment outlook, which are anticipated to have a substantial impact on the growth of the infant formula market. Some key country and region included in the infant formula market report as follows:
| Regions | Countries |
|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada |
| Latin America | Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Central America Countries, Caribbean Countries, Rest of Latin America |
| Europe | Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Czech Republic, Rest of Europe |
| Asia Pacific | China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Rest of Asia Pacific |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC Countries, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Ethiopia, Algeria, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Rest of MEA |
Infant Formula Market Research Report Covers In-depth Analysis on:
- Infant formula market detailed segments and segment-wise market breakdown
- Infant formula market dynamics (Recent industry trends, drivers, restraints, growth potential, opportunities in infant formula industry)
- Current, historical and forthcoming 10 years market valuation in terms of infant formula market size (US$ Mn), volume (Tons), share (%), Y-o-Y growth rate, CAGR (%) analysis
- Infant formula market demand analysis
- Infant formula market pricing analysis over forecast period (by key segment and by region)
- Infant formula market regional insights with region-wise market breakdown
- Competitive analysis – key companies profiling including their market share, product offerings, and competitive strategies.
- Latest developments and innovations in infant formula market
- Regulatory landscape by key regions and key countries
- Supply chain and value chain analysis in infant formula market
- Infant formula market sales and distribution strategies
- A comprehensive overview of parent market
- A detailed viewpoint on infant formula market forecast by countries
- Mergers and acquisitions in infant formula market
- Essential information to enhance market position
- Robust research methodology
- Frequently Asked Questions -
What factors are driving the demand for infant formula?
Key drivers include growing urbanization, increasing working mothers and heightened awareness about the benefits of infant formula for child health and development.
What are the major trends influencing the infant formula market?
Trends include a shift towards organic and natural formulas, increased focus on personalized nutrition and advancements in formula manufacturing technologies.
What challenges are faced by the infant formula market?
Challenges include regulatory hurdles, intense competition and concerns regarding product safety and quality, which require continuous innovation and compliance efforts.
