The ever-increasing population across the globe as well as growing demand for quality nutrition are the key factors driving baby food market. According to United Nations, the world population is forecasted to reach 8.6 billion by 2030, and is likely to reach 9.8 billion in 2050, with around 83 million people being added to the population each year. Besides, rapid urbanization and growing disposable income is expected to propel the market growth in coming years.
Baby food is a type of food specifically produced for babies less than or about two years of age. The food is inherently made soft for easier consumption and is available in various varieties and flavors as per the requirements.
Based on type, the market has been classified into milk formula, dried baby food, prepared baby food, and others. As baby grows, the food requirements shift from milk formula-based foods toward dried and prepared foods. Milk formula-based foods constitute the majority of share of baby food market, globally, since it is the basic requirement for baby during its initial months.
After the age of six months, baby is capable of eating solid food and less dependent on breastfeeding and liquid diet. The prepared baby food category is expected to record the highest growth rate during the forecast period, owing to growing demand for easily available and ready-to-eat baby foods among working women population across the globe.
Based on distribution channel, baby food market has been categorized into supermarkets/hypermarkets, pharmacies, mom & pop stores, convenience stores, specialized stores, online, department stores. The online category is expected to be the fastest growing distribution channel for baby food. This is attributed to the swiftly growing e-commerce market globally. For instance, global e-commerce retail sales grew by 16% to $453.5 billion in 2017, accounting for 8.9% share of total retail sales for the year, according to U.S. Census Bureau.
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On the basis of age, baby food market has been categorized into below 6 months, 6-12 months, 13-24 months, and above 24 months. Among these, 6-12 months category held the largest market share in terms of revenue in 2017, owing to baby food being recommended largely for this age group by medical practitioners. Babies less than 6 months of age mostly rely on breastfeeding. On the other hand, infants over 12 months of age generally start consuming home-made food.Asia-Pacific was the largest baby food market globally in 2017 in terms of sales revenue. This is attributed to the ever-increasing population in Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Myanmar, along with the growing organized retail sector in the region. On the other hand, Middle East & Africa baby food market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The region consists of countries with the highest fertility rates in the world such as Niger, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Chad with rates at 7.1, 6.1, 6.0, 5.9 and 5.8 children per woman, respectively.
The increasing working women population with limited time to focus on their baby’s nutritional needs, is pushing the parents to use baby foods. It has become one of the essential foods for babies of working mothers. The hectic lifestyle of mothers is pushing the growth of baby food market. For instance, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 74% of mothers in England (U.K.) were recorded as working-mothers as of September 2018, as compared to 69% five years ago. The number has been steadily increasing since 1996, where 62% were reported as working-mothers. Moreover, growing awareness regarding nutrition and rising disposable income is further propelling the market growth.
Globally, baby food manufacturers are frequently launching new baby food products, with healthy and natural ingredients to satisfy consumer demands for more natural food products with healthier properties. Among various market players, Nestle SA held the largest share in baby food market, globally, in terms of sales revenue in 2017. The other major companies in the market include Danone SA, Perrigo Company PLC, Mead Johnson & Company LLC, Abbott Laboratories, Hero Group, H. J. Heinz Company, Bellamy's Organic Pty Ltd, Hain Celestial Group, The Campbell Soup Company, and Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.
