by Baby food refers to any soft, easily consumed food, other than breastmilk or infant formula, which is made specifically for babies. The types of baby foods include infant formula, prepared baby food, dried baby food, and other baby food. Baby foods are easy to eat and digest, contain balanced nutrients required for an infant’s growth and development. Prepared baby food is commercially available in various forms such as jars, pouches, tetra packs. They are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and are free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. The global baby food market is witnessing significant growth owing to rising health awareness among parents regarding crucial role of nutrition in early childhood development.
The global baby food market is estimated to be valued at US$ 50.47 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.5% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics
Rising prevalence of health issues like obesity, diabetes and related lifestyle diseases have compelled parents to shift focus towards healthy baby food options. As per a study, infants fed homemade food are 70% more likely to be obese in early childhood compared to those fed commercial baby food. This has boosted demand for nutritious baby food products in the market. Moreover, increasing women workforce participation has led to rise in nuclear families where new mothers have less time for home-cooked meals, propelling sales of packaged baby foods for its convenience.
Market Dynamics:
The growing health awareness among parents regarding crucial role of proper nutrition in early childhood development is expected to drive the global baby food market over the forecast period. Additionally, rising women workforce participation resulting in less time availability for homemade baby food preparation has also boosted the demand for packaged and convenient baby food options globally. Furthermore, comprehensive regulatory guidelines ensuring safety and balanced nutritional profile of commercial baby food products have increased parents’ trust on these products. However, high costs associated with R&D and production of baby foods compared to home-cooked food may limit their adoption in low income countries to some extent during the forecast period.
Segment Analysis
The Baby Food Market Size is segmented into ready-to-eat food, milk formula, dried baby food and others. The milk formula sub-segment dominates the market and holds around 40% share. This is because milk formula serves as a substitute for breast milk and fulfills the nutritional needs of babies when breast milk is insufficient or unavailable. The ready-to-eat food segment follows milk formula and holds around 30% share due to the convenience it offers to parents.
PEST Analysis
Political: Baby food companies need to comply with strict regulations on food safety and product quality set by governing bodies. Regulations like food labeling help raise awareness among parents.
Economic: Rising disposable incomes and dual income families have increased spending on baby care products. Growing middle class in developing nations augurs well for the industry.
Social: Changing lifestyles, busy schedules and nuclear families have made baby foods a necessity. Social media influence has made parents more aware and choosy regarding baby food brands and ingredients.
Technological: Manufacturers use advanced machinery for product safety, quality checks and shelf-life extension. Technologies like freeze-drying help retain nutrients during production and storage. Traceability tools assure product quality and safety standards.
Key Takeaways
The global baby food market size was valued at US$ 50.47 Bn in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.
Asia Pacific dominates with around 35% value share due to high birth rates in India and China. The region is expected to witness growth in the range of 4-5% till 2030 supported by increasing middle-class population, urbanization and nuclear families. North America follows APAC and holds around 25% market share. Growing awareness about baby nutrition and busy lifestyle of parents drives demand. The US occupies around 80% share of the North American baby food market.
Key players operating in the baby food market are Echosens, HISKY Medical Technologies Co., Ltd. and SMEDA Medical Co., Ltd. Echosens dominates the ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography market with around 45% share owing to its extensive product portfolio and global presence. HISKY Medical Technologies focuses on non-invasive medical imaging devices and SMEDA manufactures fetal monitoring solutions.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.
