The infant formula ingredients market is estimated to be valued at USD 16.7 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 25.5 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. The global infant formula ingredients industry is expected to grow due to high growth in the APAC region caused by increasing birth rate, the inability of mothers to lactate, more number of women joining workforce post-childbirth, and companies producing ingredients similar to human milk (such as human milk oligosaccharides). China is the largest player for infant formula ingredients in the global market.
The prebiotics segment is projected to be the fastest-growing in the infant formula ingredients market during the forecast period.
Usage of prebiotic ingredients in infant nutrition aids infant to overcome infections by providing health benefits. These include resisting gastrointestinal problems, building immunity, supporting increased mineral absorption, and lowering the tendency to become obese. Prebiotic ingredients used in infant formula include fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, lactulose, polydextrose, and inulin. Boost in sales for infant formulas in the years to come will directly increase demand for infant formula ingredients.
The protein hydrolysate segment is projected to record the fastest growth during the forecast period.
Babies who are intolerant to both cow’s milk and soy-based formulas are given protein hydrolysate infant formula ingredients. These ingredients are obtained either through plant-based or animal-based sources. Some of the protein hydrolyzed based infant formula products include Enfamil Gentlease and Similac Sensitive. Several infant formula ingredients manufacturers are involved in R & D, to come up with ingredients as per the consumers demand, increasing sales of infant formula ingredients in the coming years derived from protein hydrolysate and other sources in the coming years.
The liquid & semi-liquid segment is projected to record the fastest growth during the forecast period.
Oils & fats are the most widely used liquid and semi-liquid ingredients for manufacturing infant formula. The liquid & semi-liquid segment is expected to exhibit high growth prospects in Asia Pacific. In Japan, liquid infant formulas are preferred owing to their convenience in emergencies such as natural disasters that frequently occur in the country.
The growing-up formula (12 months & above) segment is projected to record the fastest growth during the forecast period.
The growing-up milk (12 months & above) contains calcium, vitamin D, and iron, and mostly serves as a part of a balanced diet for infants. Given during the transition phase from infant nutrition to family food, manufacturers offering infant formula for this particular age group are expected to witness high growth prospects, especially from Asia Pacific.
Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing during the forecast period.
Asia Pacific infant formula ingredients market is projected to be the fastest-growing during the forecast period. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are expected to be key revenue generators during the next few years. The region has seen a rapid transformation in terms of urbanization. This has enabled women to join workforce post-delivery, making infant formula the only nearest substitute to breast milk for infants.
The key players in global market include AAK AB (Sweden), Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited (New Zealand), Carbery Food Ingredients Limited (Ireland), Royal Friesland Campina N.V. (Netherlands), Sachsenmilch Leppersdorf GmbH (Germany), BASF SE (Germany), Koninklijke DSM N.V. (Netherlands), Arla Foods amba (Denmark), Chr. Hansen Holdings A/S (Denmark), Kerry Group plc (Ireland), Lactalis Ingredients (France), Glanbia plc (Ireland), and Vitablend Nederland B.V. (Netherlands).
