Middle East & Africa Baby Food Market Outlook, 2027

Products catering to the nutritional needs of babies are of great value for parents who actively seek new & improved infant formulas and easy-to-digest baby foods. Being one of the fastest-growing retail product in the food & beverage sector, baby foods continue to gain grounds by capitalising on increasing consumer spending of middle-class parents across all parts of the world. According to the report titled, “Middle East and Africa Baby Food Market Outlook 2027” the market in the region held and a value of over USD 7 Billion in the year of 2021.

The demand for baby food in the Middle East and Africa has witnessed significant growth over the past years. this is because the parents have become increasingly aware of the significance of baby food with respect to the nutritional necessity of their child's health and growth. The retail sector in Saudi Arabia has observed rapid development in recent times, and the market for baby food has grown steadily. The demand for the product in the region has further potential for growth which can be attributed to the increased exposure to Western lifestyles along with the underlying strength of the economy. The increasing population in the region mainly drives the Middle East and Africa baby food market. Both South Africa and UAE are among the major economies in the Middle East and Africa region. Growing disposable income in African countries has increased the affordability of baby food products, which has resulted in improved quality of food from the infant stage. The increasing immigration activities in the region of Middle East and Africa's in countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tanzania is increasing the demand for baby food products in the country. The number of women working outside the home, both in the high and low-income areas, has also risen. Since working mothers return to their jobs shortly after giving birth, prepared baby foods and formulas, which can be instantly provided to the children, are proving to be an appealing alternative for working mothers to feed their children with nutritious options.

One of the main factors propelling the growth of the infant care products market in Saudi Arabia is the rising consciousness for quality products. One of the effective government agencies in Saudi Arabia that ensures food and product quality at predetermined intervals of time is the ministry of health. The Saudi Arabian market for infant care products is growing as a result of the government's strong laws and regulations protecting the quality of goods and services, particularly in food and baby care. Consumers' growing awareness of the importance of high-quality baby products is driving the market expansion for baby care items in developed nations like Saudi Arabia. The high support offered by the Saudi Arabia government is making Saudi Arabia a market for quality products. Baby care products are items that have to showcase more quality and hygiene. The food policies of the Saudi government in the field of food and health sector and baby care are boosting the market of baby care products in Saudi Arabia.

Recent Developments

• In March 2022, Le Lionceau, a Dakar-based company that specialized in the production and marketing of smooth purée for children from 6 months to 36 months, launched its products in Senegal. The company claims that its products are of high nutritional quality and made from locally produced fruits, vegetables, cereals, and ingredients.
• In May 2020, India-based children's organic food company Mimmo Organics expanded its operations in the Middle East with the launch of its baby food products.
• In February 2020, Arla Foods, a leading international dairy company, introduced its new range of Arla Baby&Me Organic supplements to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates following increased demand for related products in the Middle East with a launch event at Park Hyatt Jeddah - L'azurde Ballroom held recently.

COVID-19 impact

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the market growth of baby food in Middle-East and Africa. The lockdowns and isolations imposed by governments resulted in the shutdown of manufacturing units in the Middle East and Africa, resulting in the decline of the baby food market. The supply chain sector of the baby food market got affected, but with that the rising awareness about infant health and wellness, the market grew and saw an incline in the sale of baby food products.

Major Companies Included: The Hain Celestial Group, The Kraft Heinz Company, Perrigo Company plc, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Hero Group, HiPP GmbH & Co. Vertrieb KG, Arla Food, Danone, Ella's Kitchen, Friesland Campina, Ausnutria, Beingmate

Considered in the report

• Geography: Middle East and Africa
• Base year: 2021
• Historical year: 2016
• Forecasted year: 2027

Countries covered:

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Aspects covered in the report

• Market Size by Value for the period (2016-2027F)
• Market Share by Product Type (Milk Formula, Dried Baby Food, Cereals, Others)
• Market Share by Channel Sales (Hyper/Supermarket, Convenience store, Pharmacy/ Drugstores, Online)
• Market Share by Country
• Market Share by Company

Intended Audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Consumer goods and Service industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.