Europe Baby Food Market Outlook, 2027

The World Health Organization advises that new born should be breastfed during the first six months of life in order to attain the best possible growth, development, and health. The majority of infants who are six months old are physically and developmentally prepared for new foods, textures, and feeding methods. Experts advising the World Health Assembly have provided evidence that introducing solids earlier than six months increases babies' chances of illness, without improving growth.

According to the report titled, “Europe Baby Food Market Outlook, 2027” the market is analysed through bifurcation into two segment categories. These segments are differentiated on the basis of product type and sale channels. The demand for convenience and variety of baby food in the region which is the result of increasing population living an urban lifestyle has helped the market achieve a value of around USD 15 Billion. Along with this the increasing demand for value added nutritional baby food is a factor driving the market in the region during the forecast period and is expected to contribute to a CAGR of around 4%.

The growth of the middle class economy in the region with increasing disposable income, along with the increasing number of working female population living a hectic lifestyle are also factors boosting the market. Changing consumers behaviours have shifted them towards more conscious health decisions about themselves and their baby, which leads to the increasing demand for natural and organic baby food. Furthermore, safety measures in terms of baby food packaging are a major concern among young mothers. As a result of this eco-friendly packaging is gaining traction, supporting various major companies to discriminate the products in the market. With the rising awareness regarding the effects of chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, etc., consumers are opting for foods that are free from these.

Thus, the baby food market is propelling stronger growth in this region. The innovative packaging and incorporation of special ingredients that give an additional benefit to the product are also driving the market. The existing players are expanding their product portfolio, including organic foods, to their product range to gain a competitive advantage and strengthen their position in the market. Parents are increasingly opting for healthy and ready-to-eat food offerings, such as instant milk formula and snacks, which require needless or no preparation time and can be instantly provided to the baby.

On the basis of product type the milk formula segment has historically been the largest segment with a market share of little over 50%. But with recent change in trends the dried baby food market is predicted to grow with the higher CAGR of around 5%. The Hyper/Supermarkets have traditionally been the preferred point of sales for the parents, but with the recent technological advancements in mobile devices has provided growth to the online sales channel making the segment with the highest growth rate.

Recent Developments

• In 2021, 108LABS acknowledged its latest animal-free infant baby formula, Colostrupedis, which consists of fully human milk molecules by cell-cultured comes up from human mammary formulated and cell agriculture with expansively neutralizing human secretory antibodies. This launch helps the baby food manufacturer to opt for natural ingredients in baby food to accelerate infant food products to the European market.
• In 2021, Bunge Loders Croklaan (BLC), a company based in the Netherlands, declared the launch of the latest exclusive lipid ingredient for infant formula in the European market, which affirms to be the same as mother’s milk in terms of nutrition, taste, and natural balance.
• In 2020, Danone invested nearly EUR 25 million into building a new organic milk production facility in Hauts-de-France to meet the growing demand from French consumers for organic products. In addition, the company will support 30 to 40 milk producers in making the transition to organic. The company targets to offer organic infant food commodities in the region on consumer demand by maintaining premium product quality.

COVID-19 Impact

At the initial stage of COVID-19 in the European regions working women were at home due to lockdown, and consumers shifted their preference towards homemade food or mother milk which is trustworthy for toddlers. Thus, the European market for infant foods has been impacted adversely in a negative manner. Along with this the issues in supply cahin and distribution process has led to obstruction in growth. On the other hand due to the food scare phenomenon amongst the consumer the baby food market in the region observed some boost during the pandemic with panic bulk buying behaviour.

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: Europe
• Base year: 2021
• Historical year: 2016
• Forecasted year: 2027

Countries covered:

• UK
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia

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.