Probiotic Infant and Child Formula Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The market for probiotic infant and child formulas is projected to expand significantly, increasing from US$ 11,505.28 million in 2022 to US$ 25,412.41 million by 2028. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1% over the six-year period.

Probiotic formulas designed for infants and children are tailored to fulfill the nutritional needs of infants up to 12 months and children aged 1 to 6 years. These formulas are rich in essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for the healthy development of young children. Typically, these products are based on cow's milk.

In the Asia Pacific region, many parents traditionally favor homemade baby food over commercial infant and child formulas. However, there is a noticeable shift towards the use of these formulas due to the increasing time constraints associated with food preparation and growing concerns regarding the nutritional adequacy of home-cooked meals. The rise in the number of working mothers has further contributed to this trend, as they seek convenient and nutritious options for their children, leading to a preference for probiotic infant and child formulas.

A significant number of children experience inadequate feeding practices and a lack of nutritious complementary foods. According to UNICEF, approximately 187,000 children under five years old in Latin America and the Caribbean succumb to malnutrition-related issues annually, with 52% of these deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for improved nutrition, which is expected to drive the growth of the probiotic infant and child formula market.

In the United States, the market faced challenges when Abbott Laboratories had to close its facility in Sturgis, Michigan, due to contamination issues, leading to a shortage of baby formula. In response, the FDA implemented measures to alleviate the crisis by relaxing regulations for manufacturers. Companies like Nestl? S.A. committed to supplying approximately 1.3 million cans of baby formula from various global locations. These initiatives from both government and private sectors are anticipated to support the recovery and growth of the probiotic infant and child formula market.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for exclusive breastfeeding for infants under six months; however, many parents are increasingly opting for infant formulas that provide similar nutritional benefits. Despite this, a declining fertility rate may pose challenges to the market's expansion.

The probiotic infant and child formula market is categorized by product type into two segments: infant formula (for ages 0-1 year) and growing-up formula (for ages 1-6 years). The growing-up formula segment led the market in 2021 and is projected to experience a higher CAGR during the forecast period.

Geographically, the probiotic infant and child formula market is divided into four primary regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2021 and is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate in the coming years. Factors contributing to this growth include the rising demand for infant and child nutrition products, urbanization, government and private sector efforts to combat malnutrition, and increased consumer spending.

The food and beverage sector encountered significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to raw material shortages, workforce challenges, and factory closures, adversely impacting the probiotic infant and child formula market. Lockdown measures severely affected the supply chain and production capabilities. Nevertheless, the pandemic heightened awareness regarding the health of infants and children, who are particularly vulnerable to infections, thereby increasing the demand for immunity-boosting products. The successful rollout of mass vaccination campaigns in 2021 has revitalized business activities, and as economies recover, the demand for probiotic infant and child formulas is expected to rise as manufacturers resume normal operations and production levels.

Key players in the probiotic infant and child formula market include Nestl? S.A., HiPP GmbH & Company Vertrieb KG, Abbott Laboratories, Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, and Bellamy's Organic. These companies are pursuing strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and new product launches to enhance their market presence and expand their customer base.

The overall size of the probiotic infant and child formula market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data. Additionally, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry stakeholders to validate findings and gain deeper insights. Participants included VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the probiotic infant and child formula sector.