Global Markets for Baby Foods -- Focus on Europe

Report Highlights

• The global revenue for the baby food market reached $27.1 billion in 2010 and is expected to reach $28.2 billion in 2011. It will further grow to $35.2 billion in 2016 for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% between 2011 and 2016.
• The European baby food market, with a market share of 31.71%, reached $8.6 billion in 2010 and is expected to reach $8.8 billion in 2011. It will further grow to $9.6 billion in 2016 for a CAGR of 1.8% between 2011 and 2016.
• Infant formula is the leading segment in the European baby food market reaching nearly $5 billion in 2010. The segment is expected to reach $5.1 billion in 2011 and will further grow to $5.8 billion in 2016 for a CAGR of 2.4% between 2011 and 2016.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY OBJECTIVES

BCC’s goal in conducting this study is to provide an overview of the current and future characteristics of the global market for baby foods.  The key objective is to present a comprehensive analysis of the current baby food market and its future direction including categories such as infant formula and baby meals.

This report explores present and future strategies within the baby food market.  The current state of the market, the setbacks, the innovations, and the future needs of the market are discussed in detail in this report.  A general overview of baby food, its types, market needs, benefits, limitations, and regulatory aspects are discussed in the report. 

A detailed analysis of the structure of the baby food industry has been conducted.  This includes different types of baby foods such as infant formula and baby meals, which are further broken down by their market share as belonging to the categories’ leading manufacturers, and/or suppliers.  Revenues for each of the baby food categories are broken down by the region, including the four major markets of U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW).  Sales figures are estimated for the 5-year period from 2011 through 2016. 

The significant patents and their allocation in each category of baby food are included in the report.  Company profiles of major companies in the baby food business, including infant formula and baby meal manufacturers and processors are also included.

REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY

This study was conducted to provide vital and detailed information regarding the use of baby food.  This industry is primed for growth, as the demand for baby food products is increasing.  Due to an increase in the number of women in the workplace, in addition to growing parental concerns about nutrition and modern day time constraints, baby food instant solutions such as infant formula and baby meals have become even more significant in meeting the current nutritional demands of infants and toddlers globally.  A growing overall concern for infant/toddler health in addition to time constraints have enabled many new baby food companies to originate globally.  These companies are striving to meet the current and potential future demand of providing quality baby food products worldwide.

Acquisitions, mergers, and alliances by companies and global organizations are also covered in this report.  The study also discusses the new technologies/developments, manufacturer/supplier competition, as well as the changing environment of the market, due to the increasing demand for commercial baby foods.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

With an increasing number of women in the workplace and the demand for more convenient baby food products, the market for baby food provides many opportunities for new and innovative products.  Manufacturers/suppliers that deal with the business of baby food and beverage, parents of toddlers/infants, working mothers, healthcare professionals, and pediatric clinics and hospitals that deal specifically with pediatric cases are all required to provide specialized food for infants/toddlers. 

This report is  also of great interest to companies, institutions, and researchers working within the baby food market, including suppliers/manufacturers, retailers, technologists, specialized medical-pediatric service providers, universities, students, journalists, and other concerned individuals and groups.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study encompasses the baby food markets.  This report includes infant formula and baby meals.  Baby meals include baby cereals, baby snacks, baby drinks, and other baby foods.  BCC analyzes each market and how it relates to the nutrient needs of infants/toddlers; the importance of breast-feeding; types and forms of infant formula; complementary baby meals; different types of industrially prepared complementary foods; and benefits, drawbacks, and the market’s regulatory aspects.  The technological issues discussed include the latest trends and developments of the baby food market.

METHODOLOGY

BCC conducted a comprehensive literature search that included technical newsletters and journals and many other sources.  Data were collected through interviews and correspondence with various chemical, biotechnical, food and beverages, and technical experts.  Projections are based on estimates such as the current number of end users, potential end users, mergers and acquisitions, and market trends.

INFORMATION SOURCES

Many companies within the industry were surveyed to obtain data for this study.  Included were manufacturers and end users of nonsugar sweeteners in chemicals, biotechnical products, and food and beverages.  Data were gathered from various industry sources.  BCC spoke with officials within the industry, consulted newsletters, company literature, product literature, and a host of technical articles, journals, indexes, and abstracts.  Exhaustive investigations of databases by key terminology were completed.  In addition, data was compiled from current financial, trade, and government sources.

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DISCLAIMER

The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature.   This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature.   The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or its use.

Analyst Credentials

Shalini Shahani Dewan focuses on pharmaceuticals and biotechnology and has been a BCC Research contributor since 2002 as both an analyst and project manager. She has explored a wide range of topics and companies, including working for Johnson & Johnson doing market surveillance. She has an undergraduate degree in pharmacy and master's degree in medicinal chemistry. She resides in the Bay Area.