India Baby Food Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Type (Organic Baby Food, Non-Organic Baby Food), By Product Type (Dried Baby Food, Milk Formula, Prepared Baby Food, Others), And By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline) - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

India's baby food market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.54% to reach a market size of US$1,437.743 million in 2027, from US$1,053.383 million in 2020.

Baby food and baby formula are soft and easy-to-eat meal items designed for newborns and toddlers. They are made from milk protein and serve as a replacement for breast milk. These items are frequently available in milk formula, prepared, and dry infant food forms. They are a good source of vitamins, carbs, linoleic acid, prebiotics, and lipids, and are made from mashed vegetables, fruits, and grains. Baby food and newborn formula help the child's general growth and offer enough nutrition.

Due to the country's high birth rate, the market in India is likely to grow at a rapid pace over the forecast period.

Additionally, rising consumer knowledge about infant health and well-being, as well as rising family income, are fueling the growth of the Indian baby food market during the forecast period. Consequently, the growing awareness among the general public about child nutrition and optimal development may be credited to the expansion of the Indian baby food and infant formula business. Moreover, owing to rapid modernization and urbanization, the majority of parents find it safe to switch to ready-to-mix baby food and baby formula for newborns and young children's immunity and health. Due to this, FSSAI released a new notification in 2020, regarding infant nutrition safety standards. In the official statement, it was clearly mentioned that foods for infant nutrition must have packs made from polymer, paper, and metallic film or must be packed in sealed, clean, and sound containers. It includes categories such as infant milk formula, premature infant milk substitute, milk cereal-based complementary food, and lactose-free milk formula. According to WHO and UNICEF, more than half of expecting mothers and breastfeeding mothers are influenced by the marketing done by the companies that produce milk formula products, and therefore end up buying those products. Furthermore, the rising popularity of high-quality organic baby food products made from natural components is boosting the market growth. Other variables, such as expanding consumer spending power and a growing female labor force, are expected to propel the market forward across the country.

Several food companies have launched baby foods in India to increase market expansion.

The release of various flavors and other such innovative products will drive the baby food market in India during the projected period. For instance, in January 2021, Timios, a packaged healthy snack brand for children located in Bangalore, joined the baby food industry with the introduction of its new 'Made to Order' Porridge variety for newborns and toddlers. This new product, which comes in 12 varieties, is meant to meet the nutritional needs of babies aged 6 to 18 months. Additionally, the rising health concerns about a baby's general development, an increase in malnutrition instances, and the necessity for easy and portable nourishment for newborns are some of the factors driving the increased demand for baby meals. For instance, in May 2019, Nestle developed an organic cereal for children over the age of 12 months in its Ceregrow brand, made from 100% organic ragi, wheat, milk, and rice. Moreover, the growth rate of baby food is predicted to accelerate during the next five years as infant meals enter more households. The ease of use of baby cereals, in addition to the rising variety of flavors and types, will continue to entice parents to purchase them as a weaning food. Similarly, in March 2022, a Surat-based organic baby food startup named Bebe Burp raised $280,000 in the seed round. The investment was led by Let's Venture and Lead Angels. The invested amount will be used for expanding its food product range to baby snacks, porridge mixes, and puffs for babies. Along with that looking forward to better opportunities and a focus on developing commercial relationships with fellow market players. The startup has been providing healthier baby food. Furthermore, the company launched its products with new packaging and improved taste as a part of its growth strategy.

Major key developments

• In 2020, Nestle launched a single-material pouch for its baby food products. The packaging has been developed in partnership with Gualapack, which is a world leader in pre-made spouted pouches. The newly designed pouch is made from polypropylene (PP) which is a versatile form of plastic. This type of plastic is available everywhere commercially. The new design launch aims toward creating a wider market base for recycled plastics that are safe for food.

India Baby Food Market Scope:

Segmentation

• By Type
  • Organic Baby Food
  • Non-Organic Baby Food
• By Product Type
  • Dried Baby Food
  • Milk Formula
  • Prepared Baby Food
  • Others
• By Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline