Growing Popularity of Organic Baby Food to Aid in the Growth of the Global Baby Food and Infant Formula Market Through 2020, Reports Technavio

LONDON--()--Technavio’s latest report on the global baby food and infant formula market provides an analysis on the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2016-2020. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

The top four emerging trends driving the global baby food and infant formula market according to Technavio food and beverage research analysts are:

  • Packaging and innovation
  • Growing popularity of organic baby food
  • Expansion of product portfolios by vendors
  • Increase in online purchasing

Packaging and innovation

In terms of packaging, products in glass or tubs contribute to the majority of baby food sales. However, fast growth is experienced by pouches, i.e., containers with plastic spouts on the top from which food can be sipped. The popularity of pouches is mainly attributed to their ease and flexibility. Baby food pouches are convenient and portable nutrition, as they are extremely compatible with consumers' on-the-go lifestyles and significantly promotes independent feeding.

Baby food pouches act as food-grade barrier film that aids in keeping the content inside the pouch fresh for longer. In addition, parents feed their baby in small portions and seal the food back in the pouch for later use. Baby food pouch storage is convenient in comparison to box and glass counterparts, as pouches do not occupy much space in diaper bags or the home pantry.

Growing popularity of organic baby food

With environmental conditions deteriorating globally, there is a rising anxiety as to the safety of the products we use and, even more so, the food we consume. “A growing trend towards organic products is witnessed, which stems from a concern for our health and general wellbeing and, even more so, that of our children. Organic baby products, food in particular, have therefore garnered much attention in recent years,” says Vijay Sarathi, a lead analyst at Technavio for food research.

Organic baby food products are in demand due to its many benefits. It contains no chemicals, pesticides, preservatives, hormones, or antibiotics. Many stipulations govern the manufacture, packaging, and labeling of organic baby food. All the cereals must be grown without using chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Dairy and poultry products are derived from livestock, which are fed organic feed and not administered growth hormones. The foods, once prepared, contain no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, or other additives.

Expansion of product portfolios by vendors

Consumers increasingly demand varied options in terms of blends and flavors to cater to their babies’ nutritional requirement. Leading baby food manufacturers continually update their product lines to include new and unique products that set them apart from the competition. In July 2013, Plum Organics launched a toddler snack range, Mighty 4, a range of blended organic fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Furthermore, it is believed that offering different variants and flavors of vegetables, fruits, and cereals will help develop the food habits of babies as they grow. In addition, companies are continuously developing their products to improve them, as parents prefer to give healthy and tasty food to their babies. Abbott launched non-GMO infant formula Similac in the US in 2015. In addition, it contains OptiGRO, which significantly helps in the development of babies' brains and eyes. It also launched products in the China, India, and Europe nutrition markets. Therefore, the extension of product portfolios by vendors is another driver that is propelling the growth of the market.

Increase in online purchasing

E-commerce retailers are competing with physical stores in terms of convenience and price, as the online platform reduces and eliminates physical infrastructure. In addition, online platform, in some cases, eliminates links in supply chain, helping them to provide products at a reduced cost. The online platform offers busy parents of compelling proposition of shopping whenever and wherever possible. Approximately 18% of parents have brought baby food online in 2015.

“Around one-third of people in APAC have ordered baby food through the online platform. Hong Kong and South Korea are the key leading regions in terms of purchasing baby food and infant formula through the online platform,” says Vijay.

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About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies.

Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users.

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Contacts

Technavio Research
Jesse Maida
Media & Marketing Executive
US: +1 630 333 9501
UK: +44 208 123 1770
www.technavio.com

Release Summary

Technavio’s latest report on the global baby food and infant formula market provides an analysis on the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2016-2020.

Contacts

Technavio Research
Jesse Maida
Media & Marketing Executive
US: +1 630 333 9501
UK: +44 208 123 1770
www.technavio.com