Lactose-Free Infant Formula Global Market Report 2024

Lactose-free infant formula is designed for infants who experience lactose intolerance, a condition where they have difficulty digesting lactose found in breast and cow’s milk. This formula is specifically formulated for babies who may not fully digest lactose, leading to potential health issues such as gas, stomach rumbling, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.

The primary types of lactose-free infant formula include milk infant formula and non-milk infant formula. Milk infant formula, resembling breast milk, is made from cows' milk. The indications segment includes starting formula, specialized formula, and follow-on formula, tailored to the age of the baby. Applications encompass premature infants, babies with galactosemia, infants with cow’s milk protein allergies, and other specific needs. Distribution channels for lactose-free infant formula include supermarkets or hypermarkets, specialty stores, online retail stores, and various other distribution channels.

The lactose-free infant formula market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides lactose-free infant formula market statistics, including lactose-free infant formula industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a lactose-free infant formula market share, detailed lactose-free infant formula market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the lactose-free infant formula industry. This lactose-free infant formula market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The lactose-free infant formula market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $16.59 billion in 2023 to $18.53 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to factors such as medical recommendations and prescriptions, an increase in cases of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA), a rise in the incidence of lactose intolerance in infants, parental concerns for digestive health, improved formulations and taste of lactose-free infant formula, and the demand for alternative dietary solutions.

The lactose-free infant formula market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $28.35 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2%. The projected growth in the forecast period can be linked to the growing global awareness of lactose intolerance, market expansion in emerging economies, an increasing adoption of specialty formulas, research advancements in infant nutrition, and the rising accessibility of healthcare. Key trends expected in the forecast period involve the development of hydrolyzed protein formulas, the integration of probiotics for gut health, the formulation of plant-based and non-dairy options, an emphasis on organic and clean label formulas, and the supplementation with DHA and ARA for infant development.

The lactose-free infant formula market is poised for growth, driven by the increasing incidences of lactose intolerance among infants. Lactose intolerance poses challenges for individuals who struggle to fully digest lactose, leading to health issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Infants diagnosed with lactose intolerance often rely on lactose-free infant formula to meet their nutritional needs. Reports from Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. in July 2022 revealed that approximately 65% of the adult human population experienced lactose intolerance, emphasizing the significance of lactose-free options, particularly for infants.

The lactose-free infant formula market is expected to benefit from the growing population of newborns. Newborns, within their first 28 days of life, may require lactose-free infant formula under specific circumstances, such as a diagnosis of lactose intolerance or sensitivity. The CDC reported 3.66 million births in the US in 2021, compared to 3.61 million in 2020. Similarly, Statistics Canada noted 367,684 births in Canada in 2021, a 2% increase from 2020. This surge in newborns contributes to the increased demand for lactose-free infant formula.

Major companies in the lactose-free infant formula market are adopting innovative strategies, such as introducing plant-based infant formula, aligning with parents' preferences for more plant-based options for their babies. Plant-based infant formula, derived from non-animal sources like plants, grains, and seeds, provides a nutritionally complete and easily digestible alternative. In July 2022, Danone S.A. launched Dairy & Plants Blend, offering a mix of dairy and plant-based ingredients, providing parents with a plant-based option that meets their nutritional standards.

Major players in the lactose-free infant formula market are incorporating human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) into their product solutions. HMOs are complex carbohydrates naturally present in human breast milk, benefiting newborns allergic to cow's milk protein and supporting their immune systems. Nestle (China) Ltd. introduced three infant formulas containing HMOs in May 2022, catering to infants with cow's milk protein allergies while enhancing immune system health.

Strategic acquisitions also contribute to the market dynamics, with Primavera Capital Group's acquisition of Mead Johnson's business in China from Reckitt Benckiser Group in September 2021. This move enhances Primavera Capital Group's growth prospects in China's infant nutrition market, emphasizing innovation, operational improvement, channel optimization, and digital transformation. Mead Johnson, a US-based infant and child nutrition company, is known for providing lactose-free infant formula.

Major companies operating in the lactose-free infant formula market include Nestle S.A, Valio Ltd., Danone S.A, Abbott Laboratories, Silverson Machines Holdings Ltd., Gimme the Good Stuff, Mead Johnson & Company LLC, Gerber Product Co., HiPP International, Vermont Organics LLC, Perrigo Company PLC, Earth's Best Inc., Nutricia Ltd., Dana Dairy Group, Nurture Inc., Kraft Heinz Company, Hain Celestial Group Inc., Honest Company Inc., Nature's One Inc., Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd., Synutra International Inc., Beingmate Baby & Child Food Co. Ltd., Yili Industrial Group Company Limited, Feihe International Inc., Biostime International Holdings Limited, Wissun International Group Co. Ltd., Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd., Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd., Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd., FrieslandCampina NV

Western Europe was the largest region in the lactose-free infant formula market in 2023. The regions covered in the lactose-free infant formula market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the lactose-free infant formula market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, and USA.

The lactose-free infant formula market consists of sales of skimmed milk, plant-based soy protein. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this lactose-free infant formula market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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