Protein Ingredients in Infant Nutrition Market Report 2025

The protein ingredients in infant nutrition market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $8.69 billion in 2024 to $9.41 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing birth rates, breastfeeding challenges, urbanization and changing lifestyles, nutritional deficiency concerns, medical conditions and allergies, parental education.

The protein ingredients in infant nutrition market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $13.51 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to premiumization of infant nutrition, clean label and natural ingredients, e-commerce growth, globalization of brands, rising awareness of early nutrition, healthcare professional recommendations. Major trends in the forecast period include plant-based protein formulations, innovation in protein blends, personalized nutrition for infants, sustainable and ethical sourcing, technological advancements.

The anticipated rise in the global population growth rate is set to be a driving force for the protein ingredients in the infant nutrition market. This growth is attributed to reductions in poverty and advancements in modern medicine. With the increasing population, there is a corresponding demand for protein ingredients to support the growth and development of newborns. For example, a July 2022 report from the United Nations projects the world's population to reach around 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and potentially peaking at around 10.4 billion in the 2080s, sustaining that level until 2100. Hence, the escalating global population growth rate is a catalyst for the growth of protein ingredients in the infant nutrition market.

The surging demand for infant food is expected to be a significant driver for the growth of protein ingredients in the infant nutrition market. Infant food, designed for babies between six months and two years old, includes soft, easily consumable food other than breast milk or infant formula. Protein ingredients play a crucial role in providing the necessary building blocks for muscles, bones, tissues, and supporting a healthy immune system. This is essential for producing antibodies to fight off infections. According to the Atlantic Area Healthy Food Eco-System in March 2022, global infant food sales are projected to reach around 50 million euros ($54.8 million) by 2021, with an expected increase of 4% to 6% in the next five years. Therefore, the growing demand for infant food is a key driver for the expansion of protein ingredients in the infant nutrition market.

Major companies in the infant nutrition market are prioritizing product innovation, particularly through plant-based formulas, to satisfy the increasing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable nutrition options for children. These plant-based formulas are nutritious beverages crafted specifically for infants, utilizing whole, plant-based ingredients without dairy or soy, thus offering a convenient and healthy choice. For example, in April 2024, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., a Canada-based producer of plant-based nutrition products, introduced its plant-based 'Follow-On' formula for infants aged 6 to 12 months and Toddler Drink for those aged 12 to 36 months in Australia, marking the company's initial commercial entry into the region. Both products are available on Amazon Australia, with plans for broader distribution through additional retailers. Manufactured in Europe, these formulas adhere to stringent quality standards. They are free from antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, GMOs, and heavy metals, addressing rising parental concerns. Composed of almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca, the formula boasts a carbon footprint that is approximately 65% lower and undergoes no chemical processing, thereby preserving the integrity of the proteins.

Major companies in the protein ingredients in the infant nutrition market are also committed to developing innovative products such as alpha-lactalbumin to maintain a competitive edge. Alpha-lactalbumin (α-LA) is a whey protein naturally abundant in human breast milk and cow's milk. In May 2023, Arla Foods, a Denmark-based dairy product producer, launched Lacprodan Alpha-50. This high-quality protein ingredient is tailored for use in low-protein infant formulas, known for its ease of digestion and compatibility with other ingredients such as prebiotics and probiotics, contributing to the creation of nutritious and safe infant formula products.

In March 2022, Advent International Corporation, a US-based investment firm, acquired the pharmaceutical businesses located in Mexico and Brazil from Perrigo Company plc for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition enables Advent to broaden its regional investment strategy within the healthcare sector, leveraging over twenty years of industry experience to enhance its market presence. Perrigo Company plc is an Ireland-based pharmaceutical manufacturer that provides pediatric nutrition solutions, including infant protein formulas.

Major companies operating in the protein ingredients in infant nutrition market include Abbott Laboratories, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Bunge Limited, Cargill Incorporated, Danone SA, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., Nestle SA, Perrigo Company plc, Reckitt Benckiser India Ltd., The Kraft Heinz Company, Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Company Limited, Kerry Group plc, FrieslandCampina NV, Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, Kewpie Corporation, Axiom Food Inc., Davisco Foods International Inc., Beingmate Baby & Child Food Co. Ltd., Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd., Synutra International Inc., Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd., China Feihe Limited, Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, Erie Foods International Inc., Grande Custom Ingredients Group, Idaho Milk Products Inc.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the protein ingredients in infant nutrition market in 2024. The regions covered in the protein ingredients in infant nutrition market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the protein ingredients in infant nutrition market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Protein ingredients in infant nutrition refer to the nutritional components given to infants that include essential proteins necessary for their development and growth. These proteins play crucial roles in tissue healing and maintaining the pH and appropriate balance of bodily fluids. Enzymes, which are proteins, are also essential for vital metabolic processes in the body, including blood coagulation, digestion, muscular contraction, and energy production.

The main types of protein ingredients in infant nutrition are categorized as animal and plant. Animal protein refers to complete proteins derived from animals. These proteins are available in various forms such as isolated, concentrate, and others, sourced from animals such as cows, milk, soy, and protein hydrolysates. These protein ingredients are used in applications such as growing-up milk, standard infant formula, follow-on formula, and specialty products. They are distributed through channels including hypermarkets, supermarkets, pharmacies or medical stores, specialty stores, hard discounter stores, and others.

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

The protein ingredients in infant nutrition market consists of sales of protein ingredients used for the development and growth, as well as tissue healing, and aid in preserving the pH and appropriate balance of bodily fluids in infants. 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 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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