Global baby food market seen reaching $116.5 billion by 2031

By AI, Created 10:16 AM UTC, June 03, 2026, /AGP/ – The global baby food market was valued at $67.8 billion in 2021 and is projected to climb to $116.5 billion by 2031, driven by more working women, rising demand for organic products and wider organized retail. Milk formula remains the largest segment, while prepared baby food is expected to grow fastest.

Why it matters: - The baby food market is growing as more parents seek packaged nutrition for infants and toddlers. - Demand is being reshaped by working mothers, retail expansion and interest in organic products. - The market’s growth could favor companies that combine nutrition, packaging and digital sales channels.

What happened: - The global baby food market was valued at $67.8 billion in 2021. - The market is projected to reach $116.5 billion by 2031. - The report projects a 5.7% compound annual growth rate from 2022 to 2031. - Allied Market Research published the report on June 3, 2026.

The details: - Baby food refers to ready-to-eat food for infants from four to six months old to two years old. - Major product types include dried cereals, milk formula and prepared baby food. - Milk formula holds about 60.7% of revenue share. - Prepared baby food is expected to post the highest CAGR at 5.7% during the forecast period. - The market is segmented by product type, distribution channel, category and region. - Growth drivers include rising awareness of infant nutrition, organized retail marketing and a sharp increase in female workforce participation. - The report also cites growth in internet penetration, more netizens and increased social media advertising by marketers. - Asia-Pacific was the leading region in 2021, supported by a large consumer base and population growth. - Established players with major operations in Asia-Pacific hold a strong position, and brand strength remains a barrier to new entrants. - Leading strategies include product launches, awareness campaigns, acquisitions and collaborations.

Between the lines: - The report points to a market split between mainstream formula sales and faster-growing prepared and organic offerings. - Government support for breastfeeding and declining birth rates are limiting growth in some markets. - Food safety concerns, breastfeeding awareness and low birth rates remain structural headwinds. - The strongest opportunities appear to sit in organic baby food, digital distribution and growth markets across LAMEA. - Social media marketing is becoming a more important sales lever as baby food brands try to reach digitally connected parents.

What’s next: - Companies are expected to keep pushing premium nutrition science, sustainable packaging and omnichannel retail strategies. - Product innovation and packaging innovation are likely to create new openings for market share gains. - Working women, urbanization and rising nutrition awareness should continue to support demand, especially in emerging markets. - Key players in the market include Nestlé, Danone, Perrigo, Mead Johnson, Abbott, Hero Group, Bellamy Organics, Hain Celestial Group, Campbell Soups and Friesland Campina. - The report includes a sample request at Request the sample PDF and a purchase inquiry link at Inquiry before buying.