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Baby Milk & Infant Formula - Japan

Japan
  • Revenue in the Baby Milk & Infant Formula market amounts to US$555.60m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 1.95% (CAGR 2024-2029).
  • In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$17bn in 2024).
  • In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$4.53 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Baby Milk & Infant Formula market, volume is expected to amount to 29.78m kg by 2029. The Baby Milk & Infant Formula market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.3% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Baby Milk & Infant Formula market is expected to amount to 0.2kg in 2024.

Definition:

Baby milk and infant formula are types of milk made specifically for infants and young children who are not yet able to consume solid food or who cannot be breastfed. They are also intended for children aged between 1 and 3 who do not get enough nutrients from their regular diet.

Baby milk is typically made from cow’s milk that has been modified to make it more easily digestible for babies. It may also contain added nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to ensure that infants or young children receive all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Infant formula is specially designed to mimic the nutrient content of breast milk as closely as possible. Baby milk and infant formula may come in different forms, such as in powdered form, as a liquid concentrate, or in a ready-to-feed form.

Additional information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram). The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption, out-of-home consumption is not included.

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In-Scope

  • Infant formula, such as Nestlé NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula, Aptamil Gold Infant Formula Milk Powder for Babies, Similac Advance Infant Formula, and Nestlé LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder
  • Baby milk, such as Milupa Milupino for 1–3-year-old toddlers and Aptamil Pronutra 1+

Out-Of-Scope

  • Milk and milk products intended for adult consumption, such as Danone’s dairy drinks
  • Milk substitutes (soy-based) for babies and infants
  • Out-of-home consumption

Revenue

Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Volume

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Price

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Global Comparison

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Analyst Opinion

The Baby Milk & Infant Formula Market in Japan is currently experiencing negligible growth, impacted by factors such as declining birth rates and the rising popularity of breastfeeding. Despite this, the market remains strong due to the convenience and health benefits offered by these products.

Customer preferences:
Consumers in Japan are increasingly opting for organic and natural baby milk and infant formula products. This trend is driven by the growing awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the negative effects of chemicals and additives in traditional formula. Additionally, the rise in working mothers has led to a demand for convenient and nutritious options, such as ready-to-feed formula and single-serve packets. This shift towards healthier and more convenient options is also influenced by the country's aging population, as grandparents and caregivers are more conscious of the nutritional needs of infants.

Trends in the market:
In Japan, there is a growing trend towards natural and organic baby milk and infant formula products. This is driven by rising consumer awareness and concerns about the quality and safety of conventional formula. With increased focus on health and wellness, Japanese parents are also turning to fortified and specialty formula, such as lactose-free and hypoallergenic options. This trend is expected to continue as manufacturers invest in research and development to meet these evolving demands, creating opportunities for growth and competition in the market. Additionally, the use of e-commerce and social media platforms for purchasing and promoting these products is also on the rise, making it easier for parents to access and compare different options. However, stricter regulations and increasing scrutiny from government agencies could have implications for industry stakeholders, requiring them to maintain transparency and compliance in their marketing and production practices.

Local special circumstances:
In Japan, the Baby Milk & Infant Formula Market of the Baby Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's unique cultural preferences and strict regulatory policies. The preference for high-quality and safe products has led to a strong demand for organic and locally-sourced ingredients in baby formula. Additionally, regulatory restrictions on advertising and labeling have created a highly competitive market, with companies focusing on innovative packaging and product differentiation to attract consumers.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Baby Milk & Infant Formula Market of the Baby Food Market within The Food market is impacted by macroeconomic factors such as population growth, consumer spending, and government regulations. Countries with a growing population and increasing disposable income, such as Japan, are expected to drive market growth. Additionally, government policies promoting breastfeeding and regulations on product safety and labeling are also significant factors influencing market performance. The rising demand for organic and natural baby food products due to increasing health concerns among parents is also expected to drive market growth.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.

Key Market Indicators

Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

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