Baby Milk & Infant Formula - South Africa

Revenue in the Baby Milk & Infant Formula market amounts to US$527.80m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.85% (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$8.65 are generated in 2024.
In the Baby Milk & Infant Formula market, volume is expected to amount to 47.79m kg by 2029. The Baby Milk & Infant Formula market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.4% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Baby Milk & Infant Formula market is expected to amount to 0.7kg 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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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+

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

The Baby Milk & Infant Formula Market in South Africa is experiencing a negligible growth rate, impacted by factors such as declining birth rates and increasing awareness of breastfeeding benefits. However, the convenience of online purchasing and rising disposable income are expected to drive growth in the future.

Customer preferences: As health-consciousness grows among South African parents, there has been a notable increase in demand for organic and natural baby milk and infant formula products. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the potential health benefits of such products, as well as a desire to provide the best possible nutrition for their babies. This has led to a greater emphasis on clean and transparent ingredient lists, as well as eco-friendly packaging options. Additionally, there has been a rise in the popularity of plant-based and alternative milk options, catering to vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers.

Trends in the market: In South Africa, the Baby Milk & Infant Formula Market of the Baby Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a growing demand for organic and natural products. This trend is driven by consumers' increasing health-consciousness and desire for transparency in ingredient sourcing. Additionally, there is a rise in online shopping and e-commerce platforms for baby products, providing convenience and access to a wider range of options. These trends are expected to continue, presenting opportunities for industry stakeholders to expand their product offerings and reach a larger market. Furthermore, regulatory changes promoting stricter labeling and safety standards are likely to shape the industry landscape in the future.

Local special circumstances: In South Africa, the Baby Milk & Infant Formula Market of the Baby Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by cultural factors. Breastfeeding is deeply ingrained in the culture, leading to a lower demand for infant formula. Additionally, the government has strict regulations on advertising and labeling of baby milk, which affects the marketing and sales strategies of companies in the market. The country's diverse population also plays a role, with certain cultural and religious beliefs influencing the types of formula preferred by 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 consumer purchasing power, economic stability, and government policies. The global economic slowdown has affected consumer spending on baby food products, leading to a decline in market growth. However, growing urbanization and a rise in the number of working mothers have contributed to the demand for convenient and nutritious infant formula products. Moreover, government initiatives to promote breastfeeding and regulate the marketing of infant formula have also influenced market dynamics in South Africa.

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.