Baby Milk & Infant Formula - Southern Africa

Revenue in the Baby Milk & Infant Formula market amounts to US$557.60m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.78% (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$7.96 are generated in 2024.
In the Baby Milk & Infant Formula market, volume is expected to amount to 49.37m 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 0.6kg 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 Southern Africa has been affected by various factors, resulting in negligible growth. Factors include low birth rates, economic instability, and increasing awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. These have impacted the market's growth rate, leading to a slow rise in demand for baby formula products in the region.

Customer preferences: With a growing emphasis on health and wellness, there has been a significant rise in demand for organic and plant-based baby milk and infant formula in Southern Africa. This trend can be attributed to changing consumer preferences for natural and clean label products, as well as a rising awareness of the potential health benefits of plant-based diets. Additionally, the increasing number of vegan and vegetarian families in the region has also contributed to the growth of this market segment.

Trends in the market: In Southern Africa, the Baby Milk & Infant Formula Market of the Baby Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards organic and natural products. This trend is driven by consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable options. Additionally, there is a growing preference for locally sourced ingredients and products. This presents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to expand their offerings and cater to this changing consumer behavior. However, it also poses a challenge as companies will need to adapt their supply chain and production processes to meet these demands.

Local special circumstances: In Southern Africa, the Baby Milk & Infant Formula Market of the Baby Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's demographic and economic factors. With a high birth rate and increasing urbanization, there is a growing demand for convenient and affordable baby food options. Additionally, strict regulations on advertising and labeling of baby formula also impact market dynamics. In countries like South Africa, where breastfeeding rates are low, there is a significant market for formula milk, while in countries like Zimbabwe, cultural practices favor breastfeeding and impact the demand for formula.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Baby Milk & Infant Formula Market of the Baby Food Market within The Food market is greatly impacted by macroeconomic factors in Southern Africa. The economic health of the region, as well as global economic trends, play a crucial role in the market's performance. Countries with stable economic growth and favorable fiscal policies are likely to experience higher demand for baby milk and infant formula. Additionally, investments in healthcare infrastructure and regulatory support for the industry can also drive market growth. The increasing population and rising disposable income in Southern Africa are also contributing to the demand for high-quality baby food products.

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.