United Kingdom Baby Food - Market Assessment and Forecasts to 2030

The number of live births in the UK declined by 11.8% during 2018-24, reaching, 644,816 in 2024. This resulted in a baby population of two million in 2024. The GDP of the grew by 1% in 2024, while consumer price inflation stood at 2.5%. Overall sales in value terms increased in recent years with the sector expanding at a CAGR of 3.6% during 2018-24. However, in volume terms, sales decreased during 2018-24, dropping at a negative CAGR of 0.5%. Baby milks remained the largest category in value terms with over 55% of the baby food sector, distantly followed by baby wet meals & others. Danone, The Hain Celestial Group, and Nestle together accounted for 62.9% of value sales in 2024. Hypermarkets & supermarkets remained the leading distribution channel, accounting for over 70% of overall value sales in 2024. GlobalData estimates that the market for baby food in the country is expected to increase in value terms during 2024-30, registering a CAGR of 2.6%.

Key Highlights

• Value sales of baby milks increased from GBP410 million ($547.6 million) in 2018 to GBP511.6 million ($651.5 million) in 2024, at a CAGR of 3.8% during this period.
• Volumes of baby cereals & dry meals decreased from 1.5 million kg in 2018 to 1.45 million kg in 2024, at a negative CAGR of 0.5%.
• Value sales of the baby wet meals & others category rose from GBP200.6 million ($267.9 million) in 2018 to GBP247.8 million ($315.6 million) in 2024, at a CAGR of 3.6%.
• During 2018-24, PCC of baby finger food increased by 15.4%, totaling 3kg in 2024.
• During 2018-24, PCC of baby drinks fell by 75%, to 0.1kg in 2024.

Scope

This report brings together multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the baby food sector in the UK, as part of GlobalData's global coverage of the sector. It includes an analysis of the following -

• Market environment: The report provides a comparative analysis of the value and volume shares of the UK against the Western European and global baby food sectors. Additionally, the per capita consumption (PCC)* of and per capita expenditure (PCE)* on baby food in the UK are compared at regional and global levels.
• Background: Provides an overview of births, consumer trends, sociodemographic trends, working women population, and regulations in the UK baby food sector.
• Category coverage and competitive landscape: The report offers an overview of growth at a sector level and provides an analysis of five categories: baby milks, baby cereals & dry meals, baby wet meals & others, baby finger food, and baby drinks. These categories are analyzed by value, volume, and CAGR for the 2018-30 period. The analysis also includes the PCC of and PCE on baby food in the UK, by category. The report provides an analysis of leading manufacturers and brands in the UK baby food sector in 2024 and their sales shares in each category.
• Production and trade: The report provides an analysis of imports and exports in the UK baby food sector (2019-23).
• Distribution channels: Provides analysis on the leading distribution channels at both sector and category level in 2024.
• Economic background: The report also provides an outlook on macroeconomic indicators in the UK, with a snapshot of the economy and labor market.

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