MENA infant milk formula market projected to reach US$2.45B by 2033

MENA – The infant milk formula market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is set for significant expansion, with a new report forecasting robust growth over the next decade. 

According to a report by IMARC Group, the market, valued at US$1.39 billion in 2024, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%, reaching US$2.45 billion by 2033. 

This growth is driven by rising birth rates, increasing urbanization, and growing awareness of infant nutrition across the region.

The report highlights that the MENA region’s demand for infant milk formula is fueled by changing lifestyles, particularly in urban areas where more women are entering the workforce.

This shift has led to a higher reliance on formula as a convenient and reliable source of nutrition for infants. 

Additionally, improvements in healthcare infrastructure and greater access to information about infant health have encouraged parents to invest in high-quality formula products. 

Manufacturers are responding by introducing specialized formulas, such as those designed for premature infants or those with specific dietary needs, further boosting market growth.

“We are seeing a clear trend where parents prioritize scientifically backed, nutrient-rich formulas to ensure their children’s healthy development,” said a spokesperson from IMARC Group. 

The report also notes that countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt are leading the market due to their large populations and rising disposable incomes.

Another factor contributing to the market’s expansion is the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms, which have made infant formula more accessible to consumers. 

Online sales channels are particularly appealing to busy parents seeking convenience and a wider range of products. 

The ease of purchasing trusted brands online has transformed how parents shop for infant formula,” stated a market analyst from Fact.MR, a global research firm.

Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain, including regulatory scrutiny over formula marketing and concerns about environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, as reported by Consumer Reports in recent U.S. studies. 

However, MENA manufacturers are focusing on compliance with stringent safety standards to maintain consumer trust. 

The report emphasizes that innovation, such as the development of organic and probiotic formulas, will play a key role in sustaining growth.

As the MENA infant milk formula market continues to evolve, industry experts anticipate that strategic partnerships and investments in research will further enhance product offerings, ensuring the region meets the nutritional needs of its growing infant population.

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