Belgium Baby Food Market Research Report: Forecast (2024-2030)

Market Definition

Baby food products are specifically formulated and intended for infants and young children. Designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies, which differ from those of adults. These products are sold in a variety of formats, including jars, pouches, and other containers.

Market Insights & Analysis: Belgium Baby Food Market (2024-30):

The Belgium Baby Food Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 2.8% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30. The growing health and wellness among parents in Belgium have played a significant role in the growth of the baby food market in the country. Owing to this parents have become more aware of the importance of nutrition for their children due to which they are increasingly opting for products that are free from artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. Moreover, most parents are working and leading a busy lifestyle due to which they have less time to prepare homemade baby food, and as a result, they highly prefer these baby food products.

Moreover, improving household incomes due to favorable government policies and various ongoing social welfare programs in the country is another major aspect that has supported market growth during the historical years. According to a survey from Statbel on personal well-being & living conditions, in the first trimester of 2022, approximately 23.7% of the population experienced an increase in the total disposable household income compared to the previous year. This led to considerable spending on various items, including baby food.

Furthermore, the market witnessed a robust performance in recent years due to the rapidly increasing consumer preference for vegan, plant-based, & organic food. The plant-based formula is also gaining prominence in Belgium which tends to be adopted by vegan families who would like their children to adopt their diets from a young age but want to ensure that they receive adequate nutritional support. As veganism gains pace in Belgium, demand for plant-based baby food will increase simultaneously during the forecast period.

Belgium Baby Food Market Driver:

High Working Women Population to Catalyze the Market Growth – The working women population in Belgium is relatively high compared to many other countries. It has one of the highest rates of female labour force participation in the entire European Union. Many working women include mothers too, who are busy and do not have the time or energy to prepare homemade food for their babies. As a result, they automatically turn toward commercially available baby food, which can be prepared quickly and easily.

According to the Women in Work Index, working women in the country had a 69.9 index score in the year 2020 and 70.3 in the year 2021. This large number of working women has augmented the growth of Belgium Baby Food Market during the historical period. Furthermore, the country is now working on several new policies concerning flexible working arrangements, parental leave, affordable childcare, and anti-discrimination policies in light of the Federal Plan on Gender Mainstreaming adopted in 2021. The plan has been renewed two times since its inception and is now in its third edition which aims to increase gender equality during 2020-24.

Thus, the surging government encouragement to promote gender quality would increase the working women population in the coming years which subsequently would increase the demand for baby food products during the forecast period.

Belgium Baby Food Market Opportunity:

The Flourishing E-Commerce Industry Creating New Opportunities – The e-commerce sector in the country is witnessing a surge due to increased internet penetration, widespread use of smartphones, and the availability of various payment options such as credit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets, which have made it easier for consumers to shop online. The growth of e-commerce can enable baby food companies to reach a wider customer base and increase their market share.

Moreover, e-commerce platforms provide baby food companies with consumer data, such as their shopping habits, preferences, and demographics. Plans like Digital Belgium closing the digital divide in the country owing to which the retailing through online sales channels is witnessing a surge. This can help companies target marketing and promotional activities more effectively, which would create new opportunities for the Belgium Baby Food Market.

Belgium Baby Food Market Challenge:

Declining Birth Rate Impeding the Market Growth – The birth rate in Belgium is gradually dropping year by year due to factors like changing demographics, lifestyle changes, and economic factors like the high cost of living. This would result in a decrease in the number of infants and young children in the population and as a result, the demand for infant food items may decline, which would hamper the sales of baby food products during the forecast period. As per the Belgian Statistical Office Statbel’s 2022 report, the number of births in the country fell by 2.9% in 2020 compared to 2019.

Similarly, in 2022, approximately 113,800 births were provisionally recorded in the country which was almost 2,800 fewer than in the period 2018-2021 and a decrease of 2.4%.  Furthermore, the country has a huge number of individuals aged above 65 years owing to which the fertility rate of Belgium would decline during the coming years. This decline in fertility rate would have a significant negative impact on birth rates, which subsequently would reduce the demand for baby food products during the forecast period.

Belgium Baby Food Market Trend:

Growing Demand for Organic and Plant-based Food Products – There is a growing demand for baby food products made from natural and organic ingredients in Belgium as parents are looking for baby food products that are free from artificial preservatives, additives, and pesticides. Similarly, plant-based and vegan baby food products are also becoming more popular in the country, as more parents are choosing to raise their children on a plant-based diet. Owing to this, organic and plant-based products of companies like HiPP UK Ltd., Babybio, Piccolo, Organix, etc., are witnessing significant demand. This has encouraged companies to diversify their product offerings and as a result new baby food products, such as plant-based yogurts, finger foods, snacks, etc., are being introduced in the market.

Thus, the surging demand for organic and plant-based baby food products is pushing companies to diversify their product range to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers creating new trends in the Belgium Baby Food Market.

Belgium Baby Food Market (2024-30): Segmentation Analysis

The Belgium Baby Food Market study of MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends and influencing factors in each segment. It also includes predictions for the period 2024–2030 at the national level. According to the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Food Category:

• Milk Formula
• Prepared Baby Food
• Dried Baby Food
• Other Baby Food

Of them all, the milk formula witnessed considerable growth during the historical period and is anticipated to follow a similar trend during the forecast period as well. In a country like Belgium where the number of working mothers is high, it is common for mothers to stop breastfeeding their babies earlier and switch to formula. These formulas are a convenient option for parents who are busy and don't have the time or resources to prepare homemade baby food.

Furthermore, as parents continue to lead a busy lifestyle, they are showing an increasing inclination toward milk formula as they are considering it as a time-saving and convenient option to feed their babies. This growing preference of parents for milk formula would support the growth of Belgium Baby Food Market during the forecast period.

Based on the Distribution Channel:

• Offline
  • Hypermarkets/ Supermarkets
  • Pharmacies & Drug Stores
  • Convenience Stores
• Online

Here, sales through supermarkets held the maximum share during the historical period. Competitive pricing, brand availability, and marketing strategies made supermarkets a popular sales channel for baby food products. Due to their substantial procurement capabilities and economies of scale, supermarkets frequently offer competitive rates on baby food products. In addition to this, they offer a one-stop shop for all home necessities, including infant food items. Consumers usually purchase baby food products along with their monthly or weekly shopping from these supermarkets due to which they are the most preferred shopping channel.

Furthermore, investments are increasing in the grocery retail sector as many players have seen the potential for steady returns on their investments, and as a result, the number of supermarkets is growing in the country. For instance, in 2022 Russian supermarket chain Mere opened its first store in Belgium. Similarly, supermarket chain Jumbo opened 10 new shops in 2022. With this increase in supermarkets, baby food products would become more accessible to a larger number of consumers. Additionally, they would provide a huge opportunity for baby food companies to promote their products through promotions, in-store displays, etc., which would boost sales through these channels during the forecast period.

Belgium Baby Food Industry Recent Development:

• 2020: Alpro NV announced to invest USD 35 million to expand production at its facilities in Belgium, Wevelgem, and the UK.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our Belgium Baby Food Market Report

1. Belgium Baby Food Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps business organizations to gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
2. This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing business organizations to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
3. Belgium Baby Food Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, business organizations can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.