Metal tins remained the leading pack type for powder milk formula in Vietnam in 2023. Metal tins effectively protect the content from external factors such as moisture, light and contaminants, ensuring the product remains fresh and safe for consumption. Furthermore, the tamper-evident seal on metal tins provides additional reassurance to parents with regard to product integrity. Metal tins are also stackable and easy to store, making them a practical choice for both manufacturers and consumers i

With milk formula accounting for almost half of total baby food packaging unit volumes, and metal tins the dominant pack type in milk formula, this packaging format therefore remains the leading one in overall baby food, given metal tins also has a presence in dried baby food. Since metal tins are rigid, they can endure knocks and collisions, which makes metal tins easy to transport. Furthermore, since the packaging is non-porous, the products inside the tins are protected from environmental fac

Other baby food and prepared baby food, between them, account for the majority of the packaging unit volumes used in overall baby food in Ukraine. Glass jars dominate prepared baby food packaging, although plastic pouches have been seeing strong growth and gaining share in this category, albeit from a relatively low base. Flexible packaging’s main advantages vis-à-vis glass are its light weight and robustness. Plastic pouches are often paired with plastic screw closure or zip/press closures in p

Total packaging unit volumes continued to see positive growth in baby food in Sweden in 2023. Swedish parents consider their children’s nutrition to be a priority in their purchasing decisions, and put the needs of their children over their own. As such, they continue to purchase baby food, whether the country is experiencing a pandemic or high inflation. Aluminium/plastic pouches and folding cartons are popular in prepared baby food, and aluminium/plastic pouches are also prevalent in other bab

Special baby milk formula was the best performer in milk formula in 2023, seeing positive growth in retail volume terms. Manufacturers are addressing common issues like allergies to cow’s milk protein and other intolerances. In addition, many parents are choosing free-from varieties, believing them to be healthier or more nutritious, even if their child does not have specific intolerances. As these formulas are considered premium options, packaging trends are shifting. Folding cartons and shaped

The decline seen in baby food packaging unit volumes in Singapore for 2023 was a consequence of shifting consumer preferences and feeding practices. Parents in Singapore are increasingly turning to natural products, motivated by concerns about their children’s health and nutrition. This discernible trend towards more natural and unprocessed baby food has negatively impacted the demand for packaged baby food products. The increase in prices for baby food products in 2023 further influenced parent

Baby fruit juices are a key product area in other baby food and are increasingly popular among parents in helping fulfil the dietary needs of babies. Glass bottles, which are the main pack type for baby fruit juices, were recording positive growth in 2023. Glass packaging is popular for these products as it is considered a safe and non-toxic material for storing baby food, ensuring that no harmful chemicals leach into the contents. Moreover, glass packaging is environmentally friendly, as it is

Folding cartons and flexible aluminium/plastic remained the preferred pack types for dried baby food in Romania in 2023. This underscores the importance of packaging solutions that ensure the freshness and quality of food products, while addressing economic and environmental considerations. Romania’s diverse climate, influenced by its geographical location in Southeastern Europe and varying altitudes, requires packaging materials that can effectively preserve food integrity under different stora

Total baby food packaging volumes saw growth in Italy in 2023, although unit volumes and growth were driven by prepared baby food and other baby food. Dried baby food saw a decline in packaging volumes in 2023, due to the growing trend amongst Italian parents to feed their babies and infants with fresh and natural foods. In dried baby food, the dominant pack type of flexible aluminium/plastic with folding carton primary packaging lost share to composite containers in 2023, with the latter seeing

Flexible aluminium/plastic remains a favoured pack type in dried baby food packaging for its practicality and versatility. This type of packaging provides excellent protection against moisture and maintains the nutritional integrity of the food. The trend towards smaller pack sizes, such as Nestlé’s 20g packs under its Cerelac brand, cater to the demand for convenient, single-serve portions that are ideal for on-the-go feeding. These smaller packs ensure freshness with each serving and are easy

Total baby food packaging volumes in Thailand maintained growth in 2023, with increases seen across all categories, although none were able to return to the pre-pandemic (2019) level of unit volumes. Although rising from a relatively low base, dried baby food saw the strongest growth in packaging volumes within baby food in 2023. Dried baby food is increasingly popular in Thailand because it offers various flavours, and nutrient-rich options, helping parents introduce different tastes and essent

Baby food packaging volumes maintained solid growth in the Netherlands in 2023. Prepared baby food maintained its rise in packaging volumes, as these products offer convenience to time-pressed parents. Glass jars and stand-up pouches remained the leading pack types within the category in 2023, accounting for similar shares of packaging volumes. Glass benefits from being an inert material, and thus does not interact with the food inside, ensuring that the taste, quality, and safety of the baby fo

Total baby food packaging volumes continued to rise in Switzerland in 2023. Flexible aluminium/paper and folding cartons are the primary pack types favoured for dried baby food in Switzerland, primarily due to their lightweight nature, which enhances portability, facilitating easy transportation and storage for busy parents on-the-go. Flexible aluminium/paper offers excellent barrier properties, ensuring the preservation of the food’s freshness and nutritional value, while protecting it from ext

While plastic pouches have been gaining share in the category, composite containers continue to be the most widely used packaging format in dried baby food in Brazil, utilised extensively by leading brands such as Nestlé. These containers combine materials like plastic and foil to provide a balance of functionality and affordability, particularly suited for the larger 400g pack sizes common in this category. The composite nature of these containers offers significant advantages, including enhanc

The other baby food category continued to record positive growth in South Africa in 2023, boosted by the demand for convenient and nutritious options for infants among parents with busy lifestyles. Brick liquid cartons have been gaining share in this category over the review period as they are widely favoured for their sustainability credentials, ease of storage, long-lasting freshness and safety for other baby food products. Leading brands like Purity have responded to this demand by introducin

Total baby food packaging volumes in Turkey saw solid growth in 2023, although this was a slower increase than seen for several years. Milk formula continued to account for the most significant packaging volumes in 2023, with liquid milk formula having higher packaging volumes than powder milk formula. Convenience plays a crucial role in this trend, as liquid milk formula is pre-mixed and ready to use, making it easier for busy parents to feed their infants without the need for preparation. In a

Following a decline in packaging volumes in 2022, total baby food packaging continued to see declining volumes in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Milk formula accounts for the most significant share of packaging volumes in baby food, and continued to decline in 2023. The Saudi government continues to promote the benefits of breastfeeding over using milk formula, and even imposed a ban on the promotion of milk formula by pharmacies and retailers. In addition, economic pressures in the country discouraged l

Total baby food packaging volumes continued to rise in South Korea in 2023. In this year, plastic pouches experienced growth in packaging volumes in baby food, as these offer exceptional convenience for parents, providing a lightweight, portable, and easy-to-use packaging solution. This is particularly appealing for busy families who need quick and hassle-free options for feeding their infants. In addition, plastic pouches have excellent barrier properties, effectively preserving the freshness a

Total baby food packaging volumes maintained growth in Germany in 2023, with prepared baby food seeing the strongest increase. Although glass jars remained the leading pack type in prepared baby food in 2023, this packaging has been seeing a declining trend, as aluminium/plastic pouches has been steadily gaining traction, and continued its dynamic growth in 2023. Pouches are increasingly preferred over traditional glass jars as they offer enhanced convenience, with easy resealability through pla

Folding cartons remained the most popular choice for packaging powder milk formula in 2023. However, powder milk formula packaged in metal tins remains a popular choice for brands such as Dexolac in India, as metal tins offer excellent protection against moisture, light, and external contaminants, ensuring the freshness and quality of the formula over an extended period. In addition, the durability of metal tins makes them ideal for storage and transportation, reducing the risk of damage during

Total baby food packaging volumes declined in Japan in 2023. Although flexible plastic packaging also saw a decline, it maintained its position as the leading pack type in baby food, just ahead of folding cartons. This can be attributed to several factors, including its light weight, convenience, and sustainability features, such as recyclability and reduced carbon footprint. Moreover, flexible plastic packaging offers manufacturers greater flexibility in design and branding, allowing them to ef

Although 2023 was an exception, aluminium/plastic pouches have generally been gaining share in baby food in packaging unit volume terms, with this expected to continue over the forecast period. Aluminium/plastic pouches are particularly widely used in prepared baby food. This is because, unlike thin wall plastic containers, aluminium/plastic pouches provide convenience and portability for parents in the US. They are lightweight, compact and easily fit into nappy/diaper bags, purses or pockets, a

Already the dominant pack type in other baby food packaging in Colombia, folding cartons continue to gain share in this category, in which thin wall plastic containers are the other main pack type. As the other baby food category contains products like baby rusks, teething biscuits and baby fruit juices, which are often consumed on the go, the lightweight and easy handling features of folding cartons makes them convenient for parents to carry and store. They can easily fit into diaper bags or cu

Flexible plastic remains the preferred pack type in dried baby food packaging in China due to its numerous advantages that align with consumer needs and market demands. This packaging type offers superior barrier properties, ensuring the preservation of nutritional content and freshness, which is critical for baby food products. In addition, flexible plastic is lightweight and easy to handle, making it convenient for parents who need to store and transport baby food. The packaging's versatility