Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market

The Saudi Arabia baby food market, worth USD 890 million, is growing due to increasing birth rates, parental health consciousness, and demand for organic infant nutrition products.

Region:Middle East

Author(s):Geetanshi

Product Code:KRAB2713

Pages:95

Published On:October 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Overview

  • The Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market is valued at USD 890 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by rising birth rates, increasing disposable incomes, and heightened awareness of infant nutrition among parents. The market has experienced a notable shift towards premium and organic products, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and greater health consciousness .
  • Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam continue to dominate the market due to their high population density and robust economic activity. These urban centers feature a greater concentration of retail outlets and a more affluent consumer base, driving demand for a diverse range of baby food products. The presence of major international brands in these cities further enhances market accessibility .
  • In 2023, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) implemented the “Technical Regulation for Infant and Follow-up Formula,” issued by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, mandating stricter labeling and nutritional standards for baby food products. This regulation requires all products to meet specific nutritional guidelines and prohibits harmful additives, thereby strengthening consumer trust and ensuring the safety and quality of infant nutrition in the market .
Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Size

Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Segmentation

By Product Category:The product category segmentation encompasses a variety of baby food products tailored to different nutritional needs and parental preferences. The market is primarily driven by demand for milk formulas, which are essential for infant nutrition, followed by prepared and dried baby foods. The trend towards organic products is increasingly significant, as parents seek healthier and safer options for their children .

Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market segmentation by Product Category.

By Type:The type segmentation differentiates between organic and inorganic baby food products. Organic baby food is increasingly favored by health-conscious parents who prioritize natural ingredients and sustainability. Inorganic products remain popular due to their affordability and widespread availability. The market is witnessing a gradual shift towards organic options, driven by rising consumer awareness of health and nutrition .

Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market segmentation by Type.

Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market features a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Nestlé S.A., Danone S.A., Abbott Laboratories, Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, Hero Group, FrieslandCampina, Hain Celestial Group, Perrigo Company plc, Bledina (part of Danone), Bellamy's Organic, Earth's Best (part of Hain Celestial), Nutricia (part of Danone), Baby Gourmet Foods Inc., Plum Organics (part of Campbell Soup Company), Little Spoon, Almarai Company, Nuralac (Nutridar), Similac (Abbott), Kendamil, Hipp GmbH & Co. Vertrieb KG contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Nestlé S.A.

1866

Vevey, Switzerland

Danone S.A.

1919

Paris, France

Abbott Laboratories

1888

Abbott Park, Illinois, USA

Mead Johnson Nutrition Company

1905

Glenview, Illinois, USA

Hero Group

1886

Lenzburg, Switzerland

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Revenue Growth Rate (Saudi Arabia segment)

Market Share (by value and volume)

Distribution Channel Coverage (number and type of outlets)

Product Portfolio Breadth (number of SKUs, categories)

Local Manufacturing Presence

Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Birth Rates:Saudi Arabia's birth rate is projected to reach approximately 17.1 births per 1,000 people in future, reflecting a steady increase in the population of infants. This demographic trend is crucial for the baby food market, as it directly correlates with the demand for infant nutrition products. The total number of births in the country is expected to exceed 500,000 annually, creating a robust consumer base for baby food manufacturers and retailers.
  • Rising Health Consciousness Among Parents:A significant shift towards health-conscious parenting is evident, with 70% of parents prioritizing nutritional value in baby food choices. This trend is supported by increased access to information regarding infant nutrition, leading to a growing preference for organic and fortified products. The health and wellness market in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow by 8% annually, further driving demand for high-quality baby food options that meet these evolving consumer expectations.
  • Expansion of Retail Distribution Channels:The retail landscape for baby food in Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving, with over 1,200 new retail outlets expected to open in future. This expansion includes supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online platforms, enhancing product accessibility for consumers. E-commerce sales of baby food are anticipated to grow by 15% in future, reflecting a shift in shopping habits and providing manufacturers with new avenues to reach health-conscious parents effectively.

Market Challenges

  • High Competition Among Established Brands:The Saudi baby food market is characterized by intense competition, with over 30 established brands vying for market share. This saturation leads to aggressive pricing strategies and marketing campaigns, making it challenging for new entrants to gain traction. In future, the top five brands are expected to control approximately 60% of the market, creating barriers for smaller companies and limiting innovation in product offerings.
  • Regulatory Compliance Complexities:Navigating the regulatory landscape in Saudi Arabia poses significant challenges for baby food manufacturers. Compliance with stringent food safety standards and labeling requirements can be resource-intensive, with costs potentially exceeding SAR 500,000 for smaller companies. Additionally, the evolving nature of regulations necessitates continuous monitoring and adaptation, which can strain operational capabilities and hinder market entry for new players.

Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Future Outlook

The Saudi Arabia baby food and infant nutrition market is poised for significant transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. As parents increasingly seek convenience and quality, the demand for ready-to-eat and organic products is expected to rise. Additionally, the integration of digital platforms for marketing and sales will enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement, fostering a more competitive landscape. Companies that adapt to these trends will likely capture a larger share of the growing market.

Market Opportunities

  • Growth in E-commerce for Baby Food:The e-commerce sector for baby food is projected to expand significantly, with online sales expected to reach SAR 1 billion by future. This growth presents a lucrative opportunity for brands to enhance their digital presence and cater to tech-savvy parents seeking convenience in purchasing infant nutrition products.
  • Introduction of Organic and Natural Products:The demand for organic baby food is on the rise, with sales expected to increase by 20% in future. This trend offers manufacturers the chance to innovate and introduce new product lines that align with health-conscious consumer preferences, potentially capturing a premium market segment focused on natural ingredients.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Product Category

Milk Formula

Standard Milk Formula

Follow-on Milk Formula

Growing-up Milk Formula

Special Baby Milk Formula

Prepared Baby Food

Dried Baby Food

Other Baby Food

By Type

Organic

Inorganic

By Age Group

6 months

12 months

24 months

Others

By Distribution Channel

Hypermarkets

Supermarkets

Specialty Stores

Convenience Stores

Online Retail

Others

By Packaging Type

Jars

Pouches

Tetra packs

Cans

Others

By Price Range

Economy

Mid-range

Premium

Others

By Nutritional Content

High protein

Low sugar

Fortified

Others

By Brand Type

National brands

Private labels

Imported brands

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Ministry of Health)

Manufacturers and Producers

Distributors and Retailers

Health Care Providers and Pediatricians

Industry Associations (e.g., Saudi Arabian Food and Drug Authority)

Importers and Exporters

Financial Institutions

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Nestle S.A.

Danone S.A.

Abbott Laboratories

Mead Johnson Nutrition Company

Hero Group

FrieslandCampina

Hain Celestial Group

Perrigo Company plc

Bledina (part of Danone)

Bellamy's Organic

Earth's Best (part of Hain Celestial)

Nutricia (part of Danone)

Baby Gourmet Foods Inc.

Plum Organics (part of Campbell Soup Company)

Little Spoon

Almarai Company

Nuralac (Nutridar)

Similac (Abbott)

Kendamil

Hipp GmbH & Co. Vertrieb KG

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing birth rates
3.1.2 Rising health consciousness among parents
3.1.3 Expansion of retail distribution channels
3.1.4 Government initiatives promoting infant nutrition

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 High competition among established brands
3.2.2 Regulatory compliance complexities
3.2.3 Price sensitivity among consumers
3.2.4 Limited awareness of nutritional products

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Growth in e-commerce for baby food
3.3.2 Introduction of organic and natural products
3.3.3 Expansion into rural markets
3.3.4 Collaborations with healthcare providers

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Increasing demand for convenience foods
3.4.2 Shift towards plant-based nutrition
3.4.3 Rise in subscription-based delivery services
3.4.4 Focus on sustainable packaging solutions

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Standards for infant food safety
3.5.2 Labeling requirements for nutritional content
3.5.3 Import regulations for baby food products
3.5.4 Guidelines for marketing to parents

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Segmentation

8.1 By Product Category

8.1.1 Milk Formula
8.1.2 Standard Milk Formula
8.1.3 Follow-on Milk Formula
8.1.4 Growing-up Milk Formula
8.1.5 Special Baby Milk Formula
8.1.6 Prepared Baby Food
8.1.7 Dried Baby Food
8.1.8 Other Baby Food

8.2 By Type

8.2.1 Organic
8.2.2 Inorganic

8.3 By Age Group

8.3.1 0-6 months
8.3.2 6-12 months
8.3.3 12-24 months
8.3.4 Others

8.4 By Distribution Channel

8.4.1 Hypermarkets
8.4.2 Supermarkets
8.4.3 Specialty Stores
8.4.4 Convenience Stores
8.4.5 Online Retail
8.4.6 Others

8.5 By Packaging Type

8.5.1 Jars
8.5.2 Pouches
8.5.3 Tetra packs
8.5.4 Cans
8.5.5 Others

8.6 By Price Range

8.6.1 Economy
8.6.2 Mid-range
8.6.3 Premium
8.6.4 Others

8.7 By Nutritional Content

8.7.1 High protein
8.7.2 Low sugar
8.7.3 Fortified
8.7.4 Others

8.8 By Brand Type

8.8.1 National brands
8.8.2 Private labels
8.8.3 Imported brands
8.8.4 Others

9. Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 KPIs for Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Revenue Growth Rate (Saudi Arabia segment)
9.2.4 Market Share (by value and volume)
9.2.5 Distribution Channel Coverage (number and type of outlets)
9.2.6 Product Portfolio Breadth (number of SKUs, categories)
9.2.7 Local Manufacturing Presence
9.2.8 Regulatory Compliance Record
9.2.9 Brand Awareness Index (Saudi Arabia)
9.2.10 Innovation Pipeline (new launches, R&D spend)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Nestlé S.A.
9.5.2 Danone S.A.
9.5.3 Abbott Laboratories
9.5.4 Mead Johnson Nutrition Company
9.5.5 Hero Group
9.5.6 FrieslandCampina
9.5.7 Hain Celestial Group
9.5.8 Perrigo Company plc
9.5.9 Bledina (part of Danone)
9.5.10 Bellamy's Organic
9.5.11 Earth's Best (part of Hain Celestial)
9.5.12 Nutricia (part of Danone)
9.5.13 Baby Gourmet Foods Inc.
9.5.14 Plum Organics (part of Campbell Soup Company)
9.5.15 Little Spoon
9.5.16 Almarai Company
9.5.17 Nuralac (Nutridar)
9.5.18 Similac (Abbott)
9.5.19 Kendamil
9.5.20 Hipp GmbH & Co. Vertrieb KG

10. Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Ministry of Health
10.1.2 Ministry of Education
10.1.3 Ministry of Commerce

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in healthcare facilities
10.2.2 Funding for nutritional programs

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Parents' concerns about product safety
10.3.2 Accessibility of quality products

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of nutritional benefits
10.4.2 Willingness to pay for premium products

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Feedback mechanisms for product improvement
10.5.2 Opportunities for product line expansion

11. Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market gaps identification

1.2 Value proposition development

1.3 Revenue model exploration

1.4 Customer segmentation analysis

1.5 Key partnerships identification

1.6 Cost structure analysis

1.7 Channels of distribution


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding strategies

2.2 Product USPs

2.3 Target audience identification

2.4 Communication strategies

2.5 Digital marketing initiatives


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban retail strategies

3.2 Rural NGO tie-ups

3.3 E-commerce integration

3.4 Logistics and supply chain management


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved routes

4.2 Pricing bands analysis

4.3 Competitor pricing strategies


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category gaps identification

5.2 Consumer segments analysis

5.3 Product innovation opportunities


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty programs

6.2 After-sales service

6.3 Customer feedback mechanisms


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability initiatives

7.2 Integrated supply chains

7.3 Community engagement strategies


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory compliance

8.2 Branding efforts

8.3 Distribution setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product mix considerations
9.1.2 Pricing band analysis
9.1.3 Packaging strategies

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target countries identification
9.2.2 Compliance roadmap development

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital requirements analysis

11.2 Timelines for market entry


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership considerations

12.2 Partnerships evaluation


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven analysis

13.2 Long-term sustainability strategies


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors identification

14.2 Joint Ventures opportunities

14.3 Acquisition targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Activity timelines
15.2.2 Milestone tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of market reports from government health agencies and industry associations
  • Review of published studies on infant nutrition trends and consumer preferences in Saudi Arabia
  • Examination of demographic data and birth rates from the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Statistics

Primary Research

  • Interviews with pediatricians and nutritionists specializing in infant health
  • Surveys conducted with parents regarding their purchasing habits and brand preferences
  • Focus groups with caregivers to understand attitudes towards baby food products

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings with sales data from major retailers and distributors
  • Triangulation of consumer insights with expert opinions from healthcare professionals
  • Sanity checks through feedback from industry stakeholders and market analysts

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total market size based on national health expenditure on infant nutrition
  • Segmentation of the market by product type, including organic, fortified, and ready-to-eat baby foods
  • Incorporation of growth rates from historical data and projected birth rates in Saudi Arabia

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of sales data from leading baby food manufacturers and retailers
  • Estimation of average spending per child on baby food products
  • Volume estimates based on production capacities and distribution channels

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-variable forecasting using factors such as economic growth, urbanization, and health awareness
  • Scenario analysis based on potential regulatory changes and shifts in consumer behavior
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic market growth projections through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Retail Baby Food Sales150Store Managers, Category Buyers
Healthcare Professional Insights100Pediatricians, Nutritionists
Parental Purchasing Behavior150Parents of infants aged 0-24 months
Market Trends in Organic Baby Food80Health-Conscious Parents, Organic Product Retailers
Consumer Attitudes Towards Baby Food Brands120Caregivers, Childcare Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market?

The Saudi Arabia Baby Food and Infant Nutrition Market is valued at approximately USD 890 million, reflecting a significant growth trend driven by rising birth rates, increasing disposable incomes, and heightened awareness of infant nutrition among parents.

What factors are driving growth in the Saudi Arabia Baby Food Market?

Which cities dominate the Saudi Arabia Baby Food Market?

What regulatory changes have impacted the Saudi Arabia Baby Food Market?

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