Expanding Human Milk Fortifier Market Expected to Reach US$ 9.9 Billion by 2034
The Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) market is poised for substantial growth, projected to reach approximately USD 852.6 million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.9% during 2025–2034 [1].
North America, with its robust healthcare infrastructure and advanced neonatal care practices, is a key driver of this growth. The region held a dominant market share of over 47.2% in 2024, generating revenue around USD 156.5 million that year [1].
The increasing awareness and clinical evidence supporting the use of fortifiers to improve nutrient intake for preterm and very low birth-weight infants, which results in better growth outcomes, contribute significantly to this growth [1]. Leading market players like Nestlé, Abbott, and Mead Johnson are active in North America, providing a variety of liquid and powder fortifier products, which expands market penetration [1].
In other regions such as Asia Pacific and Europe, factors contributing to growth include rising demand for fortified and functional food products driven by increasing health awareness and improving standards of living. For instance, in countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea, the demand for HMF is on the rise [2].
However, some limitations like cost, feed intolerance concerns, and operational logistics somewhat constrain HMF adoption in developing countries [1].
Meanwhile, in the United States, approximately 1 in 10 infants is born prematurely. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program encourages the use of fortifiers for eligible families [unspecified source].
Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) accounted for more than 56.1% of the human milk fortifier market in 2024. Notably, Prolacta, a leading player in 100% human milk-based fortifiers, has expanded its production capacity to meet the rising NICU demand [unspecified source].
In India, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has rolled out large-scale vitamin A and D milk fortification programs, reaching over 121 million people daily [unspecified source]. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates nutrient enrichment under the Food Fortification Regulations [unspecified source].
Innovations in the market include Abbott's introduction of a concentrated liquid human milk fortifier with HMO, Nestle's Gerber Good Start Human Milk Fortifier incorporating probiotics to support gut health in preemies, and NeoLacta Lifesciences' launch of the first lyophilized human milk-derived fortifier in Asia [unspecified source].
MeadJohnson offers an HMF with a focus on hydrolyzed proteins for easier digestion in preterm infants [unspecified source]. Clinical research continues to validate the benefits of HMF use, with a WHO review showing an average weight gain of 1.81 g/kg/day in preterm infants [unspecified source].
As we move forward, it's clear that the Human Milk Fortifier market will continue to evolve, driven by advancements in technology, increasing awareness, and the growing need for nutritional support for premature infants worldwide.
[1] Market Research Report on Human Milk Fortifier Market - Global Forecast to 2034 [2] Market Research Report on Fortified and Functional Food Market in Asia Pacific - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020-2025)
Science plays a significant role in the development of Human Milk Fortifiers (HMF), as innovative products are introduced to support the nutritional needs of premature infants. Theseinclude fortifiers with HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) by Abbott, probiotic-incorporated fortifiers by Nestle's Gerber, and the first lyophilized human milk-derived fortifier in Asia by NeoLacta Lifesciences [unspecified source].
The health-and-wellness sector contributes to the growth of the HMF market, as increasing awareness about the benefits of fortified nutrients for preterm infants drives demand. This is especially true in regions like India, where large-scale fortification programs, such as vitamin A and D milk fortification by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), are implemented [unspecified source].
Finance and business aspects also impact the HMF market, as expanding production capacity by companies like Prolacta responds to the growing demand in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) [unspecified source]. Furthermore, the market is dominated by key players like Nestlé, Abbott, and Mead Johnson, who invest in research and development to offer a diverse range of liquid and powder fortifier products [1].
