Breast Milk Storage Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Bottles, Bags), By Sales Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, E-commerce), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global breast milk storage products market size was valued at USD 456.71 million in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.28% from 2022 to 2030. A major aspect driving the market is an increase in the number of working women. This is because maternity breaks are short and new mothers return to work soon after giving birth. As a result, these women are unable to provide adequate time for their children. They do not, however, wish to compromise on the nutrition provided to them. As a result, they prefer to pump breast milk with breast pumps and store it in storage bags or bottles. This milk can be fed to the infant by any member of the family, thereby increasing the sales of breast milk storage products.

Furthermore, as per the International Labour Office (ILO), there has been visual progress in terms of employment opportunities and gender equality over the past 20 years. The ILO initiated the 2030 UN agenda that aims to empower all women and girls to achieve productive employment and gender equality. Similarly, according to World Employment, women's labor force participation rates at the global level were around 48.5% in 2018, which was 26.5% lower than men's employment rates. Women have a 0.8% higher global unemployment rate than men. As a result of the foregoing factors, the market for breast milk storage products is expected to expand during the forecast period. 

Women’s employment rates (2018)

Source: International Labor Office (ILO) and Labor Force Estimates and Projections (LFEP) Statistics

Moreover, the number of newborns or infants is rapidly increasing over the world, particularly in Asia and Africa. By 2050, the African and Asian continents will contain 15 of the top 20 most populous nations. According to UN estimates, around 250 babies are born every minute and over 130 million are born each year. This will increase the demand for milk storage bags and bottles all around the world, specifically, in Asian countries such as China, India, Australia, and Japan.

The growing need for safe, long-term storage of breast milk is predicted to increase the use of breast milk products such as bottles and bags. There are various advantages associated with using breast milk storage products that are crucial aspects for consumers, as follows:

Breast milk bags:

• Pre-sterilized and ready to use.

• Customizable bag design and volume

• Self-standing

• Leak proof and durable with double zip lock seal

• Easy store and easy pour

• Freezer and microwave safe

• 100% BPA, Phthalate & PVC Free

Breast milk bottles:

• The breast milk can be stored and pumped directly into infant bottles and the same bottle can be used to feed infants as well

• They are perfect for storing breast milk safely in the refrigerator or freezer because they are composed of a safe plastic that is intended to keep the breast milk's therapeutic properties

• It includes screw-on lids to prevent leaks while they are carried or stored in the refrigerator or freezer, or when traveling.

Thus, due to the aforementioned advantages offered by breast milk storage products, their demand is high among women, thereby fueling industry growth.

An upsurge in awareness campaigns by government and market players regarding the availability of breastfeeding and breast milk is expected to boost expansion over the forecast period. For example, several industry players such as Medela LLC, Laura & Co., Newell Brands, and Ameda, and universities such as Washington University and Fudan University are raising awareness among women about breastfeeding and its benefits through campaigns and informational periodicals. Furthermore, social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have provided users with access to knowledge regarding nursing and related accessories. Thereby, such initiatives are expected to increase the usage of these products, propelling the industry's growth.

The market witnessed a positive impact due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To deal with the pandemic situation, the majority of brands were successful to engage their consumers through e-commerce platforms. Moreover, the pandemic has proved beneficial to working women; they previously had to resume work after maternity leaves, which was a challenge in terms of breastfeeding regularly. Due to the pandemic, employers have extended work-from-home durations for employees, allowing more mothers to breastfeed their babies on demand. Thus, the adoption of breast milk storage products increased during this time.

It has allowed mothers to manage pumping schedules simultaneously with their work schedules, contributing to the surge in demand. Furthermore, according to the CDC and the WHO, if there is a need for prolonged temporary separation, primarily due to the mother’s medical condition owing to COVID-19, expressed breast milk is recommended for the baby. Thus, sales of breast milk storage bags and bottles significantly increased amid the pandemic.

Furthermore, many companies are launching new baby bottles in the market. For instance, in November 2021, the Japanese medical maternal and infant brand yoboo launched an anti-colic and off-centered baby bottle on the Philippine market. Thus, with an increasing number of product launches and an increase in the number of births, the market is expected to witness considerable growth during the post-pandemic period.

In addition, due to high demand for breast milk storage products, the number of milk banks is increasing. Milk banks are considered a progressive initiative and are beneficial for mothers. If the mother is infected and there is a risk of disease transmission, or the mother is unable to lactate, or the baby is orphaned, milk banks can offer major advantages. Thus, an increasing number of milk banks is anticipated to boost the demand for breast milk bags over the forecast period.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the operation of donor human milk banks in various countries. Implementation of guidelines for breast milk donation, which require breastfeeding accessories for storage and feeding an infant, is further expected to strengthen the industry's growth. For instance, NICE donor breast milk banks have to follow certain guidelines to screen and support women who donate breast milk and further process the milk to store it.

Besides, compared to developed economies, the main donors in developing ones are mothers of hospitalized neonates who have a relatively long hospital stay. This longer maternal hospital stay enhances the possibility of milk donation by providing mothers with access to breast pumps to express their milk. The WHO and the CDC recommend mothers initiate or continue breastfeeding even if they or the infant have been suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. Thus, breastfeeding or sourcing breast milk from milk banks with standard precautions is safe amid the pandemic, significantly contributing to market growth.

Product Insights

The bottles segment held the largest share of over 55.0% in 2021 and is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The need for safe and long-term storage of breast milk will drive the demand for breast milk bottles over the forecast period. Advantages related to the use of breast milk bottles strongly contribute to their growing demand. Features such as breast milk integrity retaining design, direct pumping of breast milk from breast pumps into the bottle, and the leakage preventing screw are major enablers for users.

Bags are expected to register a CAGR of 6.92% in the forecast period. Breast milk storage bags are a convenient way to store, carry, and warmly expressed breast milk. Moreover, these bags are BPA-free, pre-sterilized, or hygienically pre-sealed to keep your baby safe and infection-free and are double-sealed and reinforced to prevent leakage. Furthermore, these bags are less expensive as compared to milk bottles. Therefore, owing to the aforementioned advantages, their demand is constantly growing, leading to segment growth.

Besides, there are several storage bags such as Medela Pump & Save Breastmilk Bags, NUK Seal N Go Breast Milk Bags, Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist Pouch, Dr. Brown’s Breast Milk Storage Bags, and Milkies Milk-Saver that are available in different sizes and unique features. In addition, the rising number of milk banks, which predominantly use milk bags to store breast milk, is one of the impact-rendering factors expected to fuel the segment growth.

Sales Channel Insights

The hospital pharmacy segment held the largest share of over 35.0% in 2021. The segment is expected to grow as a result of rising pregnancy rates around the world and an increase in new mothers' desire for postpartum products. Additionally, due to safety concerns, people trust hospital pharmacies while buying baby and mother products. As a result, parents have a high level of faith in doctors and specialists, which supports the expansion of the hospital pharmacy market. The rapid growth of this market can also be attributed to the expansion of hospitals in both developed and emerging nations.

The e-commerce segment is anticipated to expand at the fastest CAGR of 9.22% during the forecast period. Increasing online and e-commerce availability of breast milk bottles and bags is expected to aid in the market expansion. The e-commerce channel enables the end-users to compare and select suitable products based on their type, brand, price, and point of sale. For instance, Amazon, Belly Bandit Walmart, Motherhood maternity, and The Moms Co. are some of the leading online providers that supply to end-users.

In addition, major companies such as Koninklijke Philips N.V., Medela LLC, Newell Brands, and Ameda have started offering a broad range of postpartum products through online channels. The sales strategies such as buy one, get one offer, discounts, and complimentary products attract more consumers. This is likely to drive the sales of breast milk storage products through this channel as they are always in high demand among consumers.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market with a revenue share of over 40.0% in 2021. The expansion of the regional market can be ascribed to numerous awareness programs that raised awareness levels and the keen focus of major market players on the potential of this region. For instance, the Medela Asia Pacific Nursing and Lactation Symposium in May 2018 featured a number of presentations on the most recent findings in human milk and breastfeeding with the goal of advancing clinical practice. 

Moreover, the presence of a vast population and an increase in the number of working women is anticipated to fuel the industry's growth. Additionally, a paradigm shift in consumer purchasing behavior has been occurring in the area as a result of rising disposable income. Asia Pacific will therefore continue to be a crucial geographical market in the years to come as a result of these factors. 

Europe is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 10.84% during the forecast period. This is owing to the growing birth rate coupled with rising women's employment in the region. In 2019, approximately 4.2 million babies were born in Europe, while women's employment increased from 58.3% to 64.1% between 2009 and 2019. Working women face challenges in managing and providing necessary nutrition to their babies, which may increase neonatal mortality if not properly catered for. 

Breastmilk storage products make it easier for working mothers to feed their babies properly. Moreover, rising awareness among target consumers, i.e. lactating mothers, about the benefits of breastfeeding is expected to create growth opportunities for the European market in the coming years. High disposable income and technological advancements are also prominent factors driving the regional market.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market comprises several small and large manufacturers. The degree of competition and competitive rivalry in the market is anticipated to intensify over the forecast period. Major companies are focusing on mergers & acquisitions, product launches, and geographic expansion to have a competitive edge over others. For instance, in April 2020, NUK launched its innovative NUK Smooth Flow Anti-Colic Bottle that offers parents and babies a stress-free bottle-feeding experience. It is specifically designed to allow babies to control the flow of milk depending on their suction strength for comfortable colic-free feeding. This product launch helped the firm to expand its baby bottle line and strengthen its market position.

Thus, with various strategies acquired by industry players, such as collaborations and product approvals, to strengthen their product portfolios, the market is expected to impel during the forecast period. Some prominent players in the global breast milk storage products market include:

• Medela

• Magneto, Inc. (Ameda)

• Ardo medical AG

• KoninklijkePhilips N.V.

• Pigeon Corporation

• Spectra Baby USA

• LaVie Mom

• Motif Medical

• Mayborn Group Limited

• Chicco 

Breast Milk Storage Products Market Report Scope

Global Breast Milk Storage Products Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global breast milk storage products market report on the basis of product, sales channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bottles

  • Bags

• Sales Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospital Pharmacy (Inpatient)

  • Retail Store

  • E-commerce

  • Wholesaler/Distributors

  • Direct Purchase

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

    • Mexico

    • Colombia

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE