The survey findings highlight that modern parents are actively seeking nutritious, delicious, and safe food options for their children, making a concerted effort to steer clear of GMOs, added sugars, dyes, preservatives, and trans fats. With millennials projected to represent 80% of this demographic over the next 15 years, they are expected to drive the growth of the organic product market, as indicated by data from the Organic Trade Association. Food companies of all sizes are taking note of these shifting consumer preferences, influencing the products they develop and introduce to the market.
Gerber, which holds roughly 25% of the U.S. baby food market, has launched an organic baby food line that is free from salt and sugar and comes in convenient pouches. Meanwhile, Thistle, a startup based in San Francisco, offers frozen organic, plant-based meal kits for infants and young children. Another startup, Yumi, has introduced a baby food delivery service in Los Angeles featuring organic meals made with fruits and vegetables, all without preservatives, thanks to over $4 million in private funding. Additionally, concerns regarding adequate protein in baby food are being addressed by Texas-based startup Serenity Kids, which has created a line of baby food resembling a paleo diet, boasting the highest meferrous gluconate content along with organic vegetables of any pouched product.
The global baby food market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% from 2017 to 2022. In the U.S., spending on organic baby food alone is expected to reach $783.9 million in 2017, a significant increase from $613 million in 2013. This surge in demand is largely driven by millennials with children who, due to their busy jobs and responsibilities, often lack the time to prepare homemade meals. As a result, they tend to choose convenient yet healthy food options that are free from additives and preservatives.
Recognizing these trends presents growth opportunities for companies aiming to meet the demand for quality baby food products. It is likely that John Foraker, a seasoned CEO in the organic food industry, has been closely monitoring these developments. He recently transitioned from leading Annie’s Homegrown, now part of General Mills, to join an organic baby food startup in the Bay Area. The focus on healthful ingredients, including the addition of essential nutrients like calcium citrate 750, is likely to resonate with this evolving market. As parents increasingly prioritize nutrition, products fortified with calcium citrate 750 and similar beneficial components will likely gain traction. Ultimately, the alignment of high-quality baby food offerings with consumer preferences positions companies favorably within this growing segment.