The human milk oligosaccharides market is projected to grow at a considerable CAGR of more than 12% during the forecast period (2020-2026).  Rising concerns regarding gut diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and rickets among other chronic diseases have resulted in an increased demand for functional food and beverages, which is expected to propel the regional demand for human milk oligosaccharides. Incorporation of human milk oligosaccharides in functional food and beverages promotes the growth of good bacteria and eliminates harmful bacteria, including salmonella, listeria, and campylobacter. 

There is a high demand for functional food and beverages with prebiotic properties. Human milk oligosaccharides not only provide prebiotic effects but also stimulate the neurological health of human beings. These properties are expected to drive the demand for HMOs in functional food and beverages. Companies including Inbiose NV; ZuChem, Inc.; and Glycosyn LLC have been making efforts to develop human milk oligosaccharides for functional food and beverages. Several enzymes and chemicals used for manufacturing human milk oligosaccharides are very expensive and have limited availability. This factor is likely to hinder the market growth. Infant formula is the dominant application segment for HMOs, followed by functional food and beverages. The demand for high nutritional food for children as well as adults is another factor driving the human milk oligosaccharides market.

Segmental Outlook  

The human milk oligosaccharides market is segmented on the basis of application. Based on the application, the market is segmented into infant formula, dietary supplements, and functional food & beverage. Based on the application, the infant formula is expected to hold a major market share and is also expected to exhibit considerable growth during the forecast period. The growing adoption of the human milk oligosaccharides in making nutritious formula for infants is a key factor contributing to the growth of the market segment. Human milk oligosaccharides impart direct bacteriostatic or bactericidal antimicrobial effects in the body of the infant. Human milk oligosaccharides prohibit the growth of streptococcus agalactiae, which is a key cause of invasive bacterial infections in new-borns. The proper feeding of infants with human milk oligosaccharides reduces the risk of pneumonia, septicemia, and meningitis in infants. Several studies have revealed the effects of human milk oligosaccharides enable the new-born to fight against the emerging antibiotic-resistance crisis.

Global Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Share by Application, 2019 (%)

Regional Outlook 

The global human milk oligosaccharides market is further segmented on the basis of geography including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America is anticipated to hold a considerable market share in the global market during the forecast period. The US is anticipated to hold a major market share in North America. The increasing awareness related to the advantage of taking HMOs by both infants and adults along with the rising demand for food & beverages and dietary supplements in the region is promoting the growth of the human milk oligosaccharides market in North America. Furthermore, the presence of the major market players in the region that are making key contributions towards the development of new products is fuelling the market growth of human milk oligosaccharides in the region. 

Global Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Growth, by Region 2020-2026

Asia-Pacific will augment with the significant growth rate in the human milk oligosaccharides market

In the Asia-Pacific region, growing infant mortality rate, increasing disposable income, and rising consumer awareness related to their health management are the key factors that are promoting the adoption of human milk oligosaccharides in their diet which in turn is driving the market growth. The new product launches in the Indian and Chinese markets are making a huge contribution to the growth of the human milk oligosaccharides market in the Asia-Pacific market. For instance, in February 2018, Nestle S.A. had unveiled Illumina 2 Stage 3, which contain A2  beta-casein protein in the Chinese market to expand its customer base in the country. Apart from these, the growing food and beverage industry is anticipated to drive the growth of the market in the region. 

Market Players Outlook

Nestle S.A., Zuchem, Inc., BASF SE, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Elicityl SA, Glycosyn LLC, Gnubiotics Science S.A., Inbiose NV, Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH, and so on are among the key players operating in the global human milk oligosaccharides industry. The technical complexity of the production methods is a major restraint for the new market entrants. The market players are actively investing in new production methods to improve efficiency and to retain their market position. Additionally, the market players are adopting different strategies such as merger & acquisition, partnership, and collaboration among others to remain competitive in the marketplace. For instance, in February 2020, Royal DSM, a global science-based company in Nutrition, Health, and Sustainable Living had acquired Glycom A/S supplier of Human Milk Oligosaccharides. This acquisition was done to get the synergy benefit for both companies. The acquisition will facilitate DSM to accelerate the growth of its product offering by taking leverage of Glycom’s customer base. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global human milk oligosaccharides market. Based on the availability of data, information related to the products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.