The Global Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market size is expected to reach $1 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 23.3% CAGR during the forecast period.
Due to the increasing demand for infant food, the proliferation of human milk oligosaccharides manufacturers, and the regulatory approval of HMOs as infant formula ingredients, Europe is anticipated to witness nearly 20% of the total market share by 2030. The United Kingdom exhibits the lowest breastfeeding rate, a circumstance that can be ascribed to diminished public health funding, inadequate knowledge regarding the health advantages of breast milk, and societal stigmas associated with public lactation. This provides the industry with a substantial opportunity to enter the market in the United Kingdom.
The major strategies followed by the market participants are Partnerships as the key developmental strategy to keep pace with the changing demands of end users. For instance, in January, 2023, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. signed a partnership with Triplebar, an American biotechnology company, to develop cell-based proteins using precision fermentation techniques. The partnership would lead to the development of innovative and future-proof protein solutions that would improve human health. Additionally, in May, 2019, BASF SE partnered with Glycosyn, a New Zealander pharmaceutical company, to develop and commercialize human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). The partnership would advance the HMO research that would benefit the consumers in the form of improved gut health and other benefits.
Based on the Analysis presented in the KBV Cardinal matrix; Nestle S.A is the forerunner in the Market. Companies such as Abbott Laboratories, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. and Koninklijke DSM N.V. are some of the key innovators in Market. In February, 2019, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. signed a partnership with Lonza, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, to develop and commercialize its CARE4U 2’-FL, a human milk oligosaccharide. The partnership comes in line with DuPont’s business growth strategy.
Market Growth Factors
Increase in demand for HMOs as functional food products
As consumers become more educated about nutrition and the importance of specific components like HMOs, there is an increased demand for functional foods that offer additional health benefits. Consumer awareness drives the market as individuals seek products that support overall well-being. HMOs are known for their prebiotic properties, promoting the development of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Additionally, advances in food technology and production methods have made incorporating HMOs into a broader range of food products feasible. This has led to innovative functional foods that cater to different tastes and preferences. Consumer preferences for natural and health-promoting ingredients contribute to the overall expansion of the human milk oligosaccharide market.
Rising demand for breast milk substitutes
Breast milk, including HMOs, is recognized for its unique and complex nutritional composition. As the demand for breast milk substitutes grows, manufacturers are incorporating HMOs into infant formulas to replicate the nutritional profile of breast milk, offering similar benefits to formula-fed infants. Additionally, advances in biotechnology and production techniques enable the cost-effective large-scale synthesis of HMOs. This technological progress facilitates their incorporation into formula products, making them more accessible to manufacturers and contributing to market growth. The rising demand for breast milk substitutes has created a significant market opportunity for human oligosaccharides.
Market Restraining Factors
High cost of HMO production
The production of HMOs often involves advanced biotechnological processes, such as microbial fermentation or enzymatic synthesis. These intricate methods may require specialized equipment and expertise, contributing to higher production costs. Moreover, The raw materials used in producing HMOs, such as sugars and precursors, can contribute significantly to the overall production costs. The availability and cost of these raw materials influence the economic feasibility of large-scale HMO production. This limitation could impact the broader adoption of HMOs in various applications. These factors will hamper the market growth in the coming years.
Application Outlook
Based on application, the market is fragmented into infant formula, functional food & beverages, food supplements, and others (clinical nutrition & pharmaceuticals). The food supplements segment garnered a significant revenue share in the market in 2022. HMOs are being incorporated into functional foods and dietary supplements to provide consumers with an additional source of these beneficial compounds. This includes yogurt, granola bars, and beverages enriched with specific HMOs. Advances in biotechnology allow for the production of specific HMOs in a controlled manner. Regulatory bodies assess the safety and efficacy of these compounds in various applications.
Type Outlook
On the basis of type, the market is segmented into 2’ FL, 3’FL, 3’SL, and 6’SL. The 3’FL segment acquired a substantial revenue share in the human milk oligosaccharide market in 2022. The prebiotic properties of 3’FL contribute to developing a diverse and balanced gut microbiota in infants. A healthy gut microbiome is associated with various benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and the prevention of pathogenic bacteria colonization. The potential health benefits of 3’FL have led to its inclusion in some infant formulas. Manufacturers are incorporating 3’FL to provide formula-fed infants with a nutritional profile closer to breastfed infants, including the beneficial effects of HMOs.
Concentration Outlook
By concentration, the market is classified into neutral and acidic. The acidic segment covered a considerable revenue share in the market in 2022. These contain acidic residues, primarily sialic acid, linked to the oligosaccharide chains. Sialic acid-containing HMOs, such as 3’-sialyl lactose (3’-SL) and 6’-sialyl lactose (6’-SL), are part of the acidic group. These acidic HMOs involve various biological functions, including supporting infants’ brain development and cognitive functions.
Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the market is analysed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2022, the Asia Pacific region witnessed the largest revenue share in the market. The occurrence of chronic diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, hypertension, and rickets in this area is increasing the demand for functional foods and beverages, which in turn is driving the growth of the regional market for human milk oligosaccharides. Moreover, it is anticipated that the expanding need for baby food and dietary supplements in nations such as India and China will substantially contribute to the rising demand for HMO products over the next few years.
The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Koninklijke DSM N.V., BASF SE, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Nestle S.A, Inbiose NV, Biosynth AG, Abbott Laboratories, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. and Dextra Laboratories Ltd (ICE S.p.A)
Recent Strategies Deployed in Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market
Partnerships, Collaborations & Agreements
Jan-2023: Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. signed a partnership with Triplebar, an American biotechnology company, to develop cell-based proteins using precision fermentation techniques. The partnership would lead to the development of innovative and future-proof protein solutions that would improve human health.
Apr-2021: BASF SE came into partnership with NutiFood, a Vietnamese dairy company, to provide it with HMO for its nutrition products. The partnership would provide Vietnamese customers with good quality and accessible infant nutrition products.
Trials and Approvals
Oct-2023: Koninklijke DSM N.V. recieved approval from China’s CSFA for its 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) ingredients.
Oct-2023: Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. received approval from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for its 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) infant milk production stain.
Oct-2022: Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. received approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) for its Aequival 2?-Fucosyllactose (2?-FL) infant milk formula ingredient.
Jun-2022: Chr. Hansen Holding A/S received approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand, FSANZ, for its 2’-FL human milk oligosaccharide.
Product Launches and Product Expansions
Nov-2021: Abbott Laboratories announced the launch of Similac 360 Total Care, an HMO-based infant formula. The formula comprises five different HMOs and aids immune system development in babies.
Aug-2021: Nestle S.A. released NAN SUPREME PRO 3, a formula product comprising five human milk oligosaccharides. The five HMOs in the products include 2’-FL, 6’-SL, 3’-SL, DFL, and LNT.
Scope of the Study
Market Segments covered in the Report:
By Application


    • Infant Formula
    • Functional Food & Beverages
    • Food Supplements
    • Others (Clinical Nutrition & Pharmaceuticals)


By Type


  • • 2’FL
    • 3’FL
    • 3’SL
    • 6’SL


By Concentration


  • • Neutral
    • Acidic


By Geography


  • • North America


o US
o Canada
o Mexico
o Rest of North America


  • • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Russia
o Spain
o Italy
o Rest of Europe


  • • Asia Pacific


o China
o Japan
o India
o South Korea
o Australia & New Zealand
o Malaysia
o Rest of Asia Pacific


  • • LAMEA


o Brazil
o Argentina
o UAE
o Saudi Arabia
o South Africa
o Nigeria
o Rest of LAMEA
Companies Profiled


  • • Koninklijke DSM N.V.
    • BASF SE
    • Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
    • DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
    • Nestle S.A
    • Inbiose NV
    • Biosynth AG
    • Abbott Laboratories
    • Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.
    • Dextra Laboratories Ltd (ICE S.p.A)


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