The human milk oligosaccharides market has witnessed impressive growth, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. With a market size of USD 337.72 million in 2024, the HMO market is projected to expand to USD 384.66 million in 2025 and hit USD 1,241.06 million by 2034, growing at a robust CAGR of 13.9% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The surge in demand for scientifically-backed infant solutions and innovative production methods to extract HMOs are key factors contributing to this growth.
For 2025, the HMO market is on track for a transformative year. As the awareness about the benefits of HMOs for both infants and adults increases, it’s becoming clear that this market is much more than just infant formula. From functional foods to cosmetics, HMOs are being integrated into a wide array of applications. This article explores the key trends, market drivers, and the major players propelling the HMO market into the future.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Market Growth: The global HMO market is expected to grow from USD 384.66 million in 2025 to USD 1,241.06 million by 2034, at a CAGR of 13.9%.
- Regional Leadership: Europe led the market in 2024 and continues to dominate, thanks to its expanding HMO applications across functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
- Rising Demand for Functional Foods: The Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the fastest growth due to increasing demand for functional foods with HMO as a key ingredient to combat ailments like diabetes and gut issues.
- Infant Formula Continues to Drive Growth: The largest share of the HMO market remains in the infant formula segment, with increasing demand for nutritious, breast-milk-like alternatives.
- Dietary Supplements on the Rise: The dietary supplements segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate, as adults seek products to enhance cognitive function, gut health, and immune support.
The 2025 Buyer Playbook: What Drives Purchase Decisions?
Understanding what drives purchasing decisions in the HMO market is key to navigating this dynamic and rapidly expanding industry. For 2025, here are the key factors influencing buyers:
- Health Benefits: The most significant driver is the health benefits of HMOs, particularly their ability to mimic the prebiotic and immune-boosting effects of human breast milk. Consumers are increasingly seeking these benefits not only for their infants but also for themselves through dietary supplements.
- Scientific Backing: Buyers are looking for scientifically proven products, particularly in the infant nutrition sector. Regulatory approvals from bodies like the US FDA and EFSA enhance trust in HMO-based products, making them more appealing to consumers.
- Personalized Nutrition: As the market for personalized nutrition grows, products containing HMOs are becoming more attractive. Customized solutions that cater to specific health concerns (e.g., digestive health, immunity) are gaining popularity, particularly in North America and Europe.
- Sustainability and Innovation: Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases. Companies that integrate sustainability into their production processes and packaging, such as fermentation-based methods for HMO extraction, are winning consumer favor.
- Price Sensitivity: While the benefits of HMOs are clear, cost-effective production methods are becoming crucial. As biotechnology innovations drive down the cost of HMO production, more accessible pricing is expanding the market, particularly in emerging regions like Asia-Pacific.
Major Players in the Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market
1. Glycom A/S
- Overview: Glycom is a leading innovator in the production of human milk oligosaccharides. Based in Denmark, Glycom specializes in the development and commercialization of HMOs for use in infant nutrition and health products.
- Recent Moves: In 2024, Glycom launched a new HMO-derived ingredient targeting infant formula, following extensive R&D into the nutritional properties of HMOs.
- Competitive Edge: Glycom’s strong patent portfolio and expertise in HMO production give it a significant edge in the market.
- Future Outlook: Glycom is positioned to continue dominating the infant nutrition market and expanding into new applications like dietary supplements and functional foods.
2. Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
- Overview: Chr. Hansen is a well-established player in the global biotechnology and food ingredients market, and it has increasingly focused on the development of human milk oligosaccharides.
- Recent Moves: Chr. Hansen merged with Novozymes to form Novonesis in 2024, aiming to lead in sustainable, bio-based product solutions.
- Competitive Edge: Chr. Hansen’s vast experience in the fermentation process gives it a unique advantage in the cost-effective production of HMOs.
- Future Outlook: As personalized nutrition and functional foods grow, Chr. Hansen is poised to expand its HMO portfolio to cater to both infant and adult health products.
3. Kyowa Hakko Europe GmbH
- Overview: Kyowa Hakko is a major player in the biotechnological production of amino acids and functional ingredients, including HMOs.
- Recent Moves: The company expanded its presence in the HMO market in 2024 by partnering with leading food manufacturers to integrate HMOs into functional foods.
- Competitive Edge: Kyowa’s expertise in fermentation technology allows it to produce high-quality HMOs at scale.
- Future Outlook: With increasing demand for functional foods in the Asia-Pacific region, Kyowa is well-positioned to capture significant market share in this growing segment.
4. Friesland Campina Ingredients
- Overview: Friesland Campina is a global dairy cooperative, and its ingredients division is a key supplier of HMO-based products.
- Recent Moves: The company introduced a new HMO-enhanced infant formula in 2024, designed to replicate the immune-boosting properties of breast milk.
- Competitive Edge: Friesland’s extensive network of dairy farms and its leadership in dairy nutrition give it a strong advantage in HMO production.
- Future Outlook: Friesland is expected to grow its market share in both infant formula and functional food products, with a focus on expanding its HMO offerings.
5. BASF SE
- Overview: BASF is a multinational chemical company that has expanded its offerings to include human milk oligosaccharides as part of its nutrition and health solutions.
- Recent Moves: BASF launched a line of HMO-based dietary supplements in 2024, aimed at enhancing gut health and immunity in adults.
- Competitive Edge: BASF’s strong R&D capabilities and global distribution network enable it to scale HMO production efficiently.
- Future Outlook: BASF is poised for growth in both infant nutrition and dietary supplements, particularly as demand for immune-boosting products increases.
6. Dextra Laboratories Limited
- Overview: Dextra Laboratories is a leading provider of carbohydrate-based ingredients, including human milk oligosaccharides.
- Recent Moves: Dextra Laboratories expanded its portfolio with several new HMO products, targeting both the infant nutrition and functional foods markets.
- Competitive Edge: Dextra specializes in custom HMO production, giving it an edge in providing tailored solutions to its clients.
- Future Outlook: Dextra is expected to expand its market share in the Asia-Pacific and North American regions, leveraging its strong focus on research and development.
7. Inboise N.V.
- Overview: Inboise is a global supplier of bioactive ingredients, including HMOs, which are incorporated into various nutritional products.
- Recent Moves: The company has developed a line of HMO-enhanced prebiotic supplements for adult digestive health.
- Competitive Edge: Inboise’s ability to create sustainable and cost-effective HMO production methods gives it a strong competitive position.
- Future Outlook: As adult nutrition and gut health solutions become more popular, Inboise is expected to expand its footprint in this segment.
8. Biosynth Limited
- Overview: Biosynth is a biotechnology company focused on the production of human milk oligosaccharides using fermentation technology.
- Recent Moves: In 2024, Biosynth launched a new range of HMO ingredients aimed at the dietary supplement market, specifically for immune support.
- Competitive Edge: Biosynth’s expertise in fermentation-based HMO production allows it to offer high-quality products at a competitive price.
- Future Outlook: Biosynth is set to grow its presence in both infant formula and dietary supplements, with a focus on sustainable production practices.
9. ELICITYL S.A.
- Overview: ELICITYL is a French biotechnology company specializing in oligosaccharide production, including HMOs for use in infant nutrition.
- Recent Moves: ELICITYL has focused on expanding its production capabilities for HMOs, leveraging its advanced fermentation technology.
- Competitive Edge: The company’s expertise in oligosaccharide synthesis and its strong relationships with European food manufacturers give it a competitive advantage.
- Future Outlook: ELICITYL is expected to capitalize on the growing demand for HMO-based infant nutrition products, particularly in Europe.
10. ZuChem Inc.
- Overview: ZuChem is a leading producer of oligosaccharides, including HMOs, for use in food, health, and nutrition products.
- Recent Moves: The company has been working on expanding its product offerings to include HMOs in both infant formula and dietary supplements.
- Competitive Edge: ZuChem’s focus on biotechnology and its expertise in oligosaccharide production set it apart in the market.
- Future Outlook: ZuChem is positioned to grow its share of the HMO market as demand for functional foods and supplements continues to rise.
Why Competition Is Intensifying in the Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market
As the demand for functional foods, personalized nutrition, and immune-boosting products grows, competition in the HMO market is heating up. Companies are racing to innovate, improve production methods, and meet the increasing demand for high-quality, sustainable products. The rapid advancements in biotechnology and fermentation technology are driving down costs and improving scalability, allowing more players to enter the market. Regulatory approvals and increased consumer awareness of the health benefits of HMOs are further fueling market growth.
What’s Next (2025-2030 Outlook)
The future of the human milk oligosaccharides market is bright. As scientific research continues to reveal new benefits of HMOs, demand will grow not only in infant formula but also in adult health products like dietary supplements and functional foods. By 2030, the market is expected to see significant growth in Asia-Pacific, where rising health concerns and increasing disposable income are driving demand for HMO-based solutions. Technological advancements in HMO production will make these products more accessible, and the focus on sustainability will shape the industry’s growth.
Future Outlook
For buyers, investors, and industry leaders, the human milk oligosaccharides market presents exciting opportunities. As consumer demand for functional, personalized, and sustainable products grows, companies that can innovate and scale HMO production will lead the charge. Whether you’re a parent seeking the best infant nutrition or an adult looking for gut-health benefits, the HMO market is shaping the future of nutrition and health, making it a critical space for investment and innovation.
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