The global human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) market was valued at USD 248.81 million in 2024 and is forecasted to grow from USD 275.34 million in 2025 to USD 879.86 million by 2032, advancing at a CAGR of 18.05% during the projection period. In 2024, North America accounted for 44.84% of the market share, leading the global landscape.
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are naturally occurring bioactive carbohydrates found in mammalian breast milk, particularly in humans, and play a vital role in infant health and development. They support immunity, encourage the growth of beneficial gut microbiota, and defend against harmful pathogens. Due to these benefits, major infant nutrition manufacturers such as Abbott Nutrition and Nestlé S.A. incorporate HMOs into their formulations, contributing to strong market expansion worldwide.
Information Source: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/human-milk-oligosaccharides-market-103822
Segmentation Analysis
The HMO market is segmented by type into 2’FL, 3’FL, 3’SL, 6’SL, and LNT. Among these, 2’FL accounted for the largest share in 2024, owing to its extensive use in infant formula and dietary supplements, backed by well-established clinical benefits. Other HMOs such as 3’FL, 3’SL, and 6’SL are less explored but are steadily gaining attention through ongoing scientific research, which is expected to drive their adoption in the coming years. By structure, the market is divided into Neutral Fucosylated HMOs, Neutral HMOs, and Sialylated HMOs, with Neutral Fucosylated HMOs leading the segment due to their abundance in human milk and diverse functional properties.
In terms of application, HMOs are used in infant nutrition, functional foods and beverages, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. The infant nutrition segment dominates the market, as HMOs are increasingly incorporated into baby formula to replicate the health benefits of natural breastfeeding, making it the largest contributor to market growth.
Market Trends
Advancements in Technology and Alternative Sources
Ongoing innovation in manufacturing technologies and research into alternative sources are driving efficiency, enabling scalable production, and expanding application opportunities for HMOs beyond infant nutrition.
Regional Outlook
In 2024, North America led the market with a valuation of USD 116.57 million, driven by strong demand for advanced infant nutrition and the presence of leading industry players. Europe’s growth is influenced by stringent regulatory frameworks, where HMOs are classified as novel foods to ensure high safety and quality standards. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is projected to experience the fastest growth, supported by rising awareness, increasing disposable incomes, and greater investments in infant and functional nutrition solutions.
Report Coverage
This report provides an in-depth assessment of the human milk oligosaccharides market, highlighting key growth drivers, restraints, emerging opportunities, company profiles, application insights, and recent industry advancements. It also includes data-backed statistics and examines evolving market dynamics across major regions.
Key Market Players
- Koninklijke DSM N.V. (Netherlands)
- BASF SE (Germany)
- Chr. Hansen A/S (Denmark)
- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (U.S.)
- KYOWA HAKKO BIO CO., LTD. (Japan)
- Dextra Laboratories (U.K.)
- Inboise N.V. (U.S.)
- ELICITYL S.A (France)
- Abbott Laboratories (U.S.)
- FrieslandCampina (Netherlands)
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Industry Developments
- November 2023 – Nestlé launched a new infant formula line fortified with HMOs under its “Wyeth Illume” brand in China, marking a strategic move to capture growing demand for advanced infant nutrition products in the Asia Pacific region.
