Baby Food Packaging in Hong Kong, China

2021 DEVELOPMENTS

Baby food packaging unit volumes finally start to grow again, but powder milk formula packaging still in decline

Demand for powder milk formula in Hong Kong, which had already been declining over the earlier years of the review period, recorded a significant fall in 2020, due to a ban on cross-border activities that hindered purchases by mainland Chinese tourists or Hong Kong consumers sending milk formula to mainland Chinese relatives or friends. Even after this major decline in 2020, powder milk formula’s packaging unit volumes continued to fall slightly in 2021 due to a small number of drugstores/parapharmacies that had previously sold milk formula terminating operations after the end of their annual rental contracts.

With parents spending more time out of doors with their babies, stand-up pouches with screw closures are growing in popularity

The majority of Hong Kong parents have little knowledge of other baby food, so packaging materials tend to play a significant role in purchasing decisions. As a result, many players in other baby food are increasing their investment in packaging innovation in an effort to attract the attention of consumers.

Manufacturers utilise new pack shapes and closures in an effort to increase convenience and hygiene

Many Hong Kong parents are anxious to give their offspring the best possible start in life, as suggested by the local motto “winning from the beginning”. As a result, they are constantly searching for the best powder milk formula for their babies.

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Powder milk formula to see strong growth in the coming years, but unit volumes will remain below review period levels

Packaging unit volumes of metal tins used in powder milk formula are expected to rise over the forecast period. Hong Kong consumers generally believe in the importance of nutrition and “winning from the very beginning”, as the local saying goes, with new local mothers thus very willing to put a lot of effort into cross-comparing milk formula products and improving their own understanding of nutrition as they seek to buy the best for their babies.

Glass will continue to lose ground to stand-up pouches due to the latter’s greater portability and convenience

Stand-up pouches are expected to continue to grow in popularity in baby food during the forecast period due to their portability and ease of use as well as the fact they come with screw closures and are less likely to be affected by humidity. This growth will largely come at the expense of glass jars.