Specialized nutrition implies responsibility vis-à-vis the consumer even greater than other food markets. The explanations of Pauline Thiers, Marketing and category manager
Does the infant nutrition market evolve only according to the birth rate ?
The infant nutrition market brings together infant food and infant milks. The Danone group is engaged with the WHO for the protection of exclusive breastfeeding up to at least 6 months. We are convinced that breast milk remains the most appropriate for infants' needs. Birth rate is indeed a factor that influences the infantile market. After a few years of slight decline, Births returned to Reunion upwards in 2021 and 2022. But this is not the only factor. There is also all the pedagogy that we can do to explain how the regulations that supervise infant food makes it possible to offer products adapted to the needs of children. If we take the example of small pots : They are made up of 100% ingredients of natural origin, they are without coloring, without preservatives and without pesticide residues, in accordance with the regulations which are very demanding.
It is at this level that innovation comes in this category ?
Innovation makes it possible to offer variety to parents, and therefore allow them to vary tastes and pleasures, Through our various products adapted to the needs of babies. We observe that around 15 months, Babies eat almost the same as their parents. Or, up to 3 years old, A child has still very specific needs. The infant food offer makes it possible to offer products adapted to these greatest babies.
Are there trends, more promising segments than others ?
Like Blédiisi growth 18×250 ml, We note that more and more consumers pass from growth milk powder to liquid milk. We also see an expectation on the plant. We have been offering 100% vegetable gourdes since the end of 2021 coconut milk and almond milk. These products allow you to vary the tastes and flavors for babies. And they are also, Adapted to children allergic to cow's milk proteins.
Are other new products expected in 2022 ?
We will soon launch a gallia organic laboratory in Reunion in Reunion. For "big babies" over 1 year old, We will offer new plates, Containing real puree pieces, facilitating the discovery of textures. Number of innovations relate to the largest babies this year. We will also have new flavors for the awakening of tastes, Like small pots organic apples or apples-breeze organic harvests- vanilla.
The medical nutrition market is little known. What can we say about it ?
The medical nutrition market consists of products intended to meet the nutritional needs of cripples or at risk of undernutrition and overcome certain nutritional and metabolic deficits. These products are prescribed by health professionals, provided in hospitals, care establishments and also issued by city pharmacies and service providers. The medical nutrition market is dynamic. The main segment of this market, that of oral nutritional supplements (CNO), finished the year 2021 growing 2,9 % in Reunion and continues on this trend at +3,1% at the start of 2022. After several years of decrease, We start 2022 well with a gain in market share in the first quarter versus the last quarter 2021.
