CMA market study into infant formula

 

The CMA has announced a market study into infant formula and follow-on formula in the UK.

The CMA intends to use the market study to consider how the supply of formula has, or may have, adverse effects on consumers, and how it might work better.

In the market study, infant formula comprises infant and follow-on formula as defined by Commission Regulation 2016/127, and formulas labelled as foods for special medical purposes that can be sold without prescription under Regulation 2016/128.

The market study follows work that the CMA has conducted on the rising costs of living where its November 2023 report found that consumers are not always well-equipped to make informed choices for infant formula.  Danon had a 71% share in the UK infant formula market in 2023 and the penetration of own-label alternatives was found to be weak..

The CMA also proposes to consider the market for growing up and toddler milks marketed for children over 1 year old.

The deadline for responses is 13 March 2024.

The CMA must announce within six months if it is intending to make a market investigation reference and must publish its final report on the market study within 12 months. The CMA has indicated it intends to publish its final report in September 2024.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-to-scrutinise-infant-formula-market-through-a-market-study