“We’re concerned that companies don’t compete strongly on price and many parents – who may be choosing infant formula in vulnerable circumstances and without clear information – opt for more expensive products, equating higher costs with better quality for their baby,” said CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell.
Just three companies – Danone, which makes Aptamil and Cow & Gate, and Nestle, which makes SMA, and Kendamil – control more than 90% of the UK market.
Prices for baby formula in the UK have jumped between 18% and 36%, depending on the brand, over the two years between December 2021 and December 2023, the report found.
Parents could make a saving of up to £500 over a baby’s first year of life by switching to a lower priced brand, the report found.
“Companies are exploiting new parents who rely on formula milk to feed their babies,” said Maxine Palmer from parenting charity NCT.
“With skyrocketing prices, lack of accountability, regulations and guidance in place for formula milk providers, parents are torn between the ‘best’ product to feed their baby and the…
