The baby formula market needs a shake-up to help parents struggling to afford it, according to the UK’s competition watchdog.
There are “limited incentives” for the industry to compete on price and parents have suffered the consequences of high prices, said an interim report by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Among its recommendations is a call for better public health messaging and clarity for parents trying to choose between different brands.
The CMA also confirmed it is examining the effect a price cap would have, but said it is not currently recommending one.
The report said: “The CMA has provisionally found that – unlike in many other grocery categories – there is little pressure on manufacturers or retailers to shelter customers from increases in manufacturing costs, which have largely been passed on quickly and in full.”
Sarah Cardell, the CMA’s chief executive, said: “This is a very important and unique market.
“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.
“We have identified options for change, but now want to work closely with governments in all parts of the UK, as well as other stakeholders, as we develop our final recommendations.”
The CMA expects to publish a final report in February.
In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged governments to act over soaring baby formula prices, which it said was “exploiting” families in the UK.
In an interview with Sky News, WHO criticised multinational manufacturers for “manipulating prices” to boost profits on baby formula.
Research at the time showed that formula prices in the UK had risen by 24% over the previous two years, with the lowest-cost brands seeing a 45% increase during that period.
WHO is calling on governments to step in and help ease the burden on struggling families by finding ways to lower prices in stores.
Sky News has previously reported on the extreme measures some parents are taking to feed their infants, including stealing formula, purchasing it on the black market, diluting bottles, or using condensed milk as a substitute.
Laurence Grummer-Strawn, WHO technical officer, told Sky News, “It’s shocking to see a high-income country like the UK facing situations where mothers can’t afford to feed their babies.”
When asked if this situation constituted exploitation, Grummer-Strawn responded, “Yes, I believe it’s fair to say so, as these inflated prices are ultimately being passed down to consumers, forcing them to pay exorbitant amounts.”
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