BREAST SHELLS MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024 - 2031)

Breast Shells Market Size and Forecast – 2024 - 2031

The Global Breast Shells Market is estimated to be valued at USD 74.0 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 96.1 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2024 to 2031.

Key Takeaways of the Breast Shells Market:

• The silicone breast shells segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the market with 52.1% in 2024.
• The breastfeeding segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the market with 53.1% in 2024.
• The specialty stores segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the market with 23.2% in 2024.
• North America is expected to top the market with 37.2% share, followed by Asia pacific with 28.7% share in 2024.

Market Overview:

Breast shells help new mothers to disguise uneven breasts and regain their original breast shape post pregnancy and breastfeeding. They provide comfort to women during this transition phase after delivery. The breast shells market is expected to witness steady growth during the forecast period. Rising women empowerment and increasing participation of women in workplaces post pregnancy will drive the demand for breast shells.

Segmental Insights

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Type Insights - Comfort and Durability Drive Demand for Silicone Breast Shells

In terms of type, the silicone breast shells segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the market with 52.1% in 2024 owing to its superior comfort and durability compared to other materials. Silicone is a highly flexible material that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue, allowing women to wear breast shells for extended periods with minimal discomfort. The flexibility of silicone also means it is less likely to slip or shift out of position during wear. From a durability perspective, silicone is highly resistant to damage from stretching, wear, and tear over time.

Application Insights - Relief from Pain Fuels Demand for Breastfeeding Application

In terms of application, the breastfeeding segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the market with 53.1% in 2024 as it offers relief from painful conditions associated with nursing. New mothers struggling with engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis frequently rely on breast shells to take pressures off sore, swollen breasts. By creating a gentle compression and improving milk flow, shells help soothe aches and pains that could otherwise deter women from continuing to breastfeed.

Sales Channel Insights - Product Expertise Drives Demand through Specialty Stores

In terms of sales channel, the specialty stores segment is projected to contribute the highest share of the market with 23.2% in 2024 owing to the product expertise available. Store employees at locations focused solely on lactation, nursing, or maternity products receive specialized training to properly fit women with breast shells and address any fit or usage issues. This personalized service and knowledge builds trust with clients that cannot always be found elsewhere. Staff recommendations carry weight due to their specialized qualifications.

Regional Insights

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North America Breast Shells Market Trends

North America dominates the breast shells market with a share of 37.2% in 2024. This can be attributed to factors such as a well-established healthcare infrastructure, growing awareness about women's health, and presence of major players in the region. The strong government support for breastfeeding and women's health initiatives has also contributed to the large market size.

Asia Pacific Breast Shells Market Trends

The Asia Pacific region exhibits the fastest growth with 28.7% in 2024, driven by improving access to healthcare and a rising focus on lactation support in countries like China, Japan, and India. Rapid economic development and growth of the middle-class population are increasing spend on infant and maternal care products.

Breast Shells Market Outlook for Key Countries

U.S. Breast Shells Market Trends

The U.S. dominates the global breast shells market due to its high birth rates, advanced healthcare infrastructure. For instance, according to an article published by the National Vital Statistics System and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April 2024, the provisional number of births in the U.S. in 2023 was 3,591,328, which is anticipated to lead to an increase in the number of women breastfeeding their newborns.

Germany Breast Shells Market Trends

The breast shells market in Germany is poised for significant growth, driven by a preference for high-quality, advanced designs and strong support for maternal and child health. Government initiatives like the "Baby Friendly Hospital" program, which promotes breastfeeding assistance, further boosts the demand for breast shells in the country.

China Breast Shells Market Trends

The breast shells market in China is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by the increasing recognition and acceptance of breastfeeding as the ideal nutrition for infants. Rising disposable incomes are enabling more women to invest in premium breastfeeding products, including breast shells. Additionally, the growing number of employed women is creating a higher demand for effective milk handling solutions, further fueling the market's expansion. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) released in July 2023, over 95% of Chinese mothers recognize breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for infants. This growing awareness is driving the demand for breastfeeding-related products.

Market Players, Key Devlopment, and Competitive Intelligence

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Key Developments:

• In October 2022, Ameda, a manufacturer of hospital-grade breast pumps, introduced Ameda Pearl, a hospital-grade breast pump designed to deliver powerful performance with a durable, user-centric design suitable for use both in hospitals and at home. The Pearl features two pumping modes and a wide range of adjustable settings, providing hospital-grade pumping efficiency. This product launch strengthened Ameda's breast pump portfolio and enhanced its market position.
• In March 2021, Philips Avent, launched a new electric breast pump inspired by a baby's natural feeding motion. Equipped with innovative natural motion technology and a compact, portable design, the pump addresses the needs of modern mothers managing busy lifestyles while breastfeeding. The technology enables faster milk flow compared to earlier models, offering more efficient milk expression, while the soft silicone cushion adapts gently to the mother's breast shape and size.

Top Strategies Followed by Global Breast Shells Industry Players

• Major players like Medela and Philips Avent dominate the breast shells market by prioritizing research and development (R&D) to deliver innovative, high-quality products.
  • For instance, Medela allocates over 5% of its annual revenue to R&D and utilizes advanced facilities to develop cutting-edge breastfeeding accessories, while Philips Avent focuses on upgrading product designs based on medical research and consumer insights.
• Mid-sized companies concentrate on delivering cost-effective solutions to appeal to price-sensitive consumers without compromising quality.
  • Companies like Pigeon Corporation employ cost-efficient manufacturing strategies and source raw materials directly to maintain competitive pricing, offering breastfeeding essentials at 30-40% lower prices than premium brands.
• Small-scale players carve out their position by catering to specific niche markets with unique, innovative products. For example, Milk by Mom designs shells specifically for working mothers, addressing on-the-go multitasking needs.

Emerging Startups - Breast Shells Industry Ecosystem

• Innovative Technologies: Advanced solutions being developed by tech startups have the potential to revolutionize the industry. For example, Biomilk is creating "smart breast shells" embedded with sensors to monitor milk ejection and infant feeding patterns. The real-time data can help new mothers maximize breastfeeding effectiveness. Else Nutrition is working on 3D printed shells customized for each woman's breast anatomy using scans, promising unmatched comfort. Such innovations will enhance the breastfeeding experience tremendously in the coming years.
• Sustainable Solutions: Several startups are focused on eco-friendly products. MilkMedic produces shells from bioplastics that fully decompose within 6 months. Bamboobies makes shells and pads from renewable bamboo without using plastic. Their efforts have the potential to significantly reduce plastic pollution in this sector. With growing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives, these businesses are well-positioned to capture the green market and lead the industry toward greater environmental responsibility.

Market Report Scope

Market Dynamics

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Breast Shells Market Growth Factors: Rising awareness about breastfeeding benefits through global campaigns

With growing research and proven health advantages, awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for both child and mother are increasing at a rapid pace globally. Various health organizations and governments have initiated awareness campaigns highlighting the crucial role breastfeeding plays in developing strong mother-child bonding along with providing crucial nutrition. For instance, in August 2023, during World Breastfeeding Week 2023, SKIMS' Department of Community Medicine conducted awareness activities across clinics and wards, emphasizing exclusive breastfeeding, colostrum benefits, and solutions to breastfeeding challenges, especially for working mothers.

Breast Shells Market Challenge: Intense competition and commoditization in the breast shells market.

The global breast shells industry is facing high competition among manufacturers of breast shells. Being a low involvement product, breast shells have become highly commoditized over the years. This has made it very difficult for brands to differentiate their products and command brand premiums. Major players in the market are engaged in price wars to gain market share, which is adversely affecting margins. Moreover, private label brands offered by retailers are further intensifying competition.

Breast Shells Market Opportunity: Growing e-commerce adoption for breast shells purchases.

The breast shells industry is witnessing significant growth opportunities arising from the rising popularity of e-commerce platforms for product purchases. More women are now buying breast shells online due to the ease and convenience offered as compared to retail stores. E-commerce platforms provide detailed product information, reviews, and comparisons which help buyers to research and select the right product sitting in the comfort of their homes.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The global breast shells industry continues to see steady growth driven by rising birth rates worldwide and increasing awareness among new mothers regarding the importance of breastfeeding and milk expression. North America currently dominates the market owing to well-established breastfeeding practices and a growing population opting for breast milk expression. However, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest growing regional market in the coming years. This can be attributed to improving standards of healthcare as well as cultural acceptance of breastfeeding in countries like China and India.
• While growing product awareness and innovation are working in favor of market expansion, certain challenges persist. High costs associated with premium breastfeeding accessories remain a key restraining factor especially in price-sensitive developing economies. Moreover, social taboos around public breastfeeding continue to discourage new mothers in various regions. Nevertheless, increasing female workforce participation is translating into greater demand for breast pumps and shells that enable working women to continue breastfeeding.
• Going forward, market players could benefit from expanding into untapped rural areas through effective awareness campaigns highlighting the numerous health benefits of breast milk. Empowering breastfeeding support groups and facilitating positive discourse on normalizing expressions outside the home setting will also help address some of the socio-cultural barriers. Manufacturers focusing on affordable product series without compromising on quality and functionality have the opportunity to tap into vast populations with lower purchasing power.

Market Segmentation

• By Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
• • Silicone Breast Shell
  • Polypropylene Breast Shell
• By Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
• • Breastfeeding
  • Pain Sensitivity
• By Sales Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
• • Specialty Stores
  • Retail Store
  • Hospital Pharmacy/Drug Stores
  • Online Stores
  • Wholesaler/Distributor
  • Direct Purchase
  • Others (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets)
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
• • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
• • Koninklijke Philips N.V.
  • Medela
  • Pigeon
  • Newell Brands
  • Silverette
  • Ameda, Inc.
  • Handi-Craft (Dr. Brown's Baby)
  • Pharmics (O-Cal-ette)
  • Lacticups
  • Chicco
  • Ardo Medical Ltd.
  • Baby Bliss
  • Boppy
  • Tommee Tippee
  • Medela LLC