Meiji baby formula pullback benefits rivals

Japanese diary producer Wakodo Co Ltd, a subsidiary of food and beverage maker Asahi Group, is looking to sell baby formula in the Chinese market despite the recent pullback of its compatriot competitor.

Wakodo is partnering with instant-noodle maker Master Kong to sell baby formula in China and will consider localizing their production in China, the Beijing Business Today reported on Thursday.

With history of 107 years, Wakoda manufactures infant and follow-up formula, baby foods, beverage for babies, as well as prepared foods for the elderly.

The move follows a recent pullback by Japanese food and dairy manufacturer Meiji Holdings, which said intense competition and rising costs for raw materials led to its decision.

The top three sellers — Hangzhou Beingmate Group, Nestle's S26 and Danone's Dumex — held 27.5 percent of the baby formula market last year, according to market research firm Euromonitor International.