GITNUXREPORT 2025

Culinary Industry Statistics

Culinary industry shifts toward health, sustainability, and technological innovations.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

About 60% of consumers prefer to dine at restaurants that offer health-conscious menu options

Statistic 2

The average American spends around $3,000 annually on dining out

Statistic 3

Approximately 75% of professional chefs believe sustainability will significantly impact future menus

Statistic 4

Approximately 36% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced ingredients

Statistic 5

65% of consumers order food delivery at least once a week

Statistic 6

About 30% of consumers are influenced by social media when choosing a restaurant

Statistic 7

About 70% of consumers look for gluten-free options when dining out

Statistic 8

80% of chefs say they are incorporating more local ingredients into their menus post-pandemic

Statistic 9

About 40% of consumers check calorie information before ordering, influencing menu choices

Statistic 10

55% of consumers say they are willing to try new or unique foods if recommended by a chef

Statistic 11

78% of consumers search for gluten-free or allergy-friendly dining options online before visiting a restaurant

Statistic 12

The top reason consumers cite for dining out is convenience, at 62%

Statistic 13

About 47% of consumers prefer food that is locally sourced, fresh, and organic

Statistic 14

The majority of consumers (about 70%) say they prefer to eat at casual dining restaurants rather than fine dining

Statistic 15

About 46% of consumers prefer to order from restaurants with a strong social responsibility reputation

Statistic 16

The average number of foodservice customer visits per month in the U.S. is approximately 4.5 times

Statistic 17

About 54% of restaurant owners believe that online reviews significantly impact their business

Statistic 18

The majority of restaurants (around 65%) report that consumer demand for ethnic cuisines has increased over the past five years

Statistic 19

68% of restaurant operators report that menu innovation is their top priority this year, driven by changing consumer preferences

Statistic 20

About 80% of consumers are interested in plant-based dairy alternatives, driving innovation in milk, cheese, and yogurt products

Statistic 21

The world's first 3D-printed restaurant opened in Dubai in 2023, serving customized dishes using 3D printing technology

Statistic 22

The global foodservice industry was valued at approximately $659 billion in 2021

Statistic 23

The vegan food market is projected to reach $24.3 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.1%

Statistic 24

The global organic food market was valued at $188.35 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow annually by 8.1%

Statistic 25

In 2022, delivery services accounted for about 20% of total restaurant sales in the U.S.

Statistic 26

The global coffee market was valued at $102.15 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $155.64 billion by 2026

Statistic 27

The global bakery market was valued at $440 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% until 2028

Statistic 28

The chain restaurant segment still dominates with over 60,000 locations across the U.S.

Statistic 29

The global market for functional foods, which include foods fortified with vitamins, minerals, or probiotics, is expected to reach $275 billion by 2025

Statistic 30

The global food allergy market is valued at $23 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% through 2027

Statistic 31

The world's most expensive chocolate bar, the "ForeverChocolate" by Askinosie, costs $260 for a 2.1-pound bar

Statistic 32

The global market for edible insects is projected to reach $1.18 billion by 2026, driven by sustainable protein demand

Statistic 33

About 85% of restaurant owners report increased profit margins after adopting digital ordering systems

Statistic 34

The number of food trucks in the U.S. increased by over 10% in 2022, reaching more than 3,200 units

Statistic 35

The fastest-growing segment in the restaurant industry is plant-based dishes, with a growth rate of 14% year-over-year

Statistic 36

The average wait time for a seat in top-rated restaurants is approximately 45 minutes

Statistic 37

The number of vegan restaurants worldwide increased by 13% in 2022, reaching over 10,000 venues

Statistic 38

Food waste accounts for approximately 8-10% of global greenhouse emissions

Statistic 39

The average foodservice employee earns around $13 per hour in the U.S.

Statistic 40

The fastest-growing cuisine type in the U.S. is Middle Eastern, with a growth of 24% over the past five years

Statistic 41

45% of restaurants now use contactless payment methods, an increase of 25% from 2020

Statistic 42

The number of international tourists spending nights in hotels has increased by 12% in 2023, boosting culinary tourism

Statistic 43

The percentage of restaurants that offer plant-based menu options increased from 18% in 2018 to 35% in 2022

Statistic 44

The chocolate confectionery market is expected to reach $147 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%

Statistic 45

The microbrewery industry in the U.S. has grown by 25% in the past three years, with over 9,000 breweries operational

Statistic 46

The global demand for organic fruits and vegetables increased by 20% in 2022, driven by health trends

Statistic 47

The restaurant industry’s online ordering revenue in the U.S. surpassed $60 billion in 2022, representing a 55% increase from 2020

Statistic 48

Nearly 50% of restaurants report labor shortages affecting their ability to serve customers effectively

Statistic 49

The global ice cream market is projected to reach $120 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.3%

Statistic 50

35% of restaurant menus now feature gluten-free options, a rise of 10 percentage points since 2019

Statistic 51

The world's most expensive restaurant, Sublimotion, in Ibiza, charges €1,650 ($1,820) per person for a dining experience

Statistic 52

The use of artificial intelligence in kitchen operations is expected to increase by 30% annually through 2025

Statistic 53

80% of restaurants are implementing sustainable practices such as composting and energy efficiency

Statistic 54

The food delivery app market size in North America was valued at $4.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10%

Statistic 55

The average age of chefs in the U.S. is 44, with 57% being male

Statistic 56

The number of gluten-free product launches increased by 20% globally in 2022, indicating rising dietary restrictions

Statistic 57

The popularity of meal kit delivery services grew by 12% in 2022, with over 5 million households subscribing

Statistic 58

The percentage of restaurants offering vegetarian options increased from 30% in 2019 to 45% in 2022

Statistic 59

The organic beverage market (including juices, tea, and smoothies) is projected to reach $35 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.5%

Statistic 60

In 2022, over 25% of new restaurant concepts launched were focused on health and wellness, indicating consumer demand for healthier options

Statistic 61

Globally, the number of specialty coffee shops increased by 18% in 2022, marking a consistent growth trend

Statistic 62

Food safety violations in restaurants declined by 12% in 2022, thanks to stricter regulations and audits

Statistic 63

The global organic snack food market is projected to reach $10 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.8%

Statistic 64

The number of plant-based meat product launches worldwide increased by 40% in 2022, reflecting rapid consumer interest

Statistic 65

The number of gluten-free food product SKUs increased by 25% globally in 2022, indicating stronger retail and menu commitment

Statistic 66

The use of blockchain technology in food supply chains is expected to grow by 35% annually through 2025, improving traceability and safety

Statistic 67

The growth rate of premium and artisanal cheeses in the U.S. was 9.4% in 2022, highlighting consumer interest in high-quality dairy products

Statistic 68

The number of food delivery startups globally increased by 22% in 2022, reflecting strong investor interest in food tech innovations

Statistic 69

The popularity of instant pot and slow cooker recipes increased by 15% in 2022, with a focus on home cooking efficiency

Statistic 70

52% of restaurant owners plan to increase their investment in technology in 2023

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Sources

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Key Highlights

The global foodservice industry was valued at approximately $659 billion in 2021
About 60% of consumers prefer to dine at restaurants that offer health-conscious menu options
The average American spends around $3,000 annually on dining out
Approximately 75% of professional chefs believe sustainability will significantly impact future menus
The vegan food market is projected to reach $24.3 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.1%
About 85% of restaurant owners report increased profit margins after adopting digital ordering systems
The number of food trucks in the U.S. increased by over 10% in 2022, reaching more than 3,200 units
The global organic food market was valued at $188.35 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow annually by 8.1%
Approximately 36% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced ingredients
The fastest-growing segment in the restaurant industry is plant-based dishes, with a growth rate of 14% year-over-year
In 2022, delivery services accounted for about 20% of total restaurant sales in the U.S.
65% of consumers order food delivery at least once a week
The average wait time for a seat in top-rated restaurants is approximately 45 minutes

The culinary industry is experiencing a transformative surge driven by health-conscious eating, sustainability initiatives, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences, fundamentally reshaping how, where, and what we dine worldwide.

Consumer Preferences and Behavior

About 60% of consumers prefer to dine at restaurants that offer health-conscious menu options
The average American spends around $3,000 annually on dining out
Approximately 75% of professional chefs believe sustainability will significantly impact future menus
Approximately 36% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced ingredients
65% of consumers order food delivery at least once a week
About 30% of consumers are influenced by social media when choosing a restaurant
About 70% of consumers look for gluten-free options when dining out
80% of chefs say they are incorporating more local ingredients into their menus post-pandemic
About 40% of consumers check calorie information before ordering, influencing menu choices
55% of consumers say they are willing to try new or unique foods if recommended by a chef
78% of consumers search for gluten-free or allergy-friendly dining options online before visiting a restaurant
The top reason consumers cite for dining out is convenience, at 62%
About 47% of consumers prefer food that is locally sourced, fresh, and organic
The majority of consumers (about 70%) say they prefer to eat at casual dining restaurants rather than fine dining
About 46% of consumers prefer to order from restaurants with a strong social responsibility reputation
The average number of foodservice customer visits per month in the U.S. is approximately 4.5 times
About 54% of restaurant owners believe that online reviews significantly impact their business
The majority of restaurants (around 65%) report that consumer demand for ethnic cuisines has increased over the past five years
68% of restaurant operators report that menu innovation is their top priority this year, driven by changing consumer preferences
About 80% of consumers are interested in plant-based dairy alternatives, driving innovation in milk, cheese, and yogurt products

Consumer Preferences and Behavior Interpretation

In a culinary landscape where health, sustainability, convenience, and social media influence are steering both diner preferences and chef innovations, roughly 60% of consumers prioritize health-conscious options and 70% seek gluten-free choices, all while the industry adapts with 80% embracing local ingredients and a surge in ethnic cuisine demand, proving that today's palate is both ethically aware and eager to explore—yet for restaurant owners, managing online reviews and balancing menu innovation remains the key to thriving in this dynamic, digitally-driven food scene.

Food Innovations and Emerging Markets

The world's first 3D-printed restaurant opened in Dubai in 2023, serving customized dishes using 3D printing technology

Food Innovations and Emerging Markets Interpretation

The launch of Dubai’s 3D-printed restaurant in 2023 signals a gustatory revolution where innovation meets gastronomy, redefining the future plate by plate.

Market Size and Valuations

The global foodservice industry was valued at approximately $659 billion in 2021
The vegan food market is projected to reach $24.3 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.1%
The global organic food market was valued at $188.35 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow annually by 8.1%
In 2022, delivery services accounted for about 20% of total restaurant sales in the U.S.
The global coffee market was valued at $102.15 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $155.64 billion by 2026
The global bakery market was valued at $440 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% until 2028
The chain restaurant segment still dominates with over 60,000 locations across the U.S.
The global market for functional foods, which include foods fortified with vitamins, minerals, or probiotics, is expected to reach $275 billion by 2025
The global food allergy market is valued at $23 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% through 2027
The world's most expensive chocolate bar, the "ForeverChocolate" by Askinosie, costs $260 for a 2.1-pound bar
The global market for edible insects is projected to reach $1.18 billion by 2026, driven by sustainable protein demand

Market Size and Valuations Interpretation

As the culinary industry navigates a $659 billion global landscape, rising trends like plant-based diets, organic foods, and functional enhancements hint at a future where innovation, health consciousness, and sustainability are serving up a feast of opportunities amid a steady appetite for delivery, specialty chocolates, and even edible insects.

Market Trends and Growth Rates

About 85% of restaurant owners report increased profit margins after adopting digital ordering systems
The number of food trucks in the U.S. increased by over 10% in 2022, reaching more than 3,200 units
The fastest-growing segment in the restaurant industry is plant-based dishes, with a growth rate of 14% year-over-year
The average wait time for a seat in top-rated restaurants is approximately 45 minutes
The number of vegan restaurants worldwide increased by 13% in 2022, reaching over 10,000 venues
Food waste accounts for approximately 8-10% of global greenhouse emissions
The average foodservice employee earns around $13 per hour in the U.S.
The fastest-growing cuisine type in the U.S. is Middle Eastern, with a growth of 24% over the past five years
45% of restaurants now use contactless payment methods, an increase of 25% from 2020
The number of international tourists spending nights in hotels has increased by 12% in 2023, boosting culinary tourism
The percentage of restaurants that offer plant-based menu options increased from 18% in 2018 to 35% in 2022
The chocolate confectionery market is expected to reach $147 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%
The microbrewery industry in the U.S. has grown by 25% in the past three years, with over 9,000 breweries operational
The global demand for organic fruits and vegetables increased by 20% in 2022, driven by health trends
The restaurant industry’s online ordering revenue in the U.S. surpassed $60 billion in 2022, representing a 55% increase from 2020
Nearly 50% of restaurants report labor shortages affecting their ability to serve customers effectively
The global ice cream market is projected to reach $120 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.3%
35% of restaurant menus now feature gluten-free options, a rise of 10 percentage points since 2019
The world's most expensive restaurant, Sublimotion, in Ibiza, charges €1,650 ($1,820) per person for a dining experience
The use of artificial intelligence in kitchen operations is expected to increase by 30% annually through 2025
80% of restaurants are implementing sustainable practices such as composting and energy efficiency
The food delivery app market size in North America was valued at $4.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10%
The average age of chefs in the U.S. is 44, with 57% being male
The number of gluten-free product launches increased by 20% globally in 2022, indicating rising dietary restrictions
The popularity of meal kit delivery services grew by 12% in 2022, with over 5 million households subscribing
The percentage of restaurants offering vegetarian options increased from 30% in 2019 to 45% in 2022
The organic beverage market (including juices, tea, and smoothies) is projected to reach $35 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.5%
In 2022, over 25% of new restaurant concepts launched were focused on health and wellness, indicating consumer demand for healthier options
Globally, the number of specialty coffee shops increased by 18% in 2022, marking a consistent growth trend
Food safety violations in restaurants declined by 12% in 2022, thanks to stricter regulations and audits
The global organic snack food market is projected to reach $10 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.8%
The number of plant-based meat product launches worldwide increased by 40% in 2022, reflecting rapid consumer interest
The number of gluten-free food product SKUs increased by 25% globally in 2022, indicating stronger retail and menu commitment
The use of blockchain technology in food supply chains is expected to grow by 35% annually through 2025, improving traceability and safety
The growth rate of premium and artisanal cheeses in the U.S. was 9.4% in 2022, highlighting consumer interest in high-quality dairy products
The number of food delivery startups globally increased by 22% in 2022, reflecting strong investor interest in food tech innovations
The popularity of instant pot and slow cooker recipes increased by 15% in 2022, with a focus on home cooking efficiency

Market Trends and Growth Rates Interpretation

As the restaurant industry swiftly embraces digital innovation and plant-based trends—boosting profits and diversifying menus—it's clear that food entrepreneurs are cooking up a future where sustainability, health-conscious choices, and tech-driven efficiency are on the menu, even as labor shortages and environmental impacts remind us that not every recipe is served with a silver spoon.

Technology and Startup Developments

52% of restaurant owners plan to increase their investment in technology in 2023

Technology and Startup Developments Interpretation

With over half of restaurant owners ramping up their tech investments in 2023, the culinary industry is clearly cooking up a digital revolution—where innovation is now the secret ingredient for success.