GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Food Industry Statistics

Diversity boosts food industry performance, consumer loyalty, and innovation significantly.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

78% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion

Statistic 2

65% of consumers say diversity and inclusion influence their loyalty to food brands

Statistic 3

62% of consumers believe food companies should actively promote racial and cultural diversity

Statistic 4

45% of food product consumers prefer brands actively showcasing diversity in advertising campaigns

Statistic 5

53% of consumers say that effective DEI practices influence their purchasing decisions in the food industry

Statistic 6

Ethnic minority consumers are 20% more likely to purchase foods that reflect their cultural heritage

Statistic 7

80% of consumers are more likely to trust brands that actively promote diversity and inclusion initiatives

Statistic 8

Ethnic minority consumers spend on average 25% more on culturally relevant foods

Statistic 9

Multicultural marketing campaigns in the food industry see a 30% higher engagement rate

Statistic 10

83% of consumers believe that inclusivity in food products is important to their purchasing choices

Statistic 11

A survey found that 70% of food industry leaders agree that authentic cultural representation improves brand loyalty

Statistic 12

80% of consumers say they prefer to support brands that demonstrate social responsibility, including DEI efforts, in the food industry

Statistic 13

44% of consumers from minority backgrounds prefer foods that celebrate their cultural heritage

Statistic 14

Ethnic minority consumers are 25% more likely to support food brands that partner with community organizations

Statistic 15

Companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their competitors

Statistic 16

Only 12% of executive roles in the food industry are held by minorities

Statistic 17

Women make up approximately 45% of the food industry workforce but hold less than 20% of executive positions

Statistic 18

Nearly 60% of food companies have initiatives aimed at increasing racial and ethnic diversity

Statistic 19

42% of women in the food industry have experienced discrimination or bias at work

Statistic 20

LGBTQ+ individuals constitute approximately 8% of the food industry workforce, but less than 2% hold senior leadership roles

Statistic 21

Food industry companies with DEI programs see a 20% higher employee retention rate

Statistic 22

70% of food industry employees agree that workplaces should be more inclusive

Statistic 23

Minority-led food startups receive less than 10% of venture capital funding in the industry

Statistic 24

85% of food industry respondents agreed that DEI efforts benefit company reputation

Statistic 25

82% of food industry employees agree that inclusive environments improve collaboration

Statistic 26

30% of food industry managers believe their companies lack adequate DEI strategies

Statistic 27

Women-led startups in the food sector are 50% more likely to seek funding from diverse investors

Statistic 28

68% of food industry employees believe that leadership diversity could be improved

Statistic 29

54% of food industry HR managers report increasing efforts to promote racial and gender diversity over the past year

Statistic 30

Food industry startups with diverse founding teams see 35% higher revenue growth

Statistic 31

4 in 10 food industry companies have introduced inclusive hiring policies in the last two years

Statistic 32

41% of food industry businesses have formal DEI policies, but only 25% actively track their effectiveness

Statistic 33

77% of food industry employees feel that diversity initiatives enhance company culture

Statistic 34

60% of food industry companies have established employee resource groups supporting minority and underrepresented groups

Statistic 35

58% of industry leaders say that supplier diversity enhances innovation

Statistic 36

Women in the food industry are 22% less likely to hold senior leadership roles than men

Statistic 37

51% of food industry workers from minority backgrounds believe that company policies do not sufficiently address racial bias

Statistic 38

Millennials and Gen Z consumers are 45% more likely to support brands with diverse leadership than older generations

Statistic 39

69% of food industry companies have plans to increase their DEI activities in the next year

Statistic 40

The average salary gap between ethnic/racial minorities and white employees in food companies is approximately 12%

Statistic 41

Hispanic and Black entrepreneurs in the food industry are 30% less likely to receive mentorship opportunities compared to their counterparts

Statistic 42

72% of food companies believe that diversity training should be a mandatory part of onboarding

Statistic 43

Food industry executives rank diversity and cultural competence as top skills needed for future leadership

Statistic 44

44% of food manufacturing workers from minority backgrounds have reported feeling excluded from key decision-making processes

Statistic 45

Companies with more than 50% women in leadership roles see a 40% higher innovation rate

Statistic 46

63% of food entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups believe that lack of access to capital is their biggest barrier

Statistic 47

55% of food industry companies have set specific DEI targets but only 30% track progress against those goals regularly

Statistic 48

71% of food industry workers agree that more diverse teams lead to better customer understanding

Statistic 49

The average age of leadership in the food industry is 52, but racial/ethnic minority leaders tend to be younger by about 4 years on average

Statistic 50

69% of food industry HR leaders believe that ongoing DEI education is crucial for reducing bias

Statistic 51

Food industry brands with diverse leadership are 22% more likely to develop products reflecting consumer cultural preferences

Statistic 52

The percentage of food industry companies with board-level DEI committees has increased to 60% in the last three years

Statistic 53

65% of food industry employees from minority backgrounds say they see little opportunity for career advancement

Statistic 54

Women in the food industry are 35% more likely to participate in development programs focused on leadership and DEI

Statistic 55

60% of grocery retailers report implementing DEI initiatives to better serve diverse communities

Statistic 56

68% of food industry companies have integrated cultural competence training into their employee onboarding processes

Statistic 57

75% of young food industry professionals prioritize working for companies with strong diversity and inclusion policies

Statistic 58

Food industry conferences with diverse speaker lineups attract 30% more attendees than those without

Statistic 59

There has been a 15% increase in minority leadership training programs in the food industry over the past three years

Statistic 60

71% of food retailers believe that increasing diversity among staff improves customer service satisfaction

Statistic 61

Ethnic minority-owned food businesses seek funding at a rate 30% lower than white-owned businesses

Statistic 62

55% of food industry executives believe that diversity initiatives improve innovation

Statistic 63

Hispanic and Latinx food entrepreneurs report 40% more barriers to accessing distribution channels

Statistic 64

Diversity training programs in food companies are associated with a 15% decrease in workplace bias incidents

Statistic 65

7 out of 10 food industry companies recognize that supplier diversity contributes positively to their supply chain resilience

Statistic 66

Minority-owned restaurants participate in local food initiatives at a rate 35% lower than non-minority-owned entities

Statistic 67

Companies that actively engage in supplier diversity programs report a 15% increase in overall procurement efficiency

Statistic 68

Minority-owned food businesses experience 40% higher failure rates due to limited access to capital and resources

Statistic 69

Internally focused diversity programs have led to a 20% increase in job candidates from underrepresented groups applying for roles in the food industry

Statistic 70

69% of food companies conducting regular DEI audits report improvements in workplace climate

Statistic 71

Initiatives aimed at increasing DEI have resulted in a 17% growth rate for minority-owned food businesses over the last five years

Statistic 72

35% of food industry marketing campaigns now intentionally highlight racial and cultural diversity

Statistic 73

47% of food industry workers believe their company would benefit from more inclusive marketing strategies

Statistic 74

55% of food industry marketing campaigns now incorporate inclusive language to reach diverse audiences

Statistic 75

Food companies with diverse product offerings are 25% more likely to enter new markets

Statistic 76

Hispanic Americans make up around 19% of food industry workers but represent only 10% of senior management

Statistic 77

48% of food industry workers from minority backgrounds have experienced wage disparities

Statistic 78

Minority groups are underrepresented in food science and research roles, comprising less than 15% of the workforce

Statistic 79

Community-led food initiatives focusing on underrepresented groups report 50% higher participation rates

Statistic 80

Urban food markets featuring minority vendors have seen a 20% increase in sales over the past three years

Statistic 81

The representation of Asian Americans in leadership positions within the food industry stands at approximately 7%

Statistic 82

The number of minority food entrepreneurs receiving startup funding has increased by 25% over the past five years

Statistic 83

40% of food brands have faced reputational damage due to lack of diversity and inclusion in their marketing

Statistic 84

Food co-operatives led by ethnic minorities have expanded their membership by 25% over the last two years

Statistic 85

50% of food packaging designs now include diverse representations to appeal to different demographic groups

Statistic 86

Representation of Black and Indigenous peoples in food science research roles remains below 10%

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Sources

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Key Highlights

Companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their competitors
78% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion
Only 12% of executive roles in the food industry are held by minorities
Women make up approximately 45% of the food industry workforce but hold less than 20% of executive positions
Hispanic Americans make up around 19% of food industry workers but represent only 10% of senior management
65% of consumers say diversity and inclusion influence their loyalty to food brands
Nearly 60% of food companies have initiatives aimed at increasing racial and ethnic diversity
42% of women in the food industry have experienced discrimination or bias at work
LGBTQ+ individuals constitute approximately 8% of the food industry workforce, but less than 2% hold senior leadership roles
Ethnic minority-owned food businesses seek funding at a rate 30% lower than white-owned businesses
Food industry companies with DEI programs see a 20% higher employee retention rate
70% of food industry employees agree that workplaces should be more inclusive
55% of food industry executives believe that diversity initiatives improve innovation

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are no longer just buzzwords in the food industry—they’re proven industry game-changers, with companies embracing DEI strategies seeing increased performance, innovation, and consumer loyalty, as startling statistics reveal significant gaps and opportunities across leadership, marketing, and community engagement.

Consumer Preferences and Purchasing Behavior

78% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion
65% of consumers say diversity and inclusion influence their loyalty to food brands
62% of consumers believe food companies should actively promote racial and cultural diversity
45% of food product consumers prefer brands actively showcasing diversity in advertising campaigns
53% of consumers say that effective DEI practices influence their purchasing decisions in the food industry
Ethnic minority consumers are 20% more likely to purchase foods that reflect their cultural heritage
80% of consumers are more likely to trust brands that actively promote diversity and inclusion initiatives
Ethnic minority consumers spend on average 25% more on culturally relevant foods
Multicultural marketing campaigns in the food industry see a 30% higher engagement rate
83% of consumers believe that inclusivity in food products is important to their purchasing choices
A survey found that 70% of food industry leaders agree that authentic cultural representation improves brand loyalty
80% of consumers say they prefer to support brands that demonstrate social responsibility, including DEI efforts, in the food industry
44% of consumers from minority backgrounds prefer foods that celebrate their cultural heritage
Ethnic minority consumers are 25% more likely to support food brands that partner with community organizations

Consumer Preferences and Purchasing Behavior Interpretation

With over 78% of consumers favoring brands committed to diversity, the food industry’s recipe for loyalty now demands a generous pinch of inclusion, cultural celebration, and authentic representation—proving that in the marketplace of flavors and fairness, diversity isn’t just a garnish but the main course.

Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership and Workforce

Companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their competitors
Only 12% of executive roles in the food industry are held by minorities
Women make up approximately 45% of the food industry workforce but hold less than 20% of executive positions
Nearly 60% of food companies have initiatives aimed at increasing racial and ethnic diversity
42% of women in the food industry have experienced discrimination or bias at work
LGBTQ+ individuals constitute approximately 8% of the food industry workforce, but less than 2% hold senior leadership roles
Food industry companies with DEI programs see a 20% higher employee retention rate
70% of food industry employees agree that workplaces should be more inclusive
Minority-led food startups receive less than 10% of venture capital funding in the industry
85% of food industry respondents agreed that DEI efforts benefit company reputation
82% of food industry employees agree that inclusive environments improve collaboration
30% of food industry managers believe their companies lack adequate DEI strategies
Women-led startups in the food sector are 50% more likely to seek funding from diverse investors
68% of food industry employees believe that leadership diversity could be improved
54% of food industry HR managers report increasing efforts to promote racial and gender diversity over the past year
Food industry startups with diverse founding teams see 35% higher revenue growth
4 in 10 food industry companies have introduced inclusive hiring policies in the last two years
41% of food industry businesses have formal DEI policies, but only 25% actively track their effectiveness
77% of food industry employees feel that diversity initiatives enhance company culture
60% of food industry companies have established employee resource groups supporting minority and underrepresented groups
58% of industry leaders say that supplier diversity enhances innovation
Women in the food industry are 22% less likely to hold senior leadership roles than men
51% of food industry workers from minority backgrounds believe that company policies do not sufficiently address racial bias
Millennials and Gen Z consumers are 45% more likely to support brands with diverse leadership than older generations
69% of food industry companies have plans to increase their DEI activities in the next year
The average salary gap between ethnic/racial minorities and white employees in food companies is approximately 12%
Hispanic and Black entrepreneurs in the food industry are 30% less likely to receive mentorship opportunities compared to their counterparts
72% of food companies believe that diversity training should be a mandatory part of onboarding
Food industry executives rank diversity and cultural competence as top skills needed for future leadership
44% of food manufacturing workers from minority backgrounds have reported feeling excluded from key decision-making processes
Companies with more than 50% women in leadership roles see a 40% higher innovation rate
63% of food entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups believe that lack of access to capital is their biggest barrier
55% of food industry companies have set specific DEI targets but only 30% track progress against those goals regularly
71% of food industry workers agree that more diverse teams lead to better customer understanding
The average age of leadership in the food industry is 52, but racial/ethnic minority leaders tend to be younger by about 4 years on average
69% of food industry HR leaders believe that ongoing DEI education is crucial for reducing bias
Food industry brands with diverse leadership are 22% more likely to develop products reflecting consumer cultural preferences
The percentage of food industry companies with board-level DEI committees has increased to 60% in the last three years
65% of food industry employees from minority backgrounds say they see little opportunity for career advancement
Women in the food industry are 35% more likely to participate in development programs focused on leadership and DEI
60% of grocery retailers report implementing DEI initiatives to better serve diverse communities
68% of food industry companies have integrated cultural competence training into their employee onboarding processes
75% of young food industry professionals prioritize working for companies with strong diversity and inclusion policies
Food industry conferences with diverse speaker lineups attract 30% more attendees than those without
There has been a 15% increase in minority leadership training programs in the food industry over the past three years
71% of food retailers believe that increasing diversity among staff improves customer service satisfaction

Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership and Workforce Interpretation

Despite a growing recognition that diversity fuels innovation and profits, the food industry still faces a stark disparity—only 12% of executive roles are minorities, yet companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform, highlighting that true inclusion on top shelves remains a recipe yet to be fully baked.

Impact of Diversity Initiatives and Trends

Ethnic minority-owned food businesses seek funding at a rate 30% lower than white-owned businesses
55% of food industry executives believe that diversity initiatives improve innovation
Hispanic and Latinx food entrepreneurs report 40% more barriers to accessing distribution channels
Diversity training programs in food companies are associated with a 15% decrease in workplace bias incidents
7 out of 10 food industry companies recognize that supplier diversity contributes positively to their supply chain resilience
Minority-owned restaurants participate in local food initiatives at a rate 35% lower than non-minority-owned entities
Companies that actively engage in supplier diversity programs report a 15% increase in overall procurement efficiency
Minority-owned food businesses experience 40% higher failure rates due to limited access to capital and resources
Internally focused diversity programs have led to a 20% increase in job candidates from underrepresented groups applying for roles in the food industry
69% of food companies conducting regular DEI audits report improvements in workplace climate
Initiatives aimed at increasing DEI have resulted in a 17% growth rate for minority-owned food businesses over the last five years

Impact of Diversity Initiatives and Trends Interpretation

While nearly two-thirds of food industry leaders acknowledge that embracing diversity fuels innovation and resilience, persistent funding gaps and access barriers for minority-owned businesses reveal that the industry has yet to fully serve its culinary mosaic, risking not only misspelled opportunities but a chance to savor true inclusivity.

Industry Marketing and Campaign Strategies

35% of food industry marketing campaigns now intentionally highlight racial and cultural diversity
47% of food industry workers believe their company would benefit from more inclusive marketing strategies
55% of food industry marketing campaigns now incorporate inclusive language to reach diverse audiences

Industry Marketing and Campaign Strategies Interpretation

With over a third of food industry marketing now spotlighting diversity, nearly half of workers sensing the benefits of inclusion, and more than half employing inclusive language, it’s clear that the table is set for a more equitable banquet—one way or another.

Market Expansion Strategies

Food companies with diverse product offerings are 25% more likely to enter new markets

Market Expansion Strategies Interpretation

Diverse product offerings are proving to be the secret ingredient for food companies seeking to spice up their market reach, boosting their chances of entering new markets by 25%.

Representation of Ethnic and Minority Groups

Hispanic Americans make up around 19% of food industry workers but represent only 10% of senior management
48% of food industry workers from minority backgrounds have experienced wage disparities
Minority groups are underrepresented in food science and research roles, comprising less than 15% of the workforce
Community-led food initiatives focusing on underrepresented groups report 50% higher participation rates
Urban food markets featuring minority vendors have seen a 20% increase in sales over the past three years
The representation of Asian Americans in leadership positions within the food industry stands at approximately 7%
The number of minority food entrepreneurs receiving startup funding has increased by 25% over the past five years
40% of food brands have faced reputational damage due to lack of diversity and inclusion in their marketing
Food co-operatives led by ethnic minorities have expanded their membership by 25% over the last two years
50% of food packaging designs now include diverse representations to appeal to different demographic groups
Representation of Black and Indigenous peoples in food science research roles remains below 10%

Representation of Ethnic and Minority Groups Interpretation

Despite increasing minority entrepreneurship and community-led initiatives boosting sales and participation, the food industry continues to grapple with persistent disparities—underrepresentation in leadership, research roles, and wage equality—highlighting that food for thought remains on achieving true diversity and inclusion from farm to fork.