GITNUXREPORT 2026

Food And Drink Industry Statistics

The global food and beverage market is massive and growing, driven by shifting consumer preferences.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

45% of U.S. consumers aged 18-34 prefer plant-based alternatives to meat, up from 32% in 2020.

Statistic 2

62% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable food products in 2023.

Statistic 3

U.S. online grocery shopping penetration reached 25% of total grocery sales in 2023.

Statistic 4

38% of millennials report reducing meat consumption for health reasons in 2022 surveys.

Statistic 5

71% of consumers check ingredient labels before purchasing packaged foods.

Statistic 6

Energy drink consumption among U.S. teens aged 12-17 increased by 15% from 2021 to 2023.

Statistic 7

54% of European consumers prefer locally sourced food products.

Statistic 8

Functional beverage consumption grew 12% YoY among health-conscious adults in 2023.

Statistic 9

67% of parents in the UK avoid products with added sugars for children.

Statistic 10

Snacking occasions increased to 3.2 per day per person in the U.S. in 2023.

Statistic 11

52% of Gen Z consumers prioritize low-sugar options in beverages.

Statistic 12

48% of consumers worldwide increased plant-based dairy consumption in 2023.

Statistic 13

Home delivery of meals surged 28% among urban consumers post-2022.

Statistic 14

59% of shoppers seek transparency in food supply chains.

Statistic 15

Vegan product purchases rose 27% in Europe 2022-2023.

Statistic 16

65% of U.S. consumers aged 35-54 buy functional foods for gut health.

Statistic 17

Soft drink consumption per capita is 150 liters annually in the U.S.

Statistic 18

73% of parents influence household healthy eating choices.

Statistic 19

41% of consumers under 25 avoid gluten-containing products.

Statistic 20

Ready-to-eat meals consumption up 22% since 2020.

Statistic 21

56% prefer eco-friendly packaging in food purchases.

Statistic 22

The food and beverage industry employs 22 million people in the U.S. as of 2023.

Statistic 23

Globally, 2.37 billion people work in agrifood systems, representing 27% of total employment in 2022.

Statistic 24

U.S. food manufacturing sector had 1.7 million jobs in 2023.

Statistic 25

Restaurant industry employs 15.6 million people in the U.S. in 2023.

Statistic 26

1 in 10 jobs worldwide are in food and beverage services.

Statistic 27

Women represent 40% of the agricultural workforce in developing countries.

Statistic 28

U.S. beverage manufacturing employment stood at 285,000 in 2023.

Statistic 29

Food processing sector in India employs over 7.5 million people directly.

Statistic 30

Global food retail employs 60 million people, with 50% part-time.

Statistic 31

U.S. farmworkers number 2.4 million, 45% foreign-born in 2022.

Statistic 32

Food service industry in U.S. employs 12.4 million in full-service restaurants alone in 2023.

Statistic 33

Global agrifood jobs expected to reach 2.7 billion by 2030.

Statistic 34

U.K. food manufacturing workforce 430,000 in 2023.

Statistic 35

28% of U.S. workforce in food supply chain is in processing.

Statistic 36

Brazil food processing employs 4.5 million formally.

Statistic 37

Supermarket retail jobs in Europe total 5.2 million.

Statistic 38

U.S. agricultural employment declined to 1.3 million on farms in 2023.

Statistic 39

India food services sector to employ 10 million by 2025.

Statistic 40

55% of food industry jobs require no college degree.

Statistic 41

The global food and beverage market size was valued at USD 7,392.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2024 to 2030.

Statistic 42

U.S. food and beverage retail sales reached $1.1 trillion in 2022, accounting for 12.5% of total retail sales.

Statistic 43

The organic food market worldwide generated revenue of $216.5 billion in 2022, expected to reach $500 billion by 2028.

Statistic 44

Alcoholic beverages market revenue worldwide is forecasted to reach $1.79 trillion by 2027, growing at 3.8% CAGR.

Statistic 45

Non-alcoholic beverages market size was $1.2 trillion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 5.9% through 2030.

Statistic 46

Global packaged food market valued at $2.8 trillion in 2022, anticipated to expand at 5.2% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 47

U.S. craft beer market generated $28.5 billion in revenue in 2022.

Statistic 48

Plant-based food market reached $29.4 billion globally in 2020, projected to $162 billion by 2030 at 18.7% CAGR.

Statistic 49

Global dairy market size was $947.11 billion in 2023, expected to grow to $1.54 trillion by 2032 at 5.5% CAGR.

Statistic 50

Fast food industry in the U.S. generated $331 billion in sales in 2022.

Statistic 51

The global ready-to-drink beverages market is expected to grow from $1.08 trillion in 2023 to $1.5 trillion by 2030.

Statistic 52

U.S. coffee market revenue hit $48.3 billion in 2022.

Statistic 53

Bottled water market worldwide valued at $283 billion in 2022, CAGR 7.5% to 2030.

Statistic 54

Confectionery market size reached $220 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 55

U.S. frozen food sales grew to $72 billion in 2023.

Statistic 56

Global bakery products market at $496 billion in 2022, projected CAGR 5.1%.

Statistic 57

Energy drinks market valued $53.1 billion in 2022, to $92.4 billion by 2030.

Statistic 58

Global soft drinks market valued at $496.9 billion in 2023.

Statistic 59

U.S. snack food market $42 billion in 2023 sales.

Statistic 60

Health and wellness food segment $1 trillion globally 2023.

Statistic 61

Global wheat production reached 784.2 million metric tons in 2022/2023 season.

Statistic 62

U.S. corn production totaled 15.34 billion bushels in 2023.

Statistic 63

World milk production was 881 million metric tons in 2022.

Statistic 64

Global sugar production hit 182 million metric tons in 2022/2023.

Statistic 65

Brazil soybean output reached 155 million metric tons in 2022/2023.

Statistic 66

U.S. beef production was 27.3 billion pounds in 2023.

Statistic 67

Global seafood production from aquaculture was 130.9 million tonnes in 2022.

Statistic 68

India rice production totaled 135.5 million metric tons in 2022/2023.

Statistic 69

EU wine production was 146 million hectoliters in 2022.

Statistic 70

Palm oil production worldwide reached 77.6 million metric tons in 2022/2023.

Statistic 71

Global coffee production was 170.8 million 60-kg bags in 2022/2023.

Statistic 72

U.S. soybean production hit 4.27 billion bushels in 2023.

Statistic 73

World meat production totaled 359 million tonnes in 2022.

Statistic 74

EU olive oil production reached 1.62 million tons in 2022/2023.

Statistic 75

Australia wheat harvest was 25.7 million metric tons in 2022/2023.

Statistic 76

Global cocoa production 5.1 million tonnes in 2022/2023.

Statistic 77

U.S. poultry production 46.7 billion pounds in 2023.

Statistic 78

China pork output 54.5 million metric tons in 2022.

Statistic 79

Tea production worldwide 6.4 million tonnes in 2022.

Statistic 80

Global orange production 75.5 million metric tons in 2022/2023.

Statistic 81

U.S. dairy production 226 billion pounds milk in 2023.

Statistic 82

Global food and drink industry greenhouse gas emissions account for 34% of total human-caused GHG.

Statistic 83

Food waste generates 8-10% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions, equivalent to 3.3 billion tons CO2.

Statistic 84

14% of global food production (1.05 billion tonnes) is lost between harvest and retail.

Statistic 85

Agriculture uses 70% of global freshwater withdrawals.

Statistic 86

Palm oil production contributes to 8% of global deforestation.

Statistic 87

Organic farming covers 1.5% of global agricultural land, totaling 72.3 million hectares in 2022.

Statistic 88

Livestock accounts for 14.5% of global GHG emissions.

Statistic 89

Plastic packaging in food industry represents 40% of all plastics produced.

Statistic 90

Global food loss and waste could feed 1.9 billion people if redistributed.

Statistic 91

30% of global cropland is degraded, affecting food security.

Statistic 92

Fisheries and aquaculture provide 17% of animal protein consumed globally.

Statistic 93

Regenerative agriculture practiced on 5% of U.S. farmland in 2023.

Statistic 94

Food transport emissions 6 billion tons CO2 annually.

Statistic 95

25% reduction in food waste needed to meet Paris Agreement goals.

Statistic 96

Sustainable seafood labeled products grew 15% in sales 2022.

Statistic 97

Water footprint of beef is 15,400 liters per kg.

Statistic 98

Biodiversity loss in agriculture hotspots at 20% species decline.

1/98

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If you thought our global food and beverage market was massive at over seven trillion dollars, buckle up as we dive into the data revealing how consumer trends, from plant-based alternatives to a demand for sustainability, are reshaping this multi-trillion-dollar industry that touches every life on the planet.

Key Takeaways

The global food and beverage market size was valued at USD 7,392.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2024 to 2030.
U.S. food and beverage retail sales reached $1.1 trillion in 2022, accounting for 12.5% of total retail sales.
The organic food market worldwide generated revenue of $216.5 billion in 2022, expected to reach $500 billion by 2028.
45% of U.S. consumers aged 18-34 prefer plant-based alternatives to meat, up from 32% in 2020.
62% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable food products in 2023.
U.S. online grocery shopping penetration reached 25% of total grocery sales in 2023.
Global wheat production reached 784.2 million metric tons in 2022/2023 season.
U.S. corn production totaled 15.34 billion bushels in 2023.
World milk production was 881 million metric tons in 2022.
The food and beverage industry employs 22 million people in the U.S. as of 2023.
Globally, 2.37 billion people work in agrifood systems, representing 27% of total employment in 2022.
U.S. food manufacturing sector had 1.7 million jobs in 2023.
Global food and drink industry greenhouse gas emissions account for 34% of total human-caused GHG.
Food waste generates 8-10% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions, equivalent to 3.3 billion tons CO2.
14% of global food production (1.05 billion tonnes) is lost between harvest and retail.

The global food and beverage market is massive and growing, driven by shifting consumer preferences.

Consumer Behavior

45% of U.S. consumers aged 18-34 prefer plant-based alternatives to meat, up from 32% in 2020.
62% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable food products in 2023.
U.S. online grocery shopping penetration reached 25% of total grocery sales in 2023.
38% of millennials report reducing meat consumption for health reasons in 2022 surveys.
71% of consumers check ingredient labels before purchasing packaged foods.
Energy drink consumption among U.S. teens aged 12-17 increased by 15% from 2021 to 2023.
54% of European consumers prefer locally sourced food products.
Functional beverage consumption grew 12% YoY among health-conscious adults in 2023.
67% of parents in the UK avoid products with added sugars for children.
Snacking occasions increased to 3.2 per day per person in the U.S. in 2023.
52% of Gen Z consumers prioritize low-sugar options in beverages.
48% of consumers worldwide increased plant-based dairy consumption in 2023.
Home delivery of meals surged 28% among urban consumers post-2022.
59% of shoppers seek transparency in food supply chains.
Vegan product purchases rose 27% in Europe 2022-2023.
65% of U.S. consumers aged 35-54 buy functional foods for gut health.
Soft drink consumption per capita is 150 liters annually in the U.S.
73% of parents influence household healthy eating choices.
41% of consumers under 25 avoid gluten-containing products.
Ready-to-eat meals consumption up 22% since 2020.
56% prefer eco-friendly packaging in food purchases.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

The consumer fork is poised at a crossroads of convenience and conscience, skewering plant-based gains, health-driven labels, and a sugar-soaked caffeine rush all while juggling more snacks and demanding transparency from farm to eco-friendly package.

Employment Data

The food and beverage industry employs 22 million people in the U.S. as of 2023.
Globally, 2.37 billion people work in agrifood systems, representing 27% of total employment in 2022.
U.S. food manufacturing sector had 1.7 million jobs in 2023.
Restaurant industry employs 15.6 million people in the U.S. in 2023.
1 in 10 jobs worldwide are in food and beverage services.
Women represent 40% of the agricultural workforce in developing countries.
U.S. beverage manufacturing employment stood at 285,000 in 2023.
Food processing sector in India employs over 7.5 million people directly.
Global food retail employs 60 million people, with 50% part-time.
U.S. farmworkers number 2.4 million, 45% foreign-born in 2022.
Food service industry in U.S. employs 12.4 million in full-service restaurants alone in 2023.
Global agrifood jobs expected to reach 2.7 billion by 2030.
U.K. food manufacturing workforce 430,000 in 2023.
28% of U.S. workforce in food supply chain is in processing.
Brazil food processing employs 4.5 million formally.
Supermarket retail jobs in Europe total 5.2 million.
U.S. agricultural employment declined to 1.3 million on farms in 2023.
India food services sector to employ 10 million by 2025.
55% of food industry jobs require no college degree.

Employment Data Interpretation

From farm to fork, the food and beverage industry is an enormous and voracious employer of humanity, feeding the world while building economies with a side of complicated realities.

Market Overview

The global food and beverage market size was valued at USD 7,392.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2024 to 2030.
U.S. food and beverage retail sales reached $1.1 trillion in 2022, accounting for 12.5% of total retail sales.
The organic food market worldwide generated revenue of $216.5 billion in 2022, expected to reach $500 billion by 2028.
Alcoholic beverages market revenue worldwide is forecasted to reach $1.79 trillion by 2027, growing at 3.8% CAGR.
Non-alcoholic beverages market size was $1.2 trillion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 5.9% through 2030.
Global packaged food market valued at $2.8 trillion in 2022, anticipated to expand at 5.2% CAGR to 2030.
U.S. craft beer market generated $28.5 billion in revenue in 2022.
Plant-based food market reached $29.4 billion globally in 2020, projected to $162 billion by 2030 at 18.7% CAGR.
Global dairy market size was $947.11 billion in 2023, expected to grow to $1.54 trillion by 2032 at 5.5% CAGR.
Fast food industry in the U.S. generated $331 billion in sales in 2022.
The global ready-to-drink beverages market is expected to grow from $1.08 trillion in 2023 to $1.5 trillion by 2030.
U.S. coffee market revenue hit $48.3 billion in 2022.
Bottled water market worldwide valued at $283 billion in 2022, CAGR 7.5% to 2030.
Confectionery market size reached $220 billion globally in 2023.
U.S. frozen food sales grew to $72 billion in 2023.
Global bakery products market at $496 billion in 2022, projected CAGR 5.1%.
Energy drinks market valued $53.1 billion in 2022, to $92.4 billion by 2030.
Global soft drinks market valued at $496.9 billion in 2023.
U.S. snack food market $42 billion in 2023 sales.
Health and wellness food segment $1 trillion globally 2023.

Market Overview Interpretation

Despite its staggering scale of over $7 trillion, the global food and beverage industry reveals a deeply human paradox: we are collectively investing a fortune to simultaneously nourish ourselves with organic sprouts, destroy ourselves with sugar and salt, caffeinate our mornings, unwind with alcohol at night, and conveniently pack it all in plastic to go.

Production Statistics

Global wheat production reached 784.2 million metric tons in 2022/2023 season.
U.S. corn production totaled 15.34 billion bushels in 2023.
World milk production was 881 million metric tons in 2022.
Global sugar production hit 182 million metric tons in 2022/2023.
Brazil soybean output reached 155 million metric tons in 2022/2023.
U.S. beef production was 27.3 billion pounds in 2023.
Global seafood production from aquaculture was 130.9 million tonnes in 2022.
India rice production totaled 135.5 million metric tons in 2022/2023.
EU wine production was 146 million hectoliters in 2022.
Palm oil production worldwide reached 77.6 million metric tons in 2022/2023.
Global coffee production was 170.8 million 60-kg bags in 2022/2023.
U.S. soybean production hit 4.27 billion bushels in 2023.
World meat production totaled 359 million tonnes in 2022.
EU olive oil production reached 1.62 million tons in 2022/2023.
Australia wheat harvest was 25.7 million metric tons in 2022/2023.
Global cocoa production 5.1 million tonnes in 2022/2023.
U.S. poultry production 46.7 billion pounds in 2023.
China pork output 54.5 million metric tons in 2022.
Tea production worldwide 6.4 million tonnes in 2022.
Global orange production 75.5 million metric tons in 2022/2023.
U.S. dairy production 226 billion pounds milk in 2023.

Production Statistics Interpretation

Looking at this staggering tonnage of cereal, meat, milk, and coffee, it becomes deliciously clear that humanity's primary shared project is an ongoing, planet-spanning attempt to build a giant, edible buffet table for eight billion people.

Sustainability Metrics

Global food and drink industry greenhouse gas emissions account for 34% of total human-caused GHG.
Food waste generates 8-10% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions, equivalent to 3.3 billion tons CO2.
14% of global food production (1.05 billion tonnes) is lost between harvest and retail.
Agriculture uses 70% of global freshwater withdrawals.
Palm oil production contributes to 8% of global deforestation.
Organic farming covers 1.5% of global agricultural land, totaling 72.3 million hectares in 2022.
Livestock accounts for 14.5% of global GHG emissions.
Plastic packaging in food industry represents 40% of all plastics produced.
Global food loss and waste could feed 1.9 billion people if redistributed.
30% of global cropland is degraded, affecting food security.
Fisheries and aquaculture provide 17% of animal protein consumed globally.
Regenerative agriculture practiced on 5% of U.S. farmland in 2023.
Food transport emissions 6 billion tons CO2 annually.
25% reduction in food waste needed to meet Paris Agreement goals.
Sustainable seafood labeled products grew 15% in sales 2022.
Water footprint of beef is 15,400 liters per kg.
Biodiversity loss in agriculture hotspots at 20% species decline.

Sustainability Metrics Interpretation

We are quite literally eating our planet alive, from the water we drain and the forests we clear to the mountains of food we waste, all while wrapping the whole doomed feast in plastic.

Sources & References

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