From demand shifts to production constraints, Food & Beverage trends connect consumer preferences with the systems that deliver them. As low-sugar, functional, plant-based, and organic choices expand in key regions like Europe and the U.S., businesses also navigate employment across manufacturing and restaurants. Meanwhile, logistics, water use, packaging plastics, and food waste affect costs and sustainability targets from North America to India.
Key Takeaways
- 67% of global consumers prefer plant-based milk alternatives over dairy in 2023 surveys
- 45% of U.S. millennials purchase organic foods weekly, compared to 28% of boomers, per 2023 data
- 72% of consumers worldwide seek low-sugar products, driving reformulations in beverages
- U.S. food industry employment totaled 21.2 million jobs in 2023, 10% of total workforce
- Global F&B manufacturing employed 30 million direct jobs in 2022
- U.S. restaurant industry workforce 15.9 million in 2023, avg wage $18.50/hour
- The global food and beverage market size was valued at USD 5,632.62 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 9,932.74 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2030
- In 2023, the U.S. food and beverage industry generated over $1.2 trillion in retail sales, accounting for 13.5% of total U.S. retail sales
- The beverage segment of the global food and beverage market is expected to grow from USD 1.8 trillion in 2023 to USD 2.5 trillion by 2028 at a CAGR of 7.1%
- Global wheat production reached 784 million metric tons in 2022/23 season, up 0.8% YoY
- U.S. corn output hit record 15.34 billion bushels in 2023, with ethanol use at 5.45 billion
- Global dairy production forecasted at 905 million metric tons in 2023, led by India at 22.6%
- U.S. supply chain disruptions affected 78% of food manufacturers in 2022, delaying deliveries by avg 4 weeks
- Global food logistics market valued at $230 billion in 2023, expected CAGR 6.5% to 2030
- 45% of U.S. beverage companies faced packaging shortages in 2023, increasing costs 15%
Plant based and low sugar trends are reshaping global food and beverage demand while supply and sustainability pressures rise.
Related reading
01 · Category
Consumer Trends26 stats
01
67% of global consumers prefer plant-based milk alternatives over dairy in 2023 surveys
02
45% of U.S. millennials purchase organic foods weekly, compared to 28% of boomers, per 2023 data
03
72% of consumers worldwide seek low-sugar products, driving reformulations in beverages
04
In 2023, 58% of European shoppers bought functional foods for health benefits like immunity boost
05
U.S. consumers spent 25% more on delivery and takeout in 2022 vs 2019, with 62% ordering weekly
06
81% of Gen Z prioritize sustainable packaging in food purchases, per 2023 global survey
07
Asia-Pacific consumers increased ready-to-eat meal consumption by 18% in 2022 due to urbanization
08
39% of U.S. adults followed a specific diet in 2023, up from 32% in 2020, led by keto and vegan
09
Global demand for non-alcoholic beer rose 20% in 2022, with 35% of young adults preferring it
10
54% of Brazilian consumers buy local/seasonal produce for freshness and sustainability, 2023 poll
11
U.K. shoppers 76% influenced by health claims on packaging in 2023 purchases
12
63% of global consumers willing to pay premium for traceable food supply chains, 2023 study
13
In India, 48% of urban consumers shifted to premium snacks in 2023, up 12% YoY
14
71% of Chinese consumers prefer low/no-alcohol beverages, driving 15% market growth in 2022
15
U.S. Hispanic consumers 42% more likely to buy plant-based proteins than average, 2023 data
16
55% of French consumers reduced meat intake in 2023 for health and environment reasons
17
Global online grocery penetration reached 13% of total sales in 2023, led by convenience seekers
18
68% of Australian parents buy fortified kids' foods for nutrition, 2023 survey
19
Japan convenience store food sales up 10% in 2023, with 82% daily purchases by salarymen
20
49% of Canadian consumers tried fermented foods like kombucha in 2023 for gut health
21
Mexico beverage consumers 60% prefer zero-calorie options, up 22% since 2020
22
74% of German shoppers read nutrition labels more frequently post-pandemic in 2023
23
South Korea beauty-from-within functional foods sales grew 25% in 2023 among women 25-34
24
56% of Italian consumers favor artisanal/local cheeses over mass-produced, 2023 data
25
U.S. senior citizens 40% increased functional beverage intake for joint health in 2023
26
65% of Spanish millennials snack on nuts/seeds for health, replacing chips, 2023 survey
Interpretation
Consumer Trends Interpretation
Across consumer trends in Food and Beverage, demand is clearly shifting toward healthier and more sustainable choices, from 72% of shoppers seeking low-sugar products and 58% of Europeans buying functional foods for health benefits to 81% of Gen Z prioritizing sustainable packaging.
02 · Category
Employment23 stats
01
U.S. food industry employment totaled 21.2 million jobs in 2023, 10% of total workforce
02
Global F&B manufacturing employed 30 million direct jobs in 2022
03
U.S. restaurant industry workforce 15.9 million in 2023, avg wage $18.50/hour
04
India food processing sector jobs 7.5 million in 2023, projected to 9 million by 2025
05
EU food and drink industry employed 4.7 million in 2022, 2% of total EU jobs
06
Brazil agribusiness labor force 19 million in 2023, 20% of national employment
07
U.S. beverage manufacturing added 12,000 jobs in 2023, unemployment rate 3.1%
08
China F&B retail chain workers 10 million in 2023, turnover rate 25%
09
Australia food manufacturing employment 220,000 in 2023, avg salary AUD 65,000
10
U.K. hospitality sector 3.7 million jobs in 2023, 70% part-time or temporary
11
Mexico F&B industry labor 4.2 million in 2023, 12% growth since 2020
12
Global F&B logistics jobs 5 million, with 15% shortage in skilled drivers 2023
13
Canada food processing workforce 250,000 in 2023, 40% immigrants
14
South Africa agro-processing jobs 400,000 in 2023, unemployment in sector 28%
15
U.S. women hold 47% of F&B manufacturing jobs in 2023, up from 42% in 2018
16
Japan convenience store staff 4.5 million in 2023, avg hours 30/week part-time
17
Germany brewery sector 130,000 employees in 2023, avg age 45 years
18
Indonesia palm oil plantation workers 4 million in 2023, wage avg $200/month
19
U.S. seasonal farm labor 300,000 H-2A visas issued in FY2023 for F&B supply
20
France wine industry direct jobs 500,000 in 2023, 15% in viticulture
21
Global F&B R&D staff 1.2 million, 20% growth since 2019 in plant-based focus
22
Philippines food manufacturing 1 million jobs in 2023, 60% women
23
U.S. F&B sector turnover rate 65% in restaurants 2023, highest post-COVID
Interpretation
Employment Interpretation
Employment in Food and Beverage shows its scale and growing momentum, with the U.S. reaching 21.2 million food industry jobs in 2023 and India’s food processing workforce rising from 7.5 million in 2023 to a projected 9 million by 2025.
03 · Category
Market Size30 stats
01
The global food and beverage market size was valued at USD 5,632.62 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 9,932.74 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2030
02
In 2023, the U.S. food and beverage industry generated over $1.2 trillion in retail sales, accounting for 13.5% of total U.S. retail sales
03
The beverage segment of the global food and beverage market is expected to grow from USD 1.8 trillion in 2023 to USD 2.5 trillion by 2028 at a CAGR of 7.1%
04
North America held the largest share of the global food and beverage market with 35% revenue in 2022, driven by high disposable incomes and diverse product offerings
05
The organic food and beverage market worldwide reached $218.5 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to grow to $437.8 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 12.4%
06
Asia-Pacific food and beverage market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.2% from 2023 to 2030 due to urbanization and rising middle class
07
U.S. non-alcoholic beverage sales totaled $456 billion in 2022, with bottled water leading at $40 billion
08
The global ready-to-drink (RTD) tea market was valued at $65.5 billion in 2022 and expected to reach $114.3 billion by 2030 at CAGR 7.3%
09
European food and beverage e-commerce sales hit €32 billion in 2022, up 15% from previous year
10
The plant-based food market globally was $29.4 billion in 2020 and projected to $162 billion by 2030 at CAGR 18.7%
11
Global snack food market size stood at $503.84 billion in 2022, expected to grow to $790.34 billion by 2030 at CAGR 5.8%
12
In 2023, U.S. craft beer production reached 24.4 million barrels, representing 12.4% of total U.S. beer production
13
The functional beverage market worldwide was valued at $158.28 billion in 2022 and projected to $215.32 billion by 2027 at CAGR 6.32%
14
Latin America food and beverage market expected to grow from $1.2 trillion in 2023 to $1.8 trillion by 2030 at CAGR 6.1%
15
U.S. dairy market revenue was $127.5 billion in 2022, with cheese segment at $47.8 billion
16
Global energy drinks market size was $59.30 billion in 2022 and expected to reach $108.28 billion by 2031 at CAGR 6.9%
17
In 2022, the Middle East and Africa food and beverage market was valued at $450 billion, growing at 5.5% CAGR through 2028
18
U.S. confectionery market sales reached $40.2 billion in 2022, up 8% YoY
19
Global frozen food market was $284.29 billion in 2022, projected to $526.94 billion by 2032 at CAGR 6.4%
20
China food and beverage market size estimated at $1.5 trillion in 2023, largest in Asia-Pacific
21
The U.S. coffee market generated $48.3 billion in revenue in 2022
22
Global soft drinks market valued at $496.16 billion in 2022, expected to grow to $665.34 billion by 2030 at CAGR 3.7%
23
India packaged food market reached $58.9 billion in FY2023, growing at 13% CAGR
24
European bakery products market size was €140 billion in 2022
25
Global meat substitutes market valued at $7.8 billion in 2022, projected to $35.5 billion by 2030 at CAGR 20.7%
26
U.S. alcohol e-commerce sales hit $6 billion in 2023, up 25% from 2022
27
The pet food market, a subset of F&B, was $103 billion globally in 2023
28
Brazil beverage market revenue $62 billion in 2022, led by soft drinks at 40%
29
Global sauces and condiments market $173.75 billion in 2023, to $237.9 billion by 2030 at CAGR 4.4%
30
U.K. food and drink manufacturing turnover £110 billion in 2022
Interpretation
Market Size Interpretation
For the Market Size angle, the global food and beverage market is set to nearly double from USD 5,632.62 billion in 2022 to USD 9,932.74 billion by 2030, underscoring strong expansion alongside region and category growth such as North America holding a 35% revenue share in 2022 and the beverage segment rising from USD 1.8 trillion in 2023 to USD 2.5 trillion by 2028.
More related reading
04 · Category
Production25 stats
01
Global wheat production reached 784 million metric tons in 2022/23 season, up 0.8% YoY
02
U.S. corn output hit record 15.34 billion bushels in 2023, with ethanol use at 5.45 billion
03
Global dairy production forecasted at 905 million metric tons in 2023, led by India at 22.6%
04
Brazil soybean harvest yielded 155 million metric tons in 2022/23, world's largest exporter
05
EU-27 sugar beet production was 124.5 million tons in 2022/23, down 12% due to drought
06
China pork production reached 54.5 million tons in 2022, recovering post-ASF
07
U.S. beef production totaled 27.2 billion pounds in 2023, up 1.8% from 2022
08
India rice production estimated at 135 million tons for 2023/24, largest globally
09
Global coffee production 170.3 million 60kg bags in 2022/23, Brazil 66.3 million bags
10
Argentina wheat crop 14.5 million tons in 2022/23, down 50% due to La Niña drought
11
Netherlands greenhouse vegetable production covers 1,000 hectares tomatoes yielding 700,000 tons annually
12
U.S. almond production record 3 billion pounds in 2023/24, California 80% of global supply
13
Indonesia palm oil output 46.5 million tons in 2022, 54% of world total
14
Canada canola production 19 million metric tons in 2023/24, up 16% YoY
15
Spain olive oil production 765,000 tons in 2022/23, down 40% from average
16
U.K. beer production 4.85 billion liters in 2022, down 2% YoY
17
Thailand sugar production 10.2 million tons in 2022/23, second largest exporter
18
U.S. poultry production 47.5 billion pounds in 2023, broilers 44.8 billion
19
Australia wine grape crush 1.77 million tons in 2023, highest in 5 years
20
Russia sunflower seed production 16.3 million tons in 2022/23, up 12%
21
Mexico avocado production 2.5 million tons in 2022, 30% global supply
22
Global cocoa production 5.1 million tons in 2022/23, Ivory Coast 40%
23
New Zealand dairy exports 3.8 billion kg milk solids in 2023 FY
24
Ukraine corn export 25 million tons in MY 2022/23 despite war disruptions
25
Peru asparagus production 400,000 tons in 2022, 90% exported
Interpretation
Production Interpretation
Production trends in 2022 to 2023 show staple crops rebounding and shifting supply with global wheat up to 784 million metric tons in 2022/23, EU-27 sugar beet falling to 124.5 million tons due to drought, and Brazil delivering 155 million metric tons of soybeans to reinforce exporter leadership.
05 · Category
Supply Chain22 stats
01
U.S. supply chain disruptions affected 78% of food manufacturers in 2022, delaying deliveries by avg 4 weeks
02
Global food logistics market valued at $230 billion in 2023, expected CAGR 6.5% to 2030
03
45% of U.S. beverage companies faced packaging shortages in 2023, increasing costs 15%
04
China cold chain logistics penetration only 25% for perishables vs 80% in developed markets, 2023 data
05
EU food imports from non-EU countries totaled €170 billion in 2022, 15% increase YoY
06
U.S. port congestion added $1,000per container in food import costs in 2022 peak
07
62% of global F&B firms use blockchain for traceability, up from 32% in 2020
08
India food processing logistics costs 14% of GDP vs global avg 8%, hindering efficiency
09
Brazil soybean export logistics via Paranagua port handled 50 million tons in 2022
10
Global reefer container shortage impacted 20% of seafood shipments in 2023
11
U.K. post-Brexit border checks delayed 10% of EU food imports by 24+ hours in 2023
12
Asia-Pacific air freight for perishables grew 12% in 2023, handling 2.5 million tons
13
U.S. truck driver shortage 80,000 in 2023 affected F&B delivery times by 20%
14
Africa food supply chain waste 30-40% pre-consumer due to poor infrastructure, 2023 FAO report
15
Global pallet usage in F&B 2.5 billion annually, with plastic pallets up 15% adoption
16
Canada rail strikes disrupted 25% of grain transport in 2023
17
Mexico nearshoring boosted U.S.-Mexico food trade 18% to $100 billion in 2023
18
EU sustainable sourcing compliance 65% for cocoa imports in 2023
19
U.S. warehouse vacancy rate for food storage dropped to 5% in 2023 amid e-com boom
20
Global fertilizer supply chain disruptions cut usage 8% in 2022 crops
21
Australia wine export logistics to Asia via sea freight 70% of volume, delays avg 10 days 2023
22
Russia-Ukraine war raised global wheat freight rates 50% in 2022/23
Interpretation
Supply Chain Interpretation
Supply chain pressure is clearly intensifying in Food and Beverage, with 78% of U.S. manufacturers reporting 2022 disruptions that delayed deliveries by an average of 4 weeks, while port congestion pushed food import costs up by $1,000 per container.
06 · Category
Sustainability22 stats
01
Global F&B industry water usage 70% of total manufacturing water in 2022
02
33% of global food production wasted annually, 1.3 billion tons worth $1 trillion
03
U.S. F&B packaging 40% plastic, with 75% recyclable but only 30% recycled in 2023
04
EU F&B GHG emissions 17% of total, meat/dairy 70% of sector emissions 2022
05
Global sustainable seafood sourcing 25% of volume in 2023, up from 15% 2018
06
Brazil deforestation for soy fell 50% since 2019 moratorium, 2023 satellite data
07
U.S. organic farmland 5.3 million acres in 2022, 1% of total but growing 5% YoY
08
China F&B renewable energy use in factories 28% in 2023, target 50% by 2030
09
Global palm oil RSPO certified 22 million tons in 2023, 60% of production
10
U.K. food waste reduced 18% since 2007, still 6.4 million tons household/year 2023
11
India F&B water recycling rate avg 40% in large plants 2023
12
Australia wine industry carbon footprint 2.5 kg CO2 per bottle avg 2023
13
Global F&B biodiversity initiatives cover 15% of supply chains in 2023
14
U.S. dairy methane emissions cut 11% since 2016 via feed additives 2023 data
15
EU plastic ban on single-use in F&B reduced usage 30% since 2021
16
Africa F&B solar-powered cold storage up 40% since 2020, serving 10 million farmers
17
Japan F&B zero-waste factories 150 in 2023, diverting 95% landfill
18
Global fair trade certified F&B products sales $12 billion in 2023
19
Canada F&B Scope 3 emissions reporting 55% of large firms in 2023
20
Mexico avocado water use 320 liters/kg, sustainable irrigation covers 60% orchards 2023
21
U.S. F&B regenerative agriculture 10 million acres committed by 2030, 2M in 2023
22
Global cocoa farmer income avg $1,200/year, living income gap $2,200, 2023 study
Interpretation
Sustainability Interpretation
Sustainability pressures are shaping the Food and Beverage sector fast, with water use still dominant at 70% of manufacturing totals in 2022 and food waste reaching 33% of global production, even as progress shows through like sustainable seafood sourcing rising from 15% in 2018 to 25% in 2023.
Reference
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APA
Aisha Okonkwo. (2026, February 13). Food & Beverage Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/food-beverage-industry-statistics
MLA
Aisha Okonkwo. "Food & Beverage Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/food-beverage-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Aisha Okonkwo. 2026. "Food & Beverage Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/food-beverage-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
96 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level