GITNUXREPORT 2025

Food Industry Statistics

Global food industry valued at $8.4 trillion, growing with health and sustainability trends.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

About 33% of the global population, or 2.5 billion people, still lack access to adequate food

Statistic 2

More than 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for products that are eco-friendly and sustainably sourced

Statistic 3

More than 50% of the world's population now lives in urban areas, impacting food supply chains and sourcing

Statistic 4

In 2023, over 58% of consumers in the U.S. reported reducing their meat consumption intentionally, indicating shifting dietary patterns

Statistic 5

Nearly 70% of consumers worldwide check food labels carefully before purchasing, highlighting transparency importance

Statistic 6

The retail segment of the global food industry is projected to reach $11.7 trillion by 2027

Statistic 7

The organic food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2023 to 2030, reaching over $450 billion

Statistic 8

The global plant-based food market is projected to reach $162 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.9%

Statistic 9

The food delivery market was valued at $151.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $365 billion by 2030

Statistic 10

The number of vegans worldwide has increased by approximately 600% over the past three decades

Statistic 11

The grocery e-commerce sector saw a growth rate of 20% in 2022, reaching a market size of over $357 billion

Statistic 12

Sustainable packaging in the food industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% through 2028, amounting to over $250 billion market size

Statistic 13

The global coffee market is expected to reach $143 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.64%

Statistic 14

The dairy industry faces a 2.5% annual decline in raw milk prices in some regions, impacting profitability

Statistic 15

The gluten-free food market is projected to reach $32.6 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 9.2%

Statistic 16

The organic beverage segment grew by over 13% in 2022, driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers

Statistic 17

The plant-based dairy segment is expected to reach $25 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12%

Statistic 18

The global snack bar market is projected to reach $7.3 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%

Statistic 19

The number of new food products introduced globally increased by 12% in 2022 compared to the previous year, indicating innovation in the industry

Statistic 20

The demand for plant-based protein sources grew by over 30% in 2022, reflecting shifting consumer preferences

Statistic 21

The global cold chain logistics market, critical for maintaining food safety, is expected to reach $237 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%

Statistic 22

The global soy-based food market is projected to reach $36 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.6%

Statistic 23

The rise of plant-based meats contributes to a $7 billion market globally, with expected growth to over $13 billion by 2030

Statistic 24

The gluten-free bakery market is growing at a CAGR of 9.8%, driven by increasing awareness of gluten intolerance

Statistic 25

The Asia-Pacific food industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% through 2028, driven by rising incomes and urbanization

Statistic 26

Online meal kit delivery services saw a 13% growth rate in 2022, reaching a market size of over $10 billion globally

Statistic 27

The biggest driver of organic food growth in recent years is increased consumer health awareness, leading to a 12% annual growth rate

Statistic 28

The food documentary and media industry has grown by over 50% in viewership over the last five years, influencing consumer choices

Statistic 29

The global food additive market is expected to reach $64 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%

Statistic 30

The global halal food market is projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2025, driven by increasing Muslim population and demand

Statistic 31

The number of gluten-free product launches increased by 21% in 2022 compared to 2021, reflecting consumer health trend shifts

Statistic 32

The plant-based seafood market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 28.2%

Statistic 33

The global superfoods market is projected to hit $78 billion by 2026, driven by health-conscious consumers

Statistic 34

The use of artificial intelligence in food production is expected to save the industry over $2 billion annually by 2025 due to efficiency enhancements

Statistic 35

The global flavor enhancers market is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2027, driven by demand for savory taste profiles

Statistic 36

The fastest-growing segment in plant-based foods is plant-based cheeses, with a CAGR of over 11% projected through 2027

Statistic 37

The demand for gluten-free snacks doubled worldwide from 2019 to 2022, indicating increased consumer preference for allergy-friendly options

Statistic 38

Food allergen testing market is projected to reach $516 million by 2028, driven by rising food allergy awareness

Statistic 39

The global breakfast cereals market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 4.1%, reflecting steady growth in breakfast foods

Statistic 40

The Asia-Pacific health food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030, driven by rising health consciousness

Statistic 41

The global food stabilizers market is projected to reach $9 billion by 2028, supported by increasing demand in processed foods

Statistic 42

The global food industry is valued at approximately $8.4 trillion as of 2023

Statistic 43

The U.S. food processing industry generated approximately $1.4 trillion in revenue in 2022

Statistic 44

Nearly 60% of consumers worldwide are actively trying to include more plant-based foods in their diets

Statistic 45

The fast-food sector accounts for about 50% of the quick-service restaurant industry’s revenue globally

Statistic 46

Food fraud costs the global food industry over $30 billion annually

Statistic 47

The global snack food market size was valued at over $540 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% through 2027

Statistic 48

In 2021, about 75% of corn produced in the U.S. was used for ethanol production, affecting food prices and availability

Statistic 49

Food waste accounts for roughly 17% of all global food production, amounting to about 1.3 billion tons annually

Statistic 50

The global alcohol beverage market is expected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 3.3%

Statistic 51

The global gluten-free food market size was valued at $4.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow significantly

Statistic 52

The global fish and seafood industry was valued at approximately $159 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow steadily

Statistic 53

Around 14% of the world's agricultural land is used for growing fruit and vegetables, accounting for a significant share in food production

Statistic 54

Natural and clean label products account for over 40% of the food product launches in 2023, indicating rising consumer demand for transparency

Statistic 55

The coffee shop industry in the U.S. alone generates over $45 billion annually, with a growing shift toward specialty coffees

Statistic 56

The global functional food market size is valued at around $240 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% through 2028

Statistic 57

In 2022, the United States accounted for approximately 24% of the global processed food market, making it a leader in the industry

Statistic 58

The global probiotic food and supplement market was valued at $66 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $91 billion by 2026

Statistic 59

The global powdered and liquid meal replacement market is valued at over $8 billion, with a predicted CAGR of 6.2% through 2030

Statistic 60

The global bakery goods market size was valued at over $470 billion in 2022, with a CAGR of 3.1% forecast through 2028

Statistic 61

The frozen foods segment accounts for about 20% of the total global food retail market, valued at over $300 billion in 2023

Statistic 62

The food import and export market saw a total trade value exceeding $1.8 trillion in 2022, reflecting its significance in global trade

Statistic 63

The global pet food industry revenue is estimated at over $100 billion in 2023, with a significant trend towards natural and organic products

Statistic 64

The cost of developing a new food product can range from $1 million to over $16 million, depending on complexity and scale

Statistic 65

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 35% of the world's coffee consumption, with China and India emerging as large markets

Statistic 66

The world’s largest food retailer, Walmart, has over 4,700 stores in the U.S. alone, shaping food distribution and availability

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Key Highlights

  • The global food industry is valued at approximately $8.4 trillion as of 2023
  • The retail segment of the global food industry is projected to reach $11.7 trillion by 2027
  • About 33% of the global population, or 2.5 billion people, still lack access to adequate food
  • The organic food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2023 to 2030, reaching over $450 billion
  • The U.S. food processing industry generated approximately $1.4 trillion in revenue in 2022
  • The global plant-based food market is projected to reach $162 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.9%
  • Nearly 60% of consumers worldwide are actively trying to include more plant-based foods in their diets
  • The fast-food sector accounts for about 50% of the quick-service restaurant industry’s revenue globally
  • The food delivery market was valued at $151.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $365 billion by 2030
  • Food fraud costs the global food industry over $30 billion annually
  • The number of vegans worldwide has increased by approximately 600% over the past three decades
  • The grocery e-commerce sector saw a growth rate of 20% in 2022, reaching a market size of over $357 billion
  • Sustainable packaging in the food industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% through 2028, amounting to over $250 billion market size

The food industry, valued at an astonishing $8.4 trillion globally and poised for continued expansion, reveals a dynamic landscape marked by rapid growth in plant-based and organic markets, rising consumer demand for transparency and sustainability, and ongoing challenges like food waste and fraud amidst evolving dietary preferences and technological innovations.

Consumer Demographics and Population Trends

  • About 33% of the global population, or 2.5 billion people, still lack access to adequate food
  • More than 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for products that are eco-friendly and sustainably sourced
  • More than 50% of the world's population now lives in urban areas, impacting food supply chains and sourcing
  • In 2023, over 58% of consumers in the U.S. reported reducing their meat consumption intentionally, indicating shifting dietary patterns
  • Nearly 70% of consumers worldwide check food labels carefully before purchasing, highlighting transparency importance

Consumer Demographics and Population Trends Interpretation

As urbanization and environmental consciousness reshape consumer choices, the global food industry faces the paradox of a quarter of humanity still hungry while most are willing to pay more for sustainability, underscoring the urgent need for ethically aligned supply chains in a rapidly transforming landscape.

Market Growth and Projection

  • The retail segment of the global food industry is projected to reach $11.7 trillion by 2027
  • The organic food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2023 to 2030, reaching over $450 billion
  • The global plant-based food market is projected to reach $162 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.9%
  • The food delivery market was valued at $151.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $365 billion by 2030
  • The number of vegans worldwide has increased by approximately 600% over the past three decades
  • The grocery e-commerce sector saw a growth rate of 20% in 2022, reaching a market size of over $357 billion
  • Sustainable packaging in the food industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% through 2028, amounting to over $250 billion market size
  • The global coffee market is expected to reach $143 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.64%
  • The dairy industry faces a 2.5% annual decline in raw milk prices in some regions, impacting profitability
  • The gluten-free food market is projected to reach $32.6 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 9.2%
  • The organic beverage segment grew by over 13% in 2022, driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers
  • The plant-based dairy segment is expected to reach $25 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12%
  • The global snack bar market is projected to reach $7.3 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%
  • The number of new food products introduced globally increased by 12% in 2022 compared to the previous year, indicating innovation in the industry
  • The demand for plant-based protein sources grew by over 30% in 2022, reflecting shifting consumer preferences
  • The global cold chain logistics market, critical for maintaining food safety, is expected to reach $237 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%
  • The global soy-based food market is projected to reach $36 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.6%
  • The rise of plant-based meats contributes to a $7 billion market globally, with expected growth to over $13 billion by 2030
  • The gluten-free bakery market is growing at a CAGR of 9.8%, driven by increasing awareness of gluten intolerance
  • The Asia-Pacific food industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% through 2028, driven by rising incomes and urbanization
  • Online meal kit delivery services saw a 13% growth rate in 2022, reaching a market size of over $10 billion globally
  • The biggest driver of organic food growth in recent years is increased consumer health awareness, leading to a 12% annual growth rate
  • The food documentary and media industry has grown by over 50% in viewership over the last five years, influencing consumer choices
  • The global food additive market is expected to reach $64 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%
  • The global halal food market is projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2025, driven by increasing Muslim population and demand
  • The number of gluten-free product launches increased by 21% in 2022 compared to 2021, reflecting consumer health trend shifts
  • The plant-based seafood market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 28.2%
  • The global superfoods market is projected to hit $78 billion by 2026, driven by health-conscious consumers
  • The use of artificial intelligence in food production is expected to save the industry over $2 billion annually by 2025 due to efficiency enhancements
  • The global flavor enhancers market is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2027, driven by demand for savory taste profiles
  • The fastest-growing segment in plant-based foods is plant-based cheeses, with a CAGR of over 11% projected through 2027
  • The demand for gluten-free snacks doubled worldwide from 2019 to 2022, indicating increased consumer preference for allergy-friendly options
  • Food allergen testing market is projected to reach $516 million by 2028, driven by rising food allergy awareness
  • The global breakfast cereals market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 4.1%, reflecting steady growth in breakfast foods
  • The Asia-Pacific health food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030, driven by rising health consciousness
  • The global food stabilizers market is projected to reach $9 billion by 2028, supported by increasing demand in processed foods

Market Growth and Projection Interpretation

With the food industry on a trajectory from $11.7 trillion to over a quarter of a quadrillion in logistics, it's clear that whether you're craving plant-based, gluten-free, or delivered to your doorstep, consumers worldwide are increasingly demanding both health and convenience, fueling a diverse but swiftly evolving culinary landscape driven by innovation, sustainability, and a dash of AI sophistication.

Market Size and Valuation

  • The global food industry is valued at approximately $8.4 trillion as of 2023
  • The U.S. food processing industry generated approximately $1.4 trillion in revenue in 2022
  • Nearly 60% of consumers worldwide are actively trying to include more plant-based foods in their diets
  • The fast-food sector accounts for about 50% of the quick-service restaurant industry’s revenue globally
  • Food fraud costs the global food industry over $30 billion annually
  • The global snack food market size was valued at over $540 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% through 2027
  • In 2021, about 75% of corn produced in the U.S. was used for ethanol production, affecting food prices and availability
  • Food waste accounts for roughly 17% of all global food production, amounting to about 1.3 billion tons annually
  • The global alcohol beverage market is expected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 3.3%
  • The global gluten-free food market size was valued at $4.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow significantly
  • The global fish and seafood industry was valued at approximately $159 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow steadily
  • Around 14% of the world's agricultural land is used for growing fruit and vegetables, accounting for a significant share in food production
  • Natural and clean label products account for over 40% of the food product launches in 2023, indicating rising consumer demand for transparency
  • The coffee shop industry in the U.S. alone generates over $45 billion annually, with a growing shift toward specialty coffees
  • The global functional food market size is valued at around $240 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% through 2028
  • In 2022, the United States accounted for approximately 24% of the global processed food market, making it a leader in the industry
  • The global probiotic food and supplement market was valued at $66 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $91 billion by 2026
  • The global powdered and liquid meal replacement market is valued at over $8 billion, with a predicted CAGR of 6.2% through 2030
  • The global bakery goods market size was valued at over $470 billion in 2022, with a CAGR of 3.1% forecast through 2028
  • The frozen foods segment accounts for about 20% of the total global food retail market, valued at over $300 billion in 2023
  • The food import and export market saw a total trade value exceeding $1.8 trillion in 2022, reflecting its significance in global trade
  • The global pet food industry revenue is estimated at over $100 billion in 2023, with a significant trend towards natural and organic products

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

With the global food industry valued at $8.4 trillion and consumer preferences shifting toward plant-based, natural, and transparent products, the sector is not only a gargantuan economic force but also a culinary reflection of evolving values, all while battling billion-dollar frauds, waste, and balancing its role as a cornerstone of global trade.

Product Segments and Categories

  • The cost of developing a new food product can range from $1 million to over $16 million, depending on complexity and scale

Product Segments and Categories Interpretation

With such staggering costs—ranging from $1 million to over $16 million—it's clear that creating the next viral snack is less a gamble and more an expensive culinary marathon that only the boldest and best-financed dare to run.

Regional Markets and Industry Expansion

  • The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 35% of the world's coffee consumption, with China and India emerging as large markets
  • The world’s largest food retailer, Walmart, has over 4,700 stores in the U.S. alone, shaping food distribution and availability

Regional Markets and Industry Expansion Interpretation

Amidst a rising tide of coffee cravings in Asia-Pacific's bustling markets and retail giants like Walmart shaping dinner tables worldwide, it's clear that the global food industry is as dynamic and interconnected as ever—where regional tastes drive consumption, and retail giants dictate the flow from farm to fork.

Sources & References