GITNUXREPORT 2025

Food Processing Industry Statistics

Global food processing industry valued at $8.9 trillion, expanding rapidly worldwide.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The United States food processing industry employs over 1.8 million workers

Statistic 2

The world's largest poultry processing company processed over 13 billion chickens in 2022

Statistic 3

The number of food processing companies worldwide exceeds 350,000, with emerging markets accounting for substantial growth

Statistic 4

The average size of a food processing plant increased by 12% from 2015 to 2022, reflecting industry expansion

Statistic 5

The total number of food processing facilities in Africa is estimated to be over 18,000, with growth driven by increasing demand for processed foods

Statistic 6

The global food processing industry is valued at approximately $8.9 trillion as of 2023

Statistic 7

The global usage of food processing technologies is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 8

In 2022, the top three food processing sectors by revenue were bakery, dairy, and meat processing

Statistic 9

The global meat processing market is expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%

Statistic 10

The global snack food market is valued at over $120 billion, expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2025

Statistic 11

The Canadian food processing sector contributes about 2.6% to the country’s GDP

Statistic 12

During 2022, the European food processing industry saw investments of over €10 billion in modernization and automation

Statistic 13

The global frozen food market is projected to reach $290 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%

Statistic 14

The adoption of IoT technologies in food processing plants is expected to increase at a CAGR of 11% through 2025

Statistic 15

The global dairy processing equipment market size was valued at approximately $4.3 billion in 2022, with an expected CAGR of 5.1% till 2030

Statistic 16

Convenience foods accounted for approximately 65% of total food sales in North America in 2022

Statistic 17

The global snack and nuts processing industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 18

The retail value of organic processed foods in Europe reached €45 billion in 2022, up from €30 billion in 2018

Statistic 19

The global edible oils processing market is projected to reach $70 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.3%

Statistic 20

The global beverage processing equipment market size was valued at $4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% through 2030

Statistic 21

The global probiotics market in food processing is expected to reach $77 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%

Statistic 22

The global semi-automatic food processing equipment market is valued at $3.5 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 23

The global organic processed meat market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2028, reaching $25 billion

Statistic 24

The world's leading frozen pizza production capacity reached over 3 million tons in 2022, with an annual growth rate of 3.8%

Statistic 25

The global organic snack food market is projected to reach $12 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%

Statistic 26

The global plant-based dairy alternative market is valued at over $21 billion in 2023, expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% through 2028

Statistic 27

In 2022, the average revenue per food processing firm was approximately $5.4 million globally, with notable variation across regions

Statistic 28

The global organic baby food market is expected to reach $5.2 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.1%

Statistic 29

Investment in food processing automation is projected to reach $17.5 billion globally by 2027, with Asia-Pacific leading growth

Statistic 30

The global market for natural food colors used in processing is valued at approximately $1.8 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of 5.9%

Statistic 31

The share of small-scale food processing enterprises (SMEs) accounts for roughly 68% of the industry’s total units worldwide

Statistic 32

The global gluten-free snacks market is valued at approximately $2.3 billion in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% until 2028

Statistic 33

The global market for plant-based meat substitutes was valued at over $4.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% through 2028

Statistic 34

The global flavor and fragrance market used in food processing is valued at roughly $17 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 4.1%

Statistic 35

The global organic fruit and vegetable processing market is projected to reach $13 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.7%

Statistic 36

The Food Processing Industry's global export value exceeded $300 billion in 2022, reflecting its crucial role in international trade

Statistic 37

The global vegan cheese market is projected to reach $2.4 billion by 2028, driven by rising veganism trends

Statistic 38

The demand for organic processed foods grew by over 8% annually between 2018 and 2022

Statistic 39

Food safety recalls in the United States decreased by 12% in 2022 compared to the previous year

Statistic 40

Food processing waste accounts for approximately 32% of total food waste globally

Statistic 41

The percentage of automation in cheese manufacturing processes has increased from 50% to over 75% since 2015

Statistic 42

The rise in plant-based food processing has contributed to a 12% annual growth rate in that sector over recent years

Statistic 43

Global demand for gluten-free food products increased by approximately 10% annually from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 44

The average lifespan of a food processing automation robot is approximately 10 years, after which replacement or major upgrades are generally needed

Statistic 45

The use of high-pressure processing (HPP) in food preservation increased by 18% globally in 2022, particularly in ready-to-eat meals

Statistic 46

The use of biodegradable and compostable packaging in food processing increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022, driven by consumer demand for sustainability

Statistic 47

Food processing accounts for about 18% of the total global water withdrawal, highlighting environmental concerns

Statistic 48

The number of new startups in food processing increased by 22% in the last five years, driven by technological innovations and consumer trends

Statistic 49

The global demand for non-GMO processed foods has increased by 9% annually since 2018, reflecting rising consumer awareness

Statistic 50

Packaging waste from food processing contributes to about 25% of total plastic waste in landfills, necessitating sustainable solutions

Statistic 51

The use of 3D food printing in processing is emerging, with an expected CAGR of 14% between 2023 and 2028, primarily used for customized nutrition

Statistic 52

The food processing industry is responsible for approximately 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices

Statistic 53

The amount of processed foods containing added sugars increased by 5% globally from 2018 to 2022, raising health concerns

Statistic 54

The adoption of clean label ingredients in processed foods is increasing, with 65% of consumers indicating a preference in 2023

Statistic 55

The share of plant-based beverages in global beverage markets increased from 8% in 2018 to 15% in 2023, indicating significant consumer shift

Statistic 56

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 50% of the world's food processing market share

Statistic 57

Asia-Pacific dominates the beverage processing segment, accounting for nearly 45% of market revenue

Statistic 58

Approximately 70% of food processing companies have implemented automation technologies

Statistic 59

The number of new food processing patents filed increased by 15% globally in 2022, indicating rapid innovation

Statistic 60

According to a 2023 survey, 85% of food processing companies are investing in sustainable packaging solutions

Statistic 61

The average energy consumption per food processing plant has decreased by 20% over the last decade due to efficiency improvements

Statistic 62

Over 60% of global food processing companies are now implementing traceability systems to track food safety and quality

Statistic 63

In 2022, only 15% of food processing companies used blockchain technology for supply chain transparency, but adoption is expected to rise to 45% by 2028

Statistic 64

Food processing industry investments in R&D account for approximately 2.5% of total industry revenue annually

Statistic 65

The deployment of AI technologies in food processing is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17% through 2028, aiding in quality control and predictive maintenance

Statistic 66

Food processing industries that incorporate circular economy practices report a 15% reduction in waste-related costs

Statistic 67

The average labor productivity in food processing industries improved by 9% between 2015 and 2022 due to technological advancements

Statistic 68

The use of pulsating light technology for food processing and safety inspection is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2026

Statistic 69

Food processing companies that adopt digital twin technology report a 20% increase in operational efficiency

Slide 1 of 69

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

The global food processing industry is valued at approximately $8.9 trillion as of 2023
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 50% of the world's food processing market share
The United States food processing industry employs over 1.8 million workers
The global usage of food processing technologies is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030
In 2022, the top three food processing sectors by revenue were bakery, dairy, and meat processing
The global meat processing market is expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%
Approximately 70% of food processing companies have implemented automation technologies
The demand for organic processed foods grew by over 8% annually between 2018 and 2022
Asia-Pacific dominates the beverage processing segment, accounting for nearly 45% of market revenue
The global snack food market is valued at over $120 billion, expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2025
The Canadian food processing sector contributes about 2.6% to the country’s GDP
During 2022, the European food processing industry saw investments of over €10 billion in modernization and automation
Food safety recalls in the United States decreased by 12% in 2022 compared to the previous year

The food processing industry, a trillion-dollar global powerhouse with rapid technological advances, sustainable strides, and shifting consumer preferences, is reshaping how the world transforms raw ingredients into everyday essentials.

Company and Facility Data

The United States food processing industry employs over 1.8 million workers
The world's largest poultry processing company processed over 13 billion chickens in 2022
The number of food processing companies worldwide exceeds 350,000, with emerging markets accounting for substantial growth
The average size of a food processing plant increased by 12% from 2015 to 2022, reflecting industry expansion
The total number of food processing facilities in Africa is estimated to be over 18,000, with growth driven by increasing demand for processed foods

Company and Facility Data Interpretation

With over 1.8 million U.S. workers fueling a global industry surpassing 350,000 companies and processing billions of chickens—highlighted by expanding plants and burgeoning markets—food processing remains an indispensable, rapidly evolving backbone of modern nourishment, especially across Africa’s burgeoning landscape.

Market Size and Valuation

The global food processing industry is valued at approximately $8.9 trillion as of 2023
The global usage of food processing technologies is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030
In 2022, the top three food processing sectors by revenue were bakery, dairy, and meat processing
The global meat processing market is expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%
The global snack food market is valued at over $120 billion, expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2025
The Canadian food processing sector contributes about 2.6% to the country’s GDP
During 2022, the European food processing industry saw investments of over €10 billion in modernization and automation
The global frozen food market is projected to reach $290 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%
The adoption of IoT technologies in food processing plants is expected to increase at a CAGR of 11% through 2025
The global dairy processing equipment market size was valued at approximately $4.3 billion in 2022, with an expected CAGR of 5.1% till 2030
Convenience foods accounted for approximately 65% of total food sales in North America in 2022
The global snack and nuts processing industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2028
The retail value of organic processed foods in Europe reached €45 billion in 2022, up from €30 billion in 2018
The global edible oils processing market is projected to reach $70 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.3%
The global beverage processing equipment market size was valued at $4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% through 2030
The global probiotics market in food processing is expected to reach $77 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%
The global semi-automatic food processing equipment market is valued at $3.5 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2030
The global organic processed meat market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2028, reaching $25 billion
The world's leading frozen pizza production capacity reached over 3 million tons in 2022, with an annual growth rate of 3.8%
The global organic snack food market is projected to reach $12 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%
The global plant-based dairy alternative market is valued at over $21 billion in 2023, expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% through 2028
In 2022, the average revenue per food processing firm was approximately $5.4 million globally, with notable variation across regions
The global organic baby food market is expected to reach $5.2 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.1%
Investment in food processing automation is projected to reach $17.5 billion globally by 2027, with Asia-Pacific leading growth
The global market for natural food colors used in processing is valued at approximately $1.8 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of 5.9%
The share of small-scale food processing enterprises (SMEs) accounts for roughly 68% of the industry’s total units worldwide
The global gluten-free snacks market is valued at approximately $2.3 billion in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% until 2028
The global market for plant-based meat substitutes was valued at over $4.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% through 2028
The global flavor and fragrance market used in food processing is valued at roughly $17 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 4.1%
The global organic fruit and vegetable processing market is projected to reach $13 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.7%
The Food Processing Industry's global export value exceeded $300 billion in 2022, reflecting its crucial role in international trade
The global vegan cheese market is projected to reach $2.4 billion by 2028, driven by rising veganism trends

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

With a market value nearing $9 trillion and projected steady growth across sectors from plant-based innovations to automation, the food processing industry is undeniably a global powerhouse—yet its true flavor lies in its ability to adapt swiftly, snacking on trends, organic waves, and cutting-edge tech to feed a world increasingly hungry for variety and sustainability.

Product and Sector Trends

The demand for organic processed foods grew by over 8% annually between 2018 and 2022
Food safety recalls in the United States decreased by 12% in 2022 compared to the previous year
Food processing waste accounts for approximately 32% of total food waste globally
The percentage of automation in cheese manufacturing processes has increased from 50% to over 75% since 2015
The rise in plant-based food processing has contributed to a 12% annual growth rate in that sector over recent years
Global demand for gluten-free food products increased by approximately 10% annually from 2018 to 2022
The average lifespan of a food processing automation robot is approximately 10 years, after which replacement or major upgrades are generally needed
The use of high-pressure processing (HPP) in food preservation increased by 18% globally in 2022, particularly in ready-to-eat meals
The use of biodegradable and compostable packaging in food processing increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022, driven by consumer demand for sustainability
Food processing accounts for about 18% of the total global water withdrawal, highlighting environmental concerns
The number of new startups in food processing increased by 22% in the last five years, driven by technological innovations and consumer trends
The global demand for non-GMO processed foods has increased by 9% annually since 2018, reflecting rising consumer awareness
Packaging waste from food processing contributes to about 25% of total plastic waste in landfills, necessitating sustainable solutions
The use of 3D food printing in processing is emerging, with an expected CAGR of 14% between 2023 and 2028, primarily used for customized nutrition
The food processing industry is responsible for approximately 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices
The amount of processed foods containing added sugars increased by 5% globally from 2018 to 2022, raising health concerns
The adoption of clean label ingredients in processed foods is increasing, with 65% of consumers indicating a preference in 2023
The share of plant-based beverages in global beverage markets increased from 8% in 2018 to 15% in 2023, indicating significant consumer shift

Product and Sector Trends Interpretation

As the food processing industry swiftly pivots towards sustainability, automation, and health-conscious innovations—while grappling with environmental impacts and consumer demands—it's clear that surviving the next decade will require more than just doubling down on processing; it demands a recipe for responsible innovation.

Regional and Market Share Analysis

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 50% of the world's food processing market share
Asia-Pacific dominates the beverage processing segment, accounting for nearly 45% of market revenue

Regional and Market Share Analysis Interpretation

With Asia-Pacific commanding over half of the global food processing market and nearly half of beverage processing revenue, it's clear that the region isn't just tasting success—it’s cooking up a dominant culinary and industrial force.

Technologies and Innovations

Approximately 70% of food processing companies have implemented automation technologies
The number of new food processing patents filed increased by 15% globally in 2022, indicating rapid innovation
According to a 2023 survey, 85% of food processing companies are investing in sustainable packaging solutions
The average energy consumption per food processing plant has decreased by 20% over the last decade due to efficiency improvements
Over 60% of global food processing companies are now implementing traceability systems to track food safety and quality
In 2022, only 15% of food processing companies used blockchain technology for supply chain transparency, but adoption is expected to rise to 45% by 2028
Food processing industry investments in R&D account for approximately 2.5% of total industry revenue annually
The deployment of AI technologies in food processing is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17% through 2028, aiding in quality control and predictive maintenance
Food processing industries that incorporate circular economy practices report a 15% reduction in waste-related costs
The average labor productivity in food processing industries improved by 9% between 2015 and 2022 due to technological advancements
The use of pulsating light technology for food processing and safety inspection is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2026
Food processing companies that adopt digital twin technology report a 20% increase in operational efficiency

Technologies and Innovations Interpretation

As the food processing industry gears up with a 70% automation rate, a 15% surge in patents, and a targeted 45% blockchain adoption by 2028, it's clear that innovation and sustainability are cooking a recipe for smarter, greener, and more transparent food futures—proving that in this sector, progress is truly on the menu.