GITNUXREPORT 2025

Global Food Industry Statistics

Global food industry worth $8.7 trillion drives innovation, sustainability challenges.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The retail food sector has experienced a 15% increase in online sales from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 2

The average American household spends about 6% of its income on food, the lowest percentage globally

Statistic 3

Global coffee consumption has increased by 2% annually over the past decade, reaching approximately 2.25 billion cups daily

Statistic 4

Around 80% of the world's farmers are smallholders managing less than 2 hectares of land

Statistic 5

The vegan cosmetics market has seen a 12% growth rate annually, with increased interest in plant-based ingredients

Statistic 6

Food delivery services globally saw a 20% increase in adoption during 2020-2022, especially among young consumers

Statistic 7

Urbanization is driving increased demand for processed and convenience foods, with 55% of the global population expected to live in cities by 2050

Statistic 8

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 25% increase in the use of meal-kit delivery services globally, with North America leading the growth

Statistic 9

The retail ready-to-eat food segment has grown by over 10% annually in recent years due to consumers' preference for convenience

Statistic 10

The lunar New Year and other festivals significantly boost food sales, with some countries seeing increases of up to 30% during this period

Statistic 11

The pet treat segment grew by 7% annually from 2018 to 2022, reflecting increasing demand for premium pet snacks

Statistic 12

Food subscription box services gained 48% more users globally in 2022 compared to the previous year, indicating a surge in consumer engagement

Statistic 13

Women make up over 40% of the global agriculture workforce, emphasizing the importance of gender inclusion in food production

Statistic 14

Approximately 2 billion people globally are affected by micronutrient deficiencies, impacting food industry strategies to fortify products

Statistic 15

The fortification of staple foods like rice, wheat, and salt has become a key strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies worldwide

Statistic 16

Food allergies affect approximately 2-3% of adults and 4-6% of children globally, prompting the industry to develop allergen-free products

Statistic 17

The melamine scandal significantly impacted the global dairy industry in 2008, leading to increased demand for product safety

Statistic 18

Food fortification initiatives have successfully reduced anemia in children in over 25 countries worldwide, improving nutritional outcomes

Statistic 19

Approximately 65% of the world's enslaved children are involved in agriculture, highlighting issues of child labor in the food industry

Statistic 20

The global food industry is valued at approximately $8.7 trillion as of 2023

Statistic 21

The food and beverage sector accounts for around 10% of the world's GDP

Statistic 22

The global organic food market was valued at roughly $123 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $320 billion by 2027

Statistic 23

China leads the world in total food production, accounting for over 20% of global output

Statistic 24

The top three globally produced crops are maize, rice, and wheat, representing roughly 60% of all calories consumed worldwide

Statistic 25

The global bottled water market was valued at about $285 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $480 billion by 2030

Statistic 26

The fast-food segment accounts for approximately 50% of global foodservice sales

Statistic 27

The global plant-based meat market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% through 2027

Statistic 28

The dairy farming industry employs around 300 million people worldwide

Statistic 29

The world's largest importer of food is China, followed by the US and Japan

Statistic 30

The confectionery market is expected to reach $250 billion worldwide by 2025

Statistic 31

The global snack food market is projected to reach $644 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%

Statistic 32

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 60% of global food exports

Statistic 33

The global seafood market was valued at $159 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow steadily

Statistic 34

The global gluten-free food market is forecasted to reach $12 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8%

Statistic 35

The global frozen food market was valued at $308 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 4.2% till 2028

Statistic 36

The global organic tea market is projected to reach $8.2 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6%

Statistic 37

The world's aquaculture production has reached over 110 million tonnes annually, making it the fastest-growing animal food sector

Statistic 38

The global candy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2021 to 2028, reaching a value of over $150 billion

Statistic 39

The global breakfast cereals market is projected to grow to $45 billion by 2025, with North America holding a significant market share

Statistic 40

The global market for functional foods is expected to reach $275 billion by 2025, driven by consumer demand for health benefits

Statistic 41

The Asia-Pacific region consumes over 60% of the world's rice, the staple food for more than half the global population

Statistic 42

The global snack bar market size was valued at approximately $4.4 billion in 2021 and forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% through 2028

Statistic 43

The global pet food market is projected to reach $165 billion by 2028, reflecting increasing pet humanization trends

Statistic 44

Globally, there are over 3 million restaurants and foodservice outlets, employing millions of people worldwide

Statistic 45

The global sweetener market was valued at $67 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2028

Statistic 46

The global vegan cheese market is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12%

Statistic 47

Globally, sustainable packaging in the food industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% through 2026, driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly products

Statistic 48

The world's sugar consumption exceeds 180 million tonnes annually, with major consumption in India, China, and the EU

Statistic 49

The global instant noodles market was valued at $50 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow, driven by convenience and affordability

Statistic 50

The global edible oil market size was valued at around $140 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2028

Statistic 51

The majority of globally consumed sugar is derived from sugarcane, accounting for approximately 83%

Statistic 52

The global gluten-free snacks market is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7%

Statistic 53

The global processed meat market is valued at over $400 billion and is driven by consumer preferences for convenience

Statistic 54

The world's largest fruit exporter is Spain, followed by the Netherlands and the US, primarily due to citrus and berry exports

Statistic 55

The global superfood market size was valued at $69 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2027

Statistic 56

Over 3 million people worldwide work in the foodservice industry, with the sector serving billions of meals annually

Statistic 57

Global food patents increased by 15% from 2015 to 2021, highlighting innovation in food technology

Statistic 58

The global nanotechnology food market was valued at $2.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow significantly, driven by food safety and shelf life improvements

Statistic 59

Food tourism accounts for about 20-25% of the global tourism industry revenue, indicating a growing interest in culinary experiences

Statistic 60

The genetically modified (GM) crops are planted on over 190 million hectares worldwide, primarily for soy, maize, and cotton, to increase yield and resistance

Statistic 61

The global aroma ingredients market for food and beverage applications is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2027, driven by demand for natural flavors

Statistic 62

The halal food market is projected to reach $3 trillion by 2024, reflecting the growing Muslim population's demand for certified products

Statistic 63

The global cold chain logistics market size was valued at $250 billion in 2020, critical for maintaining freshness and safety of perishable foods

Statistic 64

Approximately 1/3 of all food produced globally is wasted, equating to about 1.3 billion tons annually

Statistic 65

Approximately 75% of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture, including arable land and pasture

Statistic 66

70% of the world's cocoa production is concentrated in West Africa, primarily Ivory Coast and Ghana

Statistic 67

The world's main coffee-producing countries collectively supply over 60% of the world's coffee supply, primarily Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia

Statistic 68

About 60-70% of the world’s soybeans are processed into animal feed, highlighting its importance in meat production systems

Statistic 69

The organic food sales in the US grew by over 12% in 2020 despite the pandemic

Statistic 70

The global organic yogurt market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 71

About 40% of the world's agricultural land is used for growing crops for animal feed, contributing significantly to deforestation and environmental degradation

Statistic 72

The organic fruit market segment is experiencing a CAGR of 12%, with consumers increasingly preferring pesticide-free options

Statistic 73

Developing countries are experiencing a higher growth rate in organic food consumption, at nearly 20% annually, compared to developed nations

Statistic 74

The majority of the world's coffee is produced on small family farms averaging less than 5 hectares each

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Key Highlights

The global food industry is valued at approximately $8.7 trillion as of 2023
The food and beverage sector accounts for around 10% of the world's GDP
Approximately 1/3 of all food produced globally is wasted, equating to about 1.3 billion tons annually
The global organic food market was valued at roughly $123 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $320 billion by 2027
The retail food sector has experienced a 15% increase in online sales from 2019 to 2022
China leads the world in total food production, accounting for over 20% of global output
The top three globally produced crops are maize, rice, and wheat, representing roughly 60% of all calories consumed worldwide
The global bottled water market was valued at about $285 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $480 billion by 2030
The fast-food segment accounts for approximately 50% of global foodservice sales
The global plant-based meat market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% through 2027
The dairy farming industry employs around 300 million people worldwide
The average American household spends about 6% of its income on food, the lowest percentage globally
Global coffee consumption has increased by 2% annually over the past decade, reaching approximately 2.25 billion cups daily

The global food industry, a staggering $8.7 trillion powerhouse accounting for 10% of the world’s GDP, is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities—from soaring organic food markets and eco-friendly packaging to staggering food waste and innovations driven by technology and changing consumer preferences.

Consumer Trends and Demographics

The retail food sector has experienced a 15% increase in online sales from 2019 to 2022
The average American household spends about 6% of its income on food, the lowest percentage globally
Global coffee consumption has increased by 2% annually over the past decade, reaching approximately 2.25 billion cups daily
Around 80% of the world's farmers are smallholders managing less than 2 hectares of land
The vegan cosmetics market has seen a 12% growth rate annually, with increased interest in plant-based ingredients
Food delivery services globally saw a 20% increase in adoption during 2020-2022, especially among young consumers
Urbanization is driving increased demand for processed and convenience foods, with 55% of the global population expected to live in cities by 2050
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 25% increase in the use of meal-kit delivery services globally, with North America leading the growth
The retail ready-to-eat food segment has grown by over 10% annually in recent years due to consumers' preference for convenience
The lunar New Year and other festivals significantly boost food sales, with some countries seeing increases of up to 30% during this period
The pet treat segment grew by 7% annually from 2018 to 2022, reflecting increasing demand for premium pet snacks
Food subscription box services gained 48% more users globally in 2022 compared to the previous year, indicating a surge in consumer engagement
Women make up over 40% of the global agriculture workforce, emphasizing the importance of gender inclusion in food production

Consumer Trends and Demographics Interpretation

As the global food industry swiftly navigates the digital, urban, and sustainable turn—evidenced by a 15% online sales boost, rising plant-based markets, and increased female participation—it's clear that nourishing both people and the planet remains a complex yet promising recipe for the future.

Food Safety, Fortification, and Ethical Practices

Approximately 2 billion people globally are affected by micronutrient deficiencies, impacting food industry strategies to fortify products
The fortification of staple foods like rice, wheat, and salt has become a key strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies worldwide
Food allergies affect approximately 2-3% of adults and 4-6% of children globally, prompting the industry to develop allergen-free products
The melamine scandal significantly impacted the global dairy industry in 2008, leading to increased demand for product safety
Food fortification initiatives have successfully reduced anemia in children in over 25 countries worldwide, improving nutritional outcomes
Approximately 65% of the world's enslaved children are involved in agriculture, highlighting issues of child labor in the food industry

Food Safety, Fortification, and Ethical Practices Interpretation

As the global food industry navigates the delicate balance of combating micronutrient deficiencies through fortification and ensuring safety amidst scandals and allergens, it must also confront the darker realities of child labor—reminding us that nourishing the world requires not only innovation but also unwavering ethical vigilance.

Market Size and Valuation

The global food industry is valued at approximately $8.7 trillion as of 2023
The food and beverage sector accounts for around 10% of the world's GDP
The global organic food market was valued at roughly $123 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $320 billion by 2027
China leads the world in total food production, accounting for over 20% of global output
The top three globally produced crops are maize, rice, and wheat, representing roughly 60% of all calories consumed worldwide
The global bottled water market was valued at about $285 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $480 billion by 2030
The fast-food segment accounts for approximately 50% of global foodservice sales
The global plant-based meat market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% through 2027
The dairy farming industry employs around 300 million people worldwide
The world's largest importer of food is China, followed by the US and Japan
The confectionery market is expected to reach $250 billion worldwide by 2025
The global snack food market is projected to reach $644 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 60% of global food exports
The global seafood market was valued at $159 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow steadily
The global gluten-free food market is forecasted to reach $12 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8%
The global frozen food market was valued at $308 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 4.2% till 2028
The global organic tea market is projected to reach $8.2 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6%
The world's aquaculture production has reached over 110 million tonnes annually, making it the fastest-growing animal food sector
The global candy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2021 to 2028, reaching a value of over $150 billion
The global breakfast cereals market is projected to grow to $45 billion by 2025, with North America holding a significant market share
The global market for functional foods is expected to reach $275 billion by 2025, driven by consumer demand for health benefits
The Asia-Pacific region consumes over 60% of the world's rice, the staple food for more than half the global population
The global snack bar market size was valued at approximately $4.4 billion in 2021 and forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% through 2028
The global pet food market is projected to reach $165 billion by 2028, reflecting increasing pet humanization trends
Globally, there are over 3 million restaurants and foodservice outlets, employing millions of people worldwide
The global sweetener market was valued at $67 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2028
The global vegan cheese market is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12%
Globally, sustainable packaging in the food industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% through 2026, driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly products
The world's sugar consumption exceeds 180 million tonnes annually, with major consumption in India, China, and the EU
The global instant noodles market was valued at $50 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow, driven by convenience and affordability
The global edible oil market size was valued at around $140 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2028
The majority of globally consumed sugar is derived from sugarcane, accounting for approximately 83%
The global gluten-free snacks market is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7%
The global processed meat market is valued at over $400 billion and is driven by consumer preferences for convenience
The world's largest fruit exporter is Spain, followed by the Netherlands and the US, primarily due to citrus and berry exports
The global superfood market size was valued at $69 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2027
Over 3 million people worldwide work in the foodservice industry, with the sector serving billions of meals annually
Global food patents increased by 15% from 2015 to 2021, highlighting innovation in food technology
The global nanotechnology food market was valued at $2.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow significantly, driven by food safety and shelf life improvements
Food tourism accounts for about 20-25% of the global tourism industry revenue, indicating a growing interest in culinary experiences
The genetically modified (GM) crops are planted on over 190 million hectares worldwide, primarily for soy, maize, and cotton, to increase yield and resistance
The global aroma ingredients market for food and beverage applications is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2027, driven by demand for natural flavors
The halal food market is projected to reach $3 trillion by 2024, reflecting the growing Muslim population's demand for certified products
The global cold chain logistics market size was valued at $250 billion in 2020, critical for maintaining freshness and safety of perishable foods

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

Amidst a $8.7 trillion valuation and a spectrum spanning organic teas to processed meats, the global food industry demonstrates that while mankind's appetite fuels innovation and trade, it also calls for a conscientious palate tuned to sustainability, health, and cultural diversity.

Supply Chain and Logistics Development

Approximately 1/3 of all food produced globally is wasted, equating to about 1.3 billion tons annually
Approximately 75% of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture, including arable land and pasture
70% of the world's cocoa production is concentrated in West Africa, primarily Ivory Coast and Ghana
The world's main coffee-producing countries collectively supply over 60% of the world's coffee supply, primarily Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia
About 60-70% of the world’s soybeans are processed into animal feed, highlighting its importance in meat production systems

Supply Chain and Logistics Development Interpretation

With roughly one-third of global food production wasted and vast swaths of habitable land dedicated to agriculture—primarily for crops like cocoa, coffee, and soy—our planet’s appetite for consumption is both a paradox and a call to action, reminding us that efficiency and sustainability must become as fundamental as the food on our plates.

Sustainable and Organic Food Markets

The organic food sales in the US grew by over 12% in 2020 despite the pandemic
The global organic yogurt market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% from 2021 to 2028
About 40% of the world's agricultural land is used for growing crops for animal feed, contributing significantly to deforestation and environmental degradation
The organic fruit market segment is experiencing a CAGR of 12%, with consumers increasingly preferring pesticide-free options
Developing countries are experiencing a higher growth rate in organic food consumption, at nearly 20% annually, compared to developed nations
The majority of the world's coffee is produced on small family farms averaging less than 5 hectares each

Sustainable and Organic Food Markets Interpretation

Despite a pandemic-driven shakeup, the global shift toward organic food—including a soaring US market, resilient yogurt growth, and rising organic fruit and developing-country consumption—underscores a society increasingly awakening to health and environmental ideals, even as the footprint of animal feed crops and small family farms continue to shape our ecological footprint.