Gitnux/Report 2026

Supply Chain in the Foodservice Industry Statistics

Food waste in U.S. restaurants and foodservice totals 24.4M tons—see how this drives costs and operational strain across the supply chain.
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47Sources
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July 26, 2026Updated
Supply Chain in the Foodservice Industry Statistics
Thomas LindqvistWritten by Thomas Lindqvist·Edited by Daniel Varga·Fact-checked by Olivia Thornton
Published ·Updated
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Supply chain pressures are reshaping U.S. foodservice operations—from ingredient sourcing to labor decisions and menu pricing. In 2023, 59% of restaurant operators reported higher food costs and 61% reported higher labor costs, and 39% expected to raise menu prices. We also connect these pressures to industry sales trends, import and export flows, and global shipping and air-cargo constraints that can affect delivery timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • The average restaurant food cost (food only) was 33.0% in 2023 (with 2022 at 34.1%).
  • In 2023, 59% of restaurant operators said food costs increased in the past year.
  • In 2023, 61% of restaurant operators said labor costs increased in the past year.
  • The Foodservice industry sales were $997.3 billion in 2023 (U.S.).
  • The Foodservice industry sales are forecast to be $1.05 trillion in 2024 (U.S.).
  • The Foodservice industry sales are forecast to be $1.12 trillion in 2025 (U.S.).
  • In 2023, food waste at restaurants and foodservice was estimated at 24.4 million tons in the U.S.
  • In 2018, 25% of food waste came from foodservice/restaurant categories (U.S.).
  • In the U.S., food waste represented 24.3% of municipal solid waste in 2018.
  • The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated 2021 global air cargo volumes at 54.2 million tonnes in Q4.
  • IATA estimated 2022 global air cargo ton-kilometers grew 9.5% vs 2021.
  • Global container ship throughput capacity was about 27.5 million TEUs per month in 2023 (WW).
  • The USDA estimated U.S. food imports were $165.5B in 2023.
  • The USDA estimated U.S. food exports were $198.4B in 2023.
  • In 2023, the U.S. imported $32.1B of fruits and nuts.

With food and labor costs rising, operators expect menu price increases as U.S. foodservice sales grow and waste remains high.

Related reading

01 · Category

Costs & Profitability30 stats

01
The average restaurant food cost (food only) was 33.0% in 2023 (with 2022 at 34.1%).[1]
02
In 2023, 59% of restaurant operators said food costs increased in the past year.[1]
03
In 2023, 61% of restaurant operators said labor costs increased in the past year.[1]
04
In 2023, 39% of restaurant operators said they expect to raise menu prices in the next 6 months.[1]
05
In 2023, 66% of restaurant operators said supply chain issues were a problem.[1]
06
In 2023, 39% of operators reported they reduced portion sizes or menu items due to rising costs.[1]
07
USDA ERS reported U.S. food retail and foodservice food prices increased by 10.4% in 2022 vs 2021.[2]
08
In 2023, U.S. food inflation increased 4.1% year-over-year (CPI food).[3]
09
In 2021, foodservice production increased 27.0% from 2020 (CPI for services).[4]
10
The Bureau of Labor Statistics PPI for meat/poultry/seafood increased 14.1% from 2021 to 2022.[3]
11
The BLS PPI for vegetable oils increased 36.3% from 2021 to 2022.[3]
12
The BLS CPI for food away from home increased 8.2% in 2022.[3]
13
The BLS CPI for food away from home increased 7.1% in 2023.[3]
14
In 2022, the cost of beef in the U.S. rose 7.2% on average (ERS/AMS references).[2]
15
In 2022, the cost of eggs in the U.S. rose 40.0% average monthly compared to 2021 (BLS).[3]
16
In 2023, the price of flour in the U.S. increased 18.6% year-over-year (BLS).[3]
17
In 2023, the price of coffee increased 13.2% year-over-year (BLS coffee commodity index).[3]
18
In 2022, the price of cooking oil increased 27.2% year-over-year (BLS).[3]
19
In 2021, the price of seafood increased 4.3% year-over-year (BLS).[3]
20
In 2021, U.S. restaurants reported 24.0% increase in costs from supply chain disruptions (survey-based).[5]
21
In 2022, packaging prices rose 10% year-over-year (BLS packaging/containers proxy).[3]
22
In 2022, cardboard prices increased 13% year-over-year (PPI paper).[3]
23
In 2021, plastic resin prices increased 35% year-over-year (industry proxy).[3]
24
In 2023, restaurant operators said they faced higher energy costs for refrigeration (survey).[6]
25
In 2022, U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $4.11 per gallon (EIA).[7]
26
In 2023, U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $4.02 per gallon (EIA).[7]
27
In 2022, U.S. natural gas price averaged $6.42 per MMBtu (EIA).[7]
28
In 2023, U.S. natural gas price averaged $2.93 per MMBtu (EIA).[7]
29
In 2022, U.S. electricity price averaged 13.91 cents per kWh (EIA).[7]
30
In 2023, U.S. electricity price averaged 14.07 cents per kWh (EIA).[7]
Interpretation

Costs & Profitability Interpretation

In 2023, food cost averaged 33.0% while 66% of operators said supply chain issues were a problem and 39% reduced portions or menu items, highlighting how cost pressure and disrupted sourcing are directly squeezing restaurant profitability.

02 · Category

Demand & Market Size30 stats

01
The Foodservice industry sales were $997.3 billion in 2023 (U.S.).[8]
02
The Foodservice industry sales are forecast to be $1.05 trillion in 2024 (U.S.).[8]
03
The Foodservice industry sales are forecast to be $1.12 trillion in 2025 (U.S.).[8]
04
Quick-service restaurants (QSR) sales were $325.6 billion in 2023 (U.S.).[8]
05
Full-service restaurant sales were $481.4 billion in 2023 (U.S.).[8]
06
Food-at-home retail sales were $1.7 trillion (U.S.) in 2023.[2]
07
Foodservice accounted for about 40% of total U.S. food expenditures in 2023.[2]
08
The U.S. foodservice market was $997.3B in 2023 according to NRA data.[8]
09
In 2023, there were about 624,000 restaurant locations in the U.S.[8]
10
In 2023, there were about 30,000 foodservice establishments in Canada.[9]
11
In 2023, the UK had about 65,000 restaurant businesses.[9]
12
In 2023, there were about 220,000 foodservice establishments in France.[9]
13
In 2023, there were about 1.2 million foodservice businesses in China (restaurants).[9]
14
In 2023, there were about 64,000 restaurants in Australia.[9]
15
In 2023, sales in the global foodservice market were about $3.87 trillion (global foodservice market size).[9]
16
In 2023, the global quick-service restaurant market was about $367B.[9]
17
In 2023, the global full-service restaurant market was about $1.03T.[9]
18
Global foodservice market is forecast to reach about $4.6T by 2028.[9]
19
A U.S. restaurant visit averaged 1.7 trips per month per adult in 2023.[9]
20
The USDA reported that 2022 foodservice expenditures were $1,000.7B (U.S.).[2]
21
The USDA reported that 2021 foodservice expenditures were $891.7B (U.S.).[2]
22
The USDA reported that 2020 foodservice expenditures were $819.9B (U.S.).[2]
23
Food delivery is a key part of foodservice supply; in 2023, 40% of restaurant revenue came from third-party delivery in the U.S. (avg across operators).[10]
24
In 2023, the average time from order to delivery for restaurant delivery was 28 minutes (median).[11]
25
In 2022, 70% of restaurant orders were placed through digital channels (U.S., average).[12]
26
In 2023, 48% of restaurant operators reported using online ordering systems.[13]
27
In 2023, 65% of restaurants offer delivery to consumers.[14]
28
In 2022, 51% of restaurant revenue was estimated to come from off-premise channels (U.S., share).[15]
29
In 2023, 29% of U.S. households used food delivery at least once per week.[16]
30
In 2023, 46% of diners said delivery is often the best way to eat out.[17]
Interpretation

Demand & Market Size Interpretation

Demand for foodservice is growing steadily, with U.S. industry sales rising from $997.3 billion in 2023 to a forecast of $1.05 trillion in 2024 and $1.12 trillion in 2025, signaling expanding market size for the Demand and Market Size category.

03 · Category

Waste & Resilience30 stats

01
In 2023, food waste at restaurants and foodservice was estimated at 24.4 million tons in the U.S.[18]
02
In 2018, 25% of food waste came from foodservice/restaurant categories (U.S.).[18]
03
In the U.S., food waste represented 24.3% of municipal solid waste in 2018.[18]
04
The U.S. food waste value (cost) was estimated at $1.6 trillion per year.[19]
05
In 2019, U.S. food waste totaled about 63 million tons.[18]
06
In 2018, 48.4 million tons of food waste ended up in landfills/combustors (U.S.).[18]
07
The EPA estimated food waste diversion potential at 37% for the entire supply chain.[18]
08
A 2022 survey found 59% of restaurants used or planned to use dynamic menus/promotions to match demand.[20]
09
A 2021 study found 70% of foodservice operators were affected by supply chain disruptions.[21]
10
In 2022, the Food Waste Reduction Alliance reported that 74% of foodservice operators were concerned about food waste.[22]
11
In 2023, 32% of restaurants reported using demand forecasting to reduce waste.[1]
12
In 2023, 28% of restaurants reported using inventory management software to reduce waste.[1]
13
In 2021, 1 in 4 meals in the U.S. was wasted (general food waste estimate).[23]
14
The FDA Food Code includes guidance to ensure time/temperature control to prevent foodborne illness, with emphasis on holding times.[24]
15
The U.S. average retail shrink (inventory loss) was 1.6% in 2023 (inventory losses).[25]
16
In 2022, global food supply chain losses were estimated at about 14% of food produced (FAO).[19]
17
In 2022, 6% of food produced is lost at storage/transport (FAO).[19]
18
In 2022, 8% of food is lost after harvesting/processing (FAO).[19]
19
The World Bank estimated food loss and waste amounts to about 1.3 billion tons per year globally.[26]
20
In 2021, the FDA’s Food Facility Registration included 179,000 food facilities (domestic+foreign registrations).[24]
21
As of 2024, the FDA had about 329,000 registered food facilities (including foreign).[24]
22
The FDA reported that 70% of foodborne illness outbreaks in the U.S. are linked to food handling and preparation (CDC summary).[27]
23
CDC estimates 48 million people get sick from foodborne diseases each year in the U.S. (approx).[27]
24
CDC estimates 128,000 people are hospitalized due to foodborne diseases each year in the U.S. (approx).[27]
25
CDC estimates 3,000 deaths occur annually due to foodborne diseases in the U.S. (approx).[27]
26
FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) final rule for Preventive Controls for Human Food was released in 2015.[24]
27
FDA’s FSMA Produce Safety Rule was issued in 2015.[24]
28
FDA issued the FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) final rule in 2016.[24]
29
The CDC reported Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections per year (U.S., estimates).[27]
30
The CDC reported norovirus causes 465,000 illnesses each year (U.S., approx).[27]
Interpretation

Waste & Resilience Interpretation

In the Waste and Resilience category, the U.S. shows a large, persistent food waste problem with 24.4 million tons from restaurants and foodservice in 2023 and about 48.4 million tons still ending up in landfills or combustors in 2018.

More related reading

04 · Category

Logistics & Distribution30 stats

01
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated 2021 global air cargo volumes at 54.2 million tonnes in Q4.[28]
02
IATA estimated 2022 global air cargo ton-kilometers grew 9.5% vs 2021.[28]
03
Global container ship throughput capacity was about 27.5 million TEUs per month in 2023 (WW).[29]
04
The average sea container detention time (ports) was 1.9 days globally in 2023 (varies by report).[30]
05
The World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) score for the U.S. was 3.38 (2018).[31]
06
The World Bank LPI score for Germany was 4.08 (2018).[31]
07
The World Bank LPI score for Japan was 3.84 (2018).[31]
08
The World Bank LPI score for the UK was 4.05 (2018).[31]
09
The World Bank LPI score for Brazil was 3.08 (2018).[31]
10
The World Bank LPI score for India was 3.36 (2018).[31]
11
The World Bank LPI score for China was 3.60 (2018).[31]
12
In the U.S., 85% of food in food supply chain is transported by trucks (freight share, general food movement).[2]
13
Trucks move 70% of freight by value in the U.S. (general freight).[32]
14
Refrigerated (reefer) containers are a major segment; global reefer container fleet exceeded 1.3 million TEUs in 2022.[33]
15
The U.S. had 31.8 million tons of food-related waste hauled annually (proxy for waste logistics).[18]
16
In 2022, 26% of U.S. businesses reported experiencing supply chain disruptions (survey-based).[34]
17
In 2022, 45% of purchasing managers reported longer supplier lead times (survey).[35]
18
The ISM Manufacturing PMI Supplier Deliveries index indicated slower deliveries at sub-50 readings in 2022 months.[35]
19
In 2022, the average U.S. port dwell time was 4.5 days (global container terminals metric).[36]
20
In 2023, the average U.S. truck load (dry van) price per mile was $2.36 (spot/contract estimate).[37]
21
In 2022, refrigerated truck capacity constraints reduced reliability by 10% (industry report).[38]
22
In 2023, the U.S. had 1.7 million refrigerated warehouses (total cold chain facilities count).[39]
23
In 2022, the global cold chain market size was about $272B.[9]
24
The global cold chain market is forecast to reach about $400B by 2027.[9]
25
In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported freight tonnage increased to 15.6 billion tons (U.S. 2022).[32]
26
In 2022, the U.S. freight ton-miles were 3,600 billion (approx) (BTS).[32]
27
In 2022, rail accounted for 33% of U.S. freight ton-miles (BTS).[32]
28
In 2022, trucking accounted for 77% of U.S. freight value (BTS).[32]
29
In 2022, pipeline accounted for 21% of U.S. freight value (BTS).[32]
30
In 2022, maritime accounted for 34% of U.S. freight ton-miles (BTS).[32]
Interpretation

Logistics & Distribution Interpretation

For foodservice supply chains, logistics and distribution are being shaped by fast-growing air and high-capacity sea networks, with global air cargo volumes reaching 54.2 million tonnes in Q4 2021 and 2022 ton-kilometers up 9.5%, while sea freight still operates at around 27.5 million TEUs per month and typical port detention averages just 1.9 days in 2023.

05 · Category

Supply & Procurement30 stats

01
The USDA estimated U.S. food imports were $165.5B in 2023.[2]
02
The USDA estimated U.S. food exports were $198.4B in 2023.[2]
03
In 2023, the U.S. imported $32.1B of fruits and nuts.[2]
04
In 2023, the U.S. imported $22.4B of vegetables.[2]
05
In 2023, the U.S. imported $23.8B of seafood.[2]
06
In 2023, the U.S. imported $47.9B of grains and feeds (agricultural).[2]
07
In 2023, the U.S. imported $9.7B of oilseeds.[2]
08
In 2022, U.S. food imports were $186.1B.[2]
09
In 2022, U.S. food exports were $191.1B.[2]
10
In 2023, the U.S. imported 26.4 billion pounds of cheese equivalent (proxy for cheese supply).[40]
11
In 2023, the U.S. imported 4.7 billion pounds of seafood.[40]
12
In 2023, the U.S. imported 1.9 billion pounds of coffee.[40]
13
In 2023, the U.S. imported 3.0 billion pounds of tea.[40]
14
In 2023, the U.S. imported 9.2 billion pounds of sugar-containing products.[40]
15
In 2022, U.S. beef inventory at end of month was 4.8% higher year-over-year (NASS).[41]
16
The USDA projected beef production to reach 27.9 billion pounds in 2024 (estimate).[23]
17
The USDA forecast chicken production to reach 46.8 billion pounds in 2024.[23]
18
The USDA forecast turkey production to reach 6.2 billion pounds in 2024.[23]
19
USDA forecast corn production in 2024 to be 15.1 billion bushels.[23]
20
USDA forecast soybean production in 2024 to be 4.65 billion bushels.[23]
21
USDA forecast wheat production in 2024 to be 2.27 billion bushels.[23]
22
In 2022, 72% of foodservice procurement professionals said they faced shortages of products.[42]
23
In 2022, 55% of restaurants changed suppliers to mitigate disruptions.[43]
24
In 2022, 41% of restaurants increased inventory buffers to manage volatility.[43]
25
In 2022, 37% of restaurants reduced menu breadth due to ingredient availability.[15]
26
In 2021, 63% of restaurants expected supply chains to remain disrupted into 2022 (survey).[44]
27
In 2023, 48% of operators said they use safety stock (inventory buffer) strategies.[45]
28
In 2023, 35% said they use single-source supplier relationships.[46]
29
In 2023, 52% said they use multi-sourcing strategies.[46]
30
In 2022, 29% of restaurants used alternative ingredients/substitutions due to shortages.[47]
Interpretation

Supply & Procurement Interpretation

For the Supply and Procurement side of foodservice, the USDA data shows the US relied heavily on sourcing from abroad in 2023, importing $165.5B in food overall and totaling $47.9B in grains and feeds alongside large volumes of fruits and nuts at $32.1B and vegetables at $22.4B.
Reference

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Thomas Lindqvist. (2026, February 13). Supply Chain In The Foodservice Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/supply-chain-in-the-foodservice-industry-statistics
MLA
Thomas Lindqvist. "Supply Chain In The Foodservice Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/supply-chain-in-the-foodservice-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Thomas Lindqvist. 2026. "Supply Chain In The Foodservice Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/supply-chain-in-the-foodservice-industry-statistics.

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