Plunkett’s Food Industry Market Research

Competitive Intelligence, Business Analysis, Forecasts, Market Size, Trends, Companies, Statistics

Available Data Services: Custom Research Projects, Database Subsription or PDF eBooks

Food, Beverage and Grocery OVERVIEW

The global food and beverage industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological innovation and sustainability concerns.  Valued at roughly $12 trillion globally, the industry represents about 11% of world GDP, making it one of the most influential sectors in the global economy.  Several key trends are reshaping how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.
1.    Evolving consumer behavior.   Today’s consumers are increasingly health-conscious and demand transparency in ingredients, sourcing and production methods.  There is a strong preference for fresher, more natural foods with fewer artificial additives, leading many major manufacturers to reformulate products and eliminate synthetic ingredients.  This shift has also fueled demand for organic and locally sourced foods, with global organic sales reaching over $167 billion.  Consumers are also embracing dietary trends such as plant-based eating, gluten-free products and functional foods that offer additional health benefits.
2.    Growing focus on wellness and obesity prevention.  Governments, corporations and healthcare providers are taking action to address rising obesity rates, which affect billions globally.  This has led to healthier product offerings, reduced sugar and sodium content, and even the development of breakthrough pharmaceutical treatments such as GLP-1 drugs that reduce appetite and influence eating habits.  These developments are reshaping both food consumption patterns and product innovation strategies.
3.    Technology is transforming the food industry.  Advances in agricultural technology, often referred to as AgTech, are improving efficiency and sustainability in food production.  Tools such as AI-driven analytics, drones, robotics and precision irrigation systems are helping farmers increase yields while reducing water use and environmental impact.  Meanwhile, biotechnology innovations, including gene editing and plant-based alternatives, are expanding the range of available food products and addressing concerns about sustainability and food security.
4.    Digital transformation is revolutionizing how consumers access food.  Online grocery shopping and home delivery services have surged in popularity, accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic and sustained by convenience.  Platforms like Instacart and Amazon Fresh, along with restaurant delivery services such as DoorDash, have fundamentally changed purchasing habits.  Restaurants and retailers are investing heavily in mobile apps, online ordering systems and automation technologies, including self-service kiosks and AI-powered ordering, to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
5.    Sustainability is a central concern.  Companies are investing in eco-friendly packaging, reducing waste, and adopting circular economy practices.  Packaging innovations aim to minimize material use, increase recyclability and lower transportation costs, while initiatives such as food recycling programs seek to address the billions of dollars in food waste generated annually.  Additionally, aquaculture and alternative protein sources are gaining traction as solutions to meet growing global demand while reducing environmental strain.
6.    The competitive landscape is evolving rapidly.  Discount retailers, private label brands and global giants like Walmart and Amazon are reshaping food retail.  Private label products now account for a significant share of sales, offering consumers lower-cost alternatives with comparable quality.  At the same time, traditional food companies are under pressure to innovate and adapt to changing consumer expectations.
Read More

WE PROFILE HUNDREDS OF TOP COMPANIES:

See All

PLUNKETT PROVIDES IN-DEPTH STATISTICS TABLES COVERING THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRY TOPICS:

Top Companies Profiled

The following is a partial listing for this industry. As a subscriber, you will have access to the leading companies and top growth companies. This includes publicly-held, private, subsidiary and joint venture companies, on a global basis as well as in the U.S.


Hundreds of Top Companies Profiled, Including:

PLUNKETT PROVIDES UNIQUE ANALYSIS OF THE FOLLOWING TRENDS THAT ARE DRIVING THIS INDUSTRY:

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Food Industry. Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

  • Business trends analysis
  • In-depth industry overview
  • Technology trends analysis
  • Forecasts
  • Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
  • In-depth industry statistics and metrics
  • Industry employment numbers

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

  • U.S. and Global Firms
  • Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
  • Executive Contacts
  • Revenues

  • For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries

  • Statistical Tables

Key Questions Answered Include:

  • How is the industry evolving?
  • How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
  • How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
  • What is the size of the market now and in the future?
  • What are the financial results of the leading companies?
  • What are the names and titles of top executives?
  • What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Food Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends and Technologies Affecting the Food Industry

  1. Major Trends Affecting the Food Industry

  2. Introduction to the Food Industry

  3. The State of the Food Industry Today

  4. Genetically Modified (GM) Seeds and Crops Planted in Dozens of Nations/Agribio R&D Investment Is High

  5. Genetically Modified (GM) Foods Prompt Controversy, Labeling and Legislation

  6. Plant-Based Meat Substitutes Developed

  7. Selective Breeding, Mutagenesis and Gene-Editing, Including CRISPR, as Alternatives to GM Seeds

  8. Obesity Sparks Government, School and Corporate Initiatives/Snack Foods Get Healthier

  9. Revolutionary New Drugs (Zepbound, Wegovy and Ozempic) Treat Obesity, Diabetes and Addiction/Show Promise for Treating Many Other Diseases

  10. Organic Food Sales Continue Global Growth/Locally Sourced Foods and Farm to Table Increase in Popularity

  11. McDonald’s and Other Fast Food Companies Reposition to Adapt to New Consumer Tastes, Robotics and AI

  12. Demand for Home Grocery Delivery Service Such as Instacart and Amazon Fresh Soars

  13. Grubhub, DoorDash and Others Deliver Restaurant Meals

  14. Precision Agriculture Technologies (AgTech), Farm Robotics, GPS, Irrigation and AI Grows Worldwide

  15. Drones Provide New Tools for Precision Agriculture

  16. Aquaculture Gains Major Fish Supply Market Share

  17. Packaging Technology Improves/Walmart, Amazon and Coca-Cola Boost Packaging Sustainability

  18. Retail Technologies Advance for Restaurant Online Ordering, along with Robotics and Automation

  19. RFID Drives Inventory Management Evolution

  20. Walmart Still Leads the Retail Industry, but Invests in Web Presence to Battle Amazon

  21. Private Label Brands Grow in Share of Total Store Sales

  22. Consumers Drive a Revolution in the Food Industry, Demanding Fresher, More Natural Foods, Creating both Pain and Opportunities

  23. Food Recycling Efforts Underway

  24. Wages Rise for Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality Workers

  25. Food Trucks Enjoy a Boom

  26. Meal Kits from Firms like Blue Apron Make It Easy to Prepare Home-Cooked Meals

  27. Craft/Microbreweries Proliferate

  28. ALDI Scores Big Market Share in the U.S., UK and Europe with its Discount Supermarkets and Aggressive Investment/Walmart Dominates Grocery Retailing

  29. The Future of the Food Industry, Agriculture, Food Demand, Supermarkets and Online Food Retailing

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Food Industry Statistics

  1. U.S. Food Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview

  2. Global Food Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview

  3. Food Sales, U.S.: 2022-December 2025

  4. Income Statement for U.S. Farm Sector: 2022-2026

  5. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Agriculture, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2024-2026

  6. Value Added to the U.S. Economy by the Agricultural Sector via the Production of Goods and Services: 2021-2026

  7. Summary of U.S. Agricultural Trade Projections: Fiscal Years 2024-2035

  8. Total U.S. Agricultural Commodity Exports & Imports, Top Ten Countries: 2021 - January 2026

  9. Food Industry Employment, U.S.: 2020-2025

  10. Food Preparation and Serving Related Employment and Wage Estimates by Occupation, U.S.: May 2024

  11. World Supply & Utilization of Major Crops: 2023-2026

  12. World Supply & Utilization of Major Animal Products: 2021-Dec. 2026

Organizations that have used our research and products

hilton worldwide
Logo for HKTDC
Logo for Japan External Trade Organization
Logo for Johnson & Johnson
Logo for Mayer Brown
Logo for Microsoft
Logo for Purdue University
Logo for Stanford University
Logo for Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Logo for FedEx

CUSTOM MARKET RESEARCH

We have deep experience in conducting market research projects and surveys (both B2B and B2C) for the world’s leading organizations. Competitive intel, market sizing, product opportunities validation, technologies analysis, economic and market forecasts. Both domestic and global markets—any industry, any geography.
More details

INDUSTRIES WE COVER

We cover all leading industry sectors, from retailing, healthcare and banking, to logistics, robotics/automation, digital technologies, wireless, travel and aerospace. Our proprietary data and reports keep you on the cutting edge of your industry of specific interest. Great for strategic, marketing, investment and consulting professionals, as well as business librarians.
More details

INDUSTRY ANALYTICS REPORTS

Industry-specific operating benchmarks, industry financial statement averages, revenue forecasts, market size, statistics, company ranks and comparisons. Choose from 550+ Industries. Updated regularly. Instant download. Our unique reports save you countless hours of research time and effort. Used by the world’s top consulting, strategy and investment pros.
More details

CORPORATE BENCHMARKS REPORTS

Company-specific operating benchmarks (current and historical), benchmarked against industry-peers’ averages. Revenue forecasts, market size, statistics, company ranks and comparisons. Choose from 4000+ companies. Updated regularly. Instant download. Our unique reports save you countless hours of research time and effort. Used by the world’s top consulting, strategy and investment pros.
More details

Related Products

Transportation, Supply Chain & Logistics Industry Market Research

The transportation, supply chain, and logistics industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological innovation, globalization, and evolving consumer demands.  As one of the world’s largest industries, accounting for roughly $7 trillion in global revenues and about 6% of global GDP, it plays a critical role in enabling economic activity…
Transportation, Supply Chain & Logistics Industry Market Research

Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals & Genetics Industry Market Research

The biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and genetics industry is experiencing rapid transformation, fueled by scientific breakthroughs, technological innovation and rising global health demands.  Together, these forces are reshaping how diseases are treated, drugs are developed and even how food is produced. 1. Personalized Medicine and Affordable DNA Sequencing One of the most…
Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals & Genetics Industry Market Research

Retailing & Chain Stores Market Research

The retail industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history.  Driven by technology, shifting consumer expectations and intense competition, retailers are reinventing how they sell, fulfill orders, and engage customers.  Several dominant trends are shaping the future of retail across sectors and geographies. 1.    Ecommerce and…
Retailing & Chain Stores Market Research
 

Subscribe to Database:

All industries
Add To Cart

Multi-User Online, Enterprise-Wide (Library or Corporate)

Request a Quote and Free Trial

eBook or Book:

This industry onlyPublication date: Apr 2026
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-595-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-103-0
Custom Research Projects

What data challenge can we help you solve today?