Plunkett’s Food Industry Market Research

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

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Food, Beverage and Grocery OVERVIEW

The global food and beverage industry is undergoing a rapid and multifaceted transformation, driven by technological innovation, shifting consumer preferences and evolving economic and environmental realities.  In 2024, the industry surpassed $12 trillion globally, comprising about 11% of the world’s GDP.
1. Health-Conscious Consumption Drives Market Shifts
Consumers, particularly younger generations, are demanding healthier, fresher and more natural food options.  This shift has catalyzed a rise in organic products, plant-based alternatives and “clean label” packaged goods with minimal additives.  The U.S. organic food market reached $69.7 billion in 2023, with a global total of $136.3 billion.  Simultaneously, concerns over obesity and chronic illness have pushed governments and corporations toward reformulating snacks, implementing calorie labeling and supporting low-sodium initiatives.
2. Plant-Based and Lab-Grown Proteins Gain Traction
Environmental and ethical concerns have fueled interest in plant-based and lab-cultivated meats.  Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have pioneered alternatives that mimic real meat in taste and texture.  Meanwhile, startups such as Upside Foods are using cellular agriculture to grow meat directly from animal cells.  Although high production costs and consumer skepticism have tempered growth, innovation continues, especially with larger firms like Nestlé and Unilever entering the space.
3. AgTech and Precision Farming Transform Agriculture
Farmers are embracing technologies such as drones, robotics and GPS-guided equipment to optimize yields and reduce inputs.  Innovations like drip irrigation, gene editing (e.g., CRISPR), and high-tech greenhouses are vital in addressing labor shortages and water scarcity.  These technologies are central to boosting food production by 70% by 2050, a goal set by the UN to meet global demand.
4. Grocery and Meal Delivery Services Redefine Retail
Online grocery shopping, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, has become a permanent consumer habit.  Companies like Instacart, Amazon Fresh and Walmart Grocery are capitalizing on this trend, offering convenience and same-day delivery.  Meanwhile, meal kit providers such as HelloFresh and Blue Apron cater to consumers seeking easy, home-cooked meals.  This reflects a broader demand for personalization and convenience in food purchasing.
5. Sustainability and Packaging Innovation Take Center Stage
Sustainability has emerged as a competitive differentiator.  Companies are investing in recyclable and biodegradable packaging to reduce environmental impact.  Coca-Cola, for instance, aims to make all its packaging recyclable by 2025, while Walmart has pushed for concentrated detergents and packaging-neutral goals.  Consumers increasingly reward brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility, from sourcing to shelf.
6. Global Supply Chains and Food Security in Focus
Aquaculture is growing as a vital protein source, with fish farming surpassing beef in global output.  At the same time, concerns about food waste and security are prompting innovations in logistics, micro-fulfillment centers and recycling initiatives.  Regional disparities in food affordability and infrastructure remain stark, highlighting the need for continued investment and policy action.
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WE PROFILE HUNDREDS OF TOP COMPANIES:

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

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

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

  12. Grubhub, DoorDash and Others Deliver Restaurant Meals

  13. Precision Agriculture Technologies (AgTech), Farm Robotics, GPS and Irrigation Market Grows Worldwide/Hi Tech Greenhouses

  14. Drones Provide New Tools for Precision Agriculture

  15. Aquaculture Gains Major Fish Supply Market Share

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

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

  18. RFID Drives Inventory Management Evolution

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

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

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

  22. Food Recycling Efforts Underway

  23. Wages Rise for Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality Workers

  24. Food Trucks Enjoy a Boom

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

  26. Craft/Microbreweries Proliferate

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

  28. 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.: 2021 - December 2024

  4. Income Statement for U.S. Farm Sector: 2021-2025

  5. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Agriculture, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  6. Value Added to the U.S. Economy by the Agricultural Sector via the Production of Goods and Services: 2020-2025

  7. Summary of U.S. Agricultural Trade Projections: Fiscal Years 2023-2034

  8. Total U.S. Agricultural Commodity Exports & Imports, Top Ten Countries: 2020 - January 2025

  9. Food Industry Employment, U.S.: 2018-January 2025

  10. Food Preparation and Serving Related Employment and Wage Estimates by Occupation, U.S.: May 2023

  11. World Supply & Utilization of Major Crops: 2022-2025

  12. World Supply & Utilization of Major Animal Products: 2020-Oct 2025

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eBook or Book:

This industry onlyPublication date: Apr 2025
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-557-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-065-1
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