The worldwide food industry is an economic behemoth, generating trillions in revenues across all its sectors from farm production to packaged goods to restaurants and beyond. But exactly how much is this massive industry worth? Let‘s dig into the numbers.
Fast Facts on the Global Food Industry‘s Value
Before diving into market data for specific regions, here are some key stats on the sheer size of the global food sector:
- The global food industry is projected to be valued at over $18 trillion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 4.3% from 2020-2027. (Allied Market Research)
- The market value of the worldwide processed food sector alone is forecast to reach $4.24 trillion by 2026, up from $3.03 trillion in 2020. (Meticulous Research)
- Global packaged food sales hit $2.47 trillion in 2021 and are on pace to surpass $3 trillion by 2025, reflecting a robust CAGR of 7%. (Statista)
Regional Breakdown of the Food Industry‘s Worth
Now, let‘s explore the market value of the food industry across some of the largest geographical regions and countries.
- The North American food market accounted for $1.89 trillion in 2021, or 24.7% share of the global market value. This is expected to reach $2.29 trillion by 2027. (Mordor Intelligence)
- The U.S. alone generated $1.77 trillion in retail food and beverage sales in 2021. (USDA)
Asia Pacific‘s Growth Trajectory
- The Asia Pacific food industry was worth $3.06 trillion in 2021, representing 40% global market share. Revenues here are projected to grow at a 6.5% CAGR. (Mordor Intelligence)
- China dominates Asia‘s market with projected sales above $2.2 trillion by 2027, more than triple the size of second-ranked Japan. (Statista)
Europe‘s Strong Combined Market
- Western Europe‘s 2021 market value hit €1.14 trillion and should reach €1.32 trillion by 2027, led by meat and cereals. (Statista)
- Food and beverage sales for Europe as a whole (including Central and Eastern Europe) are forecast to grow by over 14% between 2021-2025, exceeding €1.5 trillion. (Euromonitor International)
Most Lucrative Food Industry Segments
Looking beyond total market value, which specific industry segments show particular promise for new food businesses targeting growth and profits?
- The organic food market is growing rapidly worldwide, projected to be valued at $515 billion by 2028 expanding at a 12% CAGR. (Meticulous Research)
- Functional foods and beverages infused with health benefits present a $267 billion global market expected to grow 8.9% annually through 2028. (Meticulous Research)
- Consumer demand for locally produced food is surging. The local foods market in the U.S. alone is estimated at $20 billion and likely much higher worldwide. (USDA)
Key Takeaways on the Food Industry‘s Worth
In reviewing the data, the enormous scale of the global food industry becomes clear. This presents major opportunities as well as heavy competition for new market entrants. When assessing possibilities in this $18 trillion sector, focusing on faster-growing segments like organics, specialty foods, and localization appear most promising for small and medium businesses.
