Sustainable Food Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Report Overview

Global Sustainable Food Market reached US$ XX million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ XX million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Sustainable food is food that serves both present and future nutritional needs as well as safeguarding ecosystems. Sustainable food aims to avoid destroying or wasting natural resources. It reduces the contribution to climate change because it often involves eating more local food that is not transported long distances. 

Locally grown and produced food improves the local economy and lowers emissions from transportation. Soil health and biodiversity are preserved when crops are cultivated without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Consumption of in-season food increases biodiversity and lowers the carbon footprint caused by production that occurs outside of the season.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints

Rising health consciousness

The increasing health consciousness among consumers is expected to drive the market growth. There is a rapid increase in the number of consumers who are seeking foods with high nutritional value and health benefits. This increases the demand for organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which are often produced with fewer chemicals and additives.

People are getting attracted to sustainable food options as more people adopt plant-based diets for health reasons, such as lowering cholesterol, controlling weight, and enhancing general well-being. When compared to diets high in meat, plant-based diets usually correspond to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less resource consumption. 

The increasing veganism plays a crucial role in the increasing demand for sustainable foods. According to Stats of 2023, it is estimated that there are about 88 Million vegans in the world. The number of vegans was over 8 billion people in the world in December 2022, which is around 1.1%.

Additionally, in the US, 2% of the population is identified as vegan, with nearly 40% eating meat alternatives. Thus, the increasing health consciousness among a large number of individuals is expected to drive the market growth.

High costs of sustainable food products   

Sustainable meals are often more costly due to costly farming processes, organic certifications, and limited economies of size. This may make them less accessible to budget-conscious consumers. Increased costs may limit the introduction of sustainable foods into conventional grocery stores and supermarkets. Retailers may be hesitant to carry these items if they believe they will not sell well, reducing availability and consumer choice.

Market Segment Analysis

The global sustainable food market is segmented based on product type, sustainability claims, distribution channel and region.

Organic food segment is expected to dominate the market share

Organic foods segment is expected to hold a major position in the market share. This is because they have less environmental impact and promote local agriculture, organic agricultural methods and locally obtained products are becoming increasingly popular. The demand for these categories is driven by their focus on encouraging sustainable farming practices and lowering the usage of pesticides.

The growing awareness among individuals regarding conventional food production that contains a large number of chemicals and pesticides is the main factor that is shifting the individual’s interest towards organic foods. The rising interest of consumers to intake organic products is driving manufacturers to introduce a large number of products that are preferred by individuals. 

For instance, in March 2024, Kaneka Corporation Pur Natur “Organic Milk made from organic raw milk. This will be the second organic dairy product in the Pur Natur brand following yogurt.

Additionally, in December 2021, organic Prairie launched a ten-minute mealtime solution with first-of-its-kind organic seasoned ground beef.

Also, in January 2024, North Country Smokehouse expanded its portfolio with the launch of the Organic Applewood Smoked Uncured Canadian Bacon.

Market Geographical Share

North America is expected to hold a significant position in the sustainable food market share

North America is expected to hold a significant portion of the global sustainable food market owing to the increasing number of consumers who choose products that are locally sourced, and organic. The market's growth has been driven by increased consumer awareness and regulatory support for sustainable practices. 

A large consumer pool, the presence of large sustainable food manufacturers and the growing number of sustainable food options for the consumers are expected to drive the market growth.

For instance, in June 2024, NIÚKE unveiled QmilQ, a pioneering quinoa milk brand set to make waves in the U.S. market for its delicious taste, health benefits and sustainable practices. 

The initiatives taken by the manufacturers with the increased focus on sustainable production and ability to supply foods is also a driving factor for the market growth

For instance, in December 2023, Sysco Corporation launched “One Planet. One Table.”, an assortment of certified and sustainably focused products, representing the largest offering in the US foodservice industry. This initiative provides Sysco customers with over 3,000 products across 15 categories, featuring items backed by one of 20+ leading sustainability certifications and standards, included in Sysco’s commitments for seafood and fresh produce, or as plant-based alternative proteins. Thus, the above factors are expected to hold the region in the forecast period. 

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Organic Food
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Meat and Poultry
  • Dairy Products
  • Processed Food and Beverages
  • Others
• Plant-Based Products
  • Plant-Based Meat Substitutes
  • Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives
  • Plant-Based Snacks
  • Plant-Based Beverages
• Fair Trade Products
  • Coffee
  • Chocolate
  • Bananas
  • Sugar
  • Tea
  • Others
• Non-GMO Foods
• Eco-Friendly Packaging Products
  • Biodegradable Packaging
  • Recyclable Packaging
  • Compostable Packaging
  • Reusable Packaging
  • Others
• Others

By Sustainability Claims

• Certified Organic
• Fair Trade Certified
• Non-GMO Verified
• Rainforest Alliance Certified
• Biodynamic
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• E-Commerce
• Convenience Stores
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa  

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Impossible Foods, Earthbound Farm, Wakao Foods, BVeg Foods Pvt. Ltd., Kellanova, Beyond Meat Inc., Daiya Foods., Hain Celestial Group, ADM and Kerry Group plc among others.

Key Developments

• In September 2023, Novozymes launched Vertera ProBite as a game-changing solution to the plant-based meat industry. The new product is a part of Novozymes’ commitment to driving innovation in biosolutions and promoting sustainable food choices. 
• In March 2024, Plant-Based Foods Institute and the Soil & Climate Alliance launched the sustainable sourcing community of practice. sustainable sourcing community of practice will connect brands working to diversify ingredients, support more ecological farming practices, and improve livelihoods for the people who grow and make our food.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global sustainable food market segmentation based on product type, sustainability claims, distribution channel and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of sustainable food market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global sustainable food market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 47 figures and 176 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies