Street Vendors Market Report 2026

The street vendors market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $2.99 billion in 2025 to $3.36 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to urban population growth, informal employment expansion, demand for low cost goods, cultural food traditions, limited access to formal retail.

The street vendors market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.3 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to integration of cashless payments, urban street food tourism growth, regulatory formalization initiatives, rising demand for quick meals, expansion into organized vending zones. Major trends in the forecast period include adoption of digital payment systems, rising demand for affordable street food, growth of mobile and pop up vendors, focus on hygiene and food safety, expansion in urban and semi urban areas.

The growth of the tourism industry is expected to accelerate the expansion of the street vendors market in the coming years. The tourism industry includes all activities, services, and businesses designed to serve travelers and tourists. The increase in tourism is driven by the promotion of travel and leisure activities, along with people’s desire to visit new destinations, experience different cultures, and participate in recreational pursuits. Tourism helps street vendors gain greater visibility through travel guides, social media platforms, and word-of-mouth referrals, resulting in a broader customer base and enhanced business prospects. For example, in December 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an Australian-based government administration, during the 2022-23 fiscal year, domestic tourism expenditure in Australia increased by $34.9 billion to reach $124.9 billion. At the same time, international tourism spending rose by $17.7 billion, totaling $23.6 billion in chain volume terms. Therefore, the expansion of the tourism industry is contributing to the growth of the street vendors market.

Major companies operating in the street vendors market are concentrating on the development of innovative solutions such as portable air-cooled vending carts to improve food preservation and support vendor livelihoods. Portable air-cooled vending carts are mobile units that use evaporative cooling technology to maintain suitable temperature and humidity conditions, enabling vendors to extend the shelf life of perishable products and reduce food spoilage. For instance, in 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), an India-based government-linked academic and research institution, developed an air-cooled vegetable vending cart as part of the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) initiative. This cart lowers internal temperatures by 10-15°C and helps preserve fruits and vegetables for 2-3 days, substantially reducing food waste and increasing income potential for small vendors. The cart also features a portable design that allows easy movement and simple operation, marking a significant improvement in street vending practices and enhancing food management efficiency, particularly for last-mile sales in urban and semi-urban locations.

In June 2023, Shore Capital Partners, a US-based private equity firm, entered into a partnership with Roaming Hunger. This collaboration is intended to support Roaming Hunger’s growth through investments in expansion, acquisitions, and the introduction of new service offerings, thereby strengthening food trucks and mobile vendors. The partnership also focuses on supporting small businesses and boosting local economies. Roaming Hunger is a US-based food company that connects food trucks, trailers, carts, and pop-up vendors with catering, vending, and promotional opportunities.

Major companies operating in the street vendors market are Dippin' Dots, Halal Guys, Kogi BBQ, Roaming Hunger, Curry Up Now, Wafels & Dinges, Coolhaus, Big Gay Ice Cream, Mister Softee, The Cinnamon Snail, Crepes Bonaparte, The Lime Truck, Rito Loco, Bizz On Wheels, The Taco Truck LLC, Kimchi Taco Truck, Buldogis, Fryborg Food Truck, Cousins Maine Lobster LLC, Fukuburger Truck, The Grilled Cheese Truck.

North America was the largest region in the street vendors market in 2025. The regions covered in the street vendors market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the street vendors market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The street vendors market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as food and beverage services, retail services, and personal services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.