Food Contract Manufacturing Global Market Report 2024

The food contract manufacturing market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $154.23 billion in 2023 to $170.92 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%. The growth observed in the historic period can be attributed to factors such as the demand for cost efficiency, a focus on core competencies, expansion of market reach and geographic presence, fluctuations in seasonal demand, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to quality assurance. Additionally, the flexibility in production capacities has played a significant role in this growth.

The food contract manufacturing market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $274.94 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rise in health and wellness products, the prevalence of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer trends, the adoption of clean label and sustainable practices, global market penetration, and the increasing popularity of plant-based and alternative foods. Major trends expected during this period include the integration of technology and Industry 4.0, a continued emphasis on sustainability, the demand for customization, and the optimization of global supply chains.

The surge in food demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic is anticipated to propel the expansion of the food contract manufacturing market in the foreseeable future. The COVID-19 infectious disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, typically resulting in mild to moderate respiratory illness for most individuals. The emphasis on consuming healthy and hot food at regular intervals has become crucial in mitigating the effects of COVID-19 and enhancing immunity, leading to a heightened demand for food products. For example, in September 2022, The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a US-based federal agency, reported a 13.4% increase in food expenditures in 2021, surpassing the 10.5% recorded in 2020. Additionally, consumer units' spending on food rose from 7,310 in 2020 to 8,289 in 2021. Consequently, the upswing in food demand during the pandemic is a driving force behind the anticipated growth of the food contract manufacturing market.

The growing inclination of consumers towards convenience foods is a driving force in the food contract manufacturing market. Convenience foods encompass processed food products that require minimal preparation before consumption, such as ready-to-eat items, packaged foods, and preserved foods. Food contract manufacturing plays a pivotal role in the production of convenience foods by improving overall food production efficiency, offering flexibility in product formats, providing expertise in packaging design and materials, and more. For example, in May 2022, the International Food Information Council, a US-based non-profit organization, reported that a significant 73% of adults in 2022 claimed to snack at least once a day - a noteworthy increase of 15% from the 58% reported in the previous year (2021). Consequently, the rising consumer preference for convenience foods is anticipated to drive the demand for the food contract manufacturing market.

Product innovation has emerged as a prominent trend gaining traction in the food contract manufacturing market. Leading companies within the sector are dedicated to creating innovative products to enhance their market presence. For instance, in March 2022, EnWave Corporation, a Canada-based advanced technology company, introduced its cutting-edge vacuum-microwave toll drying facility, REVworx. This facility provides on-demand contract manufacturing services for the production of high-quality, vacuum-microwave dried snacks and ingredient applications, catering to food companies of all sizes. REVworx utilizes REV technology, promising reduced upfront capital investment and accelerated speed to market.

Major players in the food contract manufacturing market are actively establishing plant-based manufacturing sites to meet the increasing demand for plant-based food products and maintain their market presence. A plant-based manufacturing site is a facility or location specifically designed and equipped for the production of plant-based products. For example, in November 2022, ETA Lumis Foods, a US-based food contract manufacturing company, announced the inauguration of its flagship facility in New Jersey. This newly constructed, state-of-the-art facility spans 12,000 square feet and is equipped with a cutting-edge GEA processing line, along with an EV88 Clextral Twin Screw machine. ETA Lumis maintains affiliations with reputable organizations, including The Good Food Institute, Plant-Based Food Association, and Private Label Manufacturers Association.

In December 2021, Hearthside Foods Solutions, LLC, a US-based player in food contract manufacturing, successfully acquired Weston Foods Inc in a deal worth $296 million. This strategic move is geared towards broadening Hearthside Foods Solution's production capacities and improving its geographic coverage. Weston Foods Inc., based in Canada, specializes as a contract manufacturer of fresh and frozen baked products.

Major companies operating in the food contract manufacturing market report are Christy Friedgram Industry, Hearthside Food Solutions LLC, Haco AG, Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., Nikken Foods Co. Ltd., The C.F. Sauer Company, Cosori Corporation, Tree Top Inc., Nu-World Foods Inc., SK Food Group Inc., De Banketgroep B.V., The Eli’s Cheesecake Co. LLC, Pacmoore Products Inc., The Fremont Company LLC, Action Pak Inc., LEM Products Holding LLC, Van Law Food Products Inc., Superior Supplement Manufacturing Inc., The Sausage Maker Inc., Fibro Foods LLP, Gourmia Inc., Thrive Foods LLC, SternMaid America LLC, ETA Lumis Foods Ltd., Samma Service S.r.l., Nutrascience Labs Inc., Hindustan Foods Limited, Cremica Agro Foods Ltd., Helander Company Inc., Magic Mill Enterprises LLC, The French’s Food Company LLC.

North America was the largest region in the food contract manufacturing market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the food contract manufacturing market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the food contract manufacturing market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary services in the food contract manufacturing market encompass manufacturing services, packaging services, and research and development. Manufacturing services are crucial in the food industry, offering the benefit of avoiding investments in food production and packaging machinery, facilities, resources, and highly skilled personnel. Diverse manufacturing processes, such as dry blending, spray drying, and extrusion, are employed to fulfill these services.

The food contract manufacturing market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides food contract manufacturing market statistics, including food contract manufacturing industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the food contract manufacturing market share, detailed food contract manufacturing market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food contract manufacturing industry. This food contract manufacturing market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The food contract manufacturing market includes revenues earned by entities by providing food product development, beverage formulation, microbiome solutions, nutraceutical formulations, herbal formulation. 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.


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