Fast Food Market Report 2025

The fast food market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $645.2 billion in 2024 to $663.92 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to change in consumer preferences and lifestyles, rapid urbanization, globalization, increased demand for convenience foods, rise in working population.

The fast food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $833.43 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising consumer expenditure on food, rapid industrialization, rise in young population, rise in disposable income, economic growth. Major trends in the forecast period include plant-based options, ghost kitchens, contactless ordering and payment, menu customization, healthier menu options.

The growing demand for plant-based proteins is a key factor significantly contributing to the expansion of the fast-food market. Plant-based proteins, derived from sources such as legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, provide a sustainable alternative to animal-based proteins. This rising demand is driven by increased consumer awareness of their health benefits, environmental sustainability concerns, ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare, and the growing popularity of vegan and flexitarian diets. Fast food chains are expanding their menus with plant-based protein options, such as veggie burgers and nuggets, to meet the demand for healthier, meat-free alternatives. For example, in April 2023, the Good Food Institute, a US-based non-profit organization, reported that global retail sales of plant-based meat and seafood in 2022 reached $6.1 billion, reflecting an 8% growth in revenue and a 5% increase in volume. Additionally, global sales of plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt hit $21.6 billion, showing a 7% rise compared to the previous year. Thus, the increasing demand for plant-based proteins is driving growth in the fast-food market.

Anticipated growth in the food service industry is poised to further propel the fast-food market. Defined by its focus on swiftly prepared, standardized meals suitable for on-the-go consumption, fast food plays a crucial role in meeting the demands of busy lifestyles. The food service industry leverages fast food to offer customers convenient and efficiently prepared meals. In 2022, the U.S. restaurant industry achieved $898 billion in sales, reflecting a notable increase of $166.5 billion compared to 2021. This upward trajectory in the food service industry continues to be a major force driving the fast-food market's expansion.

A prominent trend shaping the fast-food market is the advancement in online food delivery services. Major players in the industry are continually innovating to enhance the online food delivery experience for consumers. In February 2022, KFC, a leading U.S.-based fast-food restaurant company, introduced Wing, Australia's first on-demand drone delivery service. Collaborating with Collins Food Limited, KFC Australia's largest corporate franchise partner, the initiative involves the creation of a cloud kitchen dedicated to preparing KFC's chicken in advance for swift drone deliveries. This novel approach exemplifies the industry's commitment to leveraging technology for the ultimate convenience of customers.

Major players in the fast-food market are embracing strategic partnerships to introduce innovative technologies, particularly in automating voice ordering processes at drive-thru locations. This collaborative approach involves companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits. An example of this trend is evident in the partnership forged in May 2023 between CKE Restaurants Holdings, a prominent U.S.-based fast-food corporation, and technology companies Presto Automation, OpenCity, and Valyant AI. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to enhance accuracy, speed, and revenue generation, addressing challenges related to staffing shortages. The implementation of AI technology, exemplified by Presto Voice, enables automated voice ordering at CKE drive-thru locations nationwide, contributing to improved service speed, order accuracy, and upselling capabilities.

In May 2024, Burger King, a US-based fast food chain, acquired Carrols Restaurant Group for an undisclosed sum. The purpose of this acquisition is to integrate and improve Burger King locations as part of its Reclaim the Flame plan, with the ultimate goal of reimagining and refranchising the restaurants to enhance brand growth and profitability. Carrols Restaurant Group is a US-based franchisee company that specializes in operating fast food restaurants.

Major companies operating in the fast food market include Auntie Anne's Inc., Cinnabon Franchisor SPV LLC, Domino's Pizza Inc., Dunkin' Brands Group Inc., Hardee's Restaurants LLC, Jack in the Box Inc., McDonald's Corporation, Restaurant Brands International Inc., Yum! Brands Inc., Doctor's Associates Inc., CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc., Inspire Brands Inc., Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., Subway SA, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King Holdings, Pizza Hut Inc., Taco Bell IP Holder LLC, International Dairy Queen Inc., Arby's Restaurant Group Inc., Jimmy John's LLC, Papa John's International Inc., Little Caesar Enterprises Inc., Sonic Drive-In Corp., Five Guys Enterprises LLC, Chick-fil-A Inc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Inc., Bojangles OpCo LLC., Whataburger Restaurants LLC, In-N-Out Burger Inc., White Castle Corp., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc.

Fast food refers to meals that are prepared and served quickly, offering convenience and affordability. These foods are typically known for their standardized recipes, fast service, and ease of consumption.

Fast-food services encompass on-premise dining, delivery, and take-away options. On-premise services provide customers with both food and a designated space to enjoy their meals. These restaurants offer a dining experience where customers can relax and savor their fast food in a pleasant ambiance. Fast food offerings span various cuisines, including seafood, Latin American dishes, chicken, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and more. End-users of fast-food services include quick-service restaurants, fast-casual establishments, and other similar venues.

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

North America was the largest region in the fast-food market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the fast-food market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the fast-food market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.

The fast-food market consists of sales of chicken, sandwich, burger, pasta, pizza. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

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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