PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1675242
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1675242
Ethnic food refers to cuisine eaten outside the geographical area of its origin and often unique to a specific region or community. Non-dominant culture cuisines, including Indian, Korean, Italian, Peruvian, Moroccan, Mexican, Brazilian, Argentine, or Chinese cuisines, are considered ethnic and distinct from standard Western cuisine.
Ethnic foods are primarily categorized into two main types: vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Vegetarian ethnic foods consist of dishes made predominantly from vegetables and fruits. Within the vegetarian category, there are further distinctions such as vegetarian, plant-based, and vegan foods, each representing different dietary preferences from various countries. These diverse ethnic foods span a range of cuisines, including American, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, and more. They are made available to consumers through various distribution channels, including supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail channels, and other distribution outlets. Ethnic foods are commonly enjoyed in both restaurants and households, contributing to the rich culinary landscape that reflects cultural diversity and preferences.
The ethnic food market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides ethnic food market statistics, including ethnic food industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an ethnic food market share, detailed ethnic food market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ethnic food industry. This ethnic food 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 ethnic food market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $57.62 billion in 2024 to $63.42 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to cultural diversity and migration, urbanization and lifestyle changes, social media and food trends, restaurant and street food culture, health and wellness awareness, culinary education and exposure.
The ethnic food market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $97.34 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to culinary fusion and innovation, health-conscious ethnic options, e-commerce and meal kits, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, authenticity and cultural representation. Major trends in the forecast period include digital platforms and food discovery, authenticity and regional varieties, plant-based and vegetarian options, online food delivery and takeout, fusion cuisine.
Rising immigration rates are a key factor driving the growth of the ethnic food market. Immigration is on the rise for various reasons, including employment opportunities, environmental factors, educational pursuits, family reunification, and the desire to escape violent conflicts. Immigrants tend to prefer the cuisine of their home countries, which boosts the demand for ethnic food. For example, according to the American Community Survey (ACS), an annual demographic survey conducted by the United States Census Bureau, the number of immigrants residing in the United States grew by 3.6% from 2022 to 2023. Therefore, the increasing immigration rates are anticipated to propel the ethnic food market.
The growth of food tourism stands out as a pivotal factor driving the expansion of the ethnic food market. Food tourism, also known as culinary tourism or gastronomic tourism, involves traveling to various destinations with the primary objective of exploring and experiencing the local food and beverage offerings. The increasing popularity of food tourism has led to a greater interest in and demand for ethnic foods that go beyond local borders. For instance, as of July 2023, according to the TravelDailyNews Media Network, a US-based media company, the food tourism market is projected to reach $999,033.40 million in 2023 and is expected to further grow to $4,112,489.40 million by 2033. Presently, the industry attracts approximately 5.382.3 million tourists annually. This surge in food tourism is anticipated to be a significant driving force behind the growth of the ethnic food market.
Business expansion is a significant trend gaining traction in the ethnic food market. This expansion is achieved through various methods, including the introduction of new products, entry into new markets, market penetration, diversification, and other strategies. Major players in the ethnic food market are concentrating on business expansion through new product development to create more opportunities, increase revenue streams, and strengthen their market position. For example, in March 2024, Truly Indian, a brand dedicated to promoting authentic Indian food products, made its official debut in the U.S. at the Natural Products Expo West 2024. This event is recognized as a leading trade show for natural and organic products, offering a platform for emerging brands to present their offerings. The launch aims to connect U.S. consumers with high-quality Indian foods, highlighting the brand's commitment to authenticity and cultural heritage.
Major companies in the ethnic food market are increasingly engaging in partnerships to facilitate the development of new products and fortify their market positions. These strategic partnerships involve companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. For instance, in November 2022, Spice Story, an India-based company specializing in Indian ethnic food flavors, entered into a partnership with Jayanti Herbs and Spice for offline expansion. The primary objective of this collaboration is to enhance offline presence by establishing approximately 15,000 stores by March 2023. Within this partnership, Spice Story will leverage Jayanti Herbs & Spice's extensive distribution network, comprising 23,000 multi-brand modern format retail stores. This network includes both national and regional chains, as well as standalone modern retail outlets, thereby contributing to the expansion and visibility of Spice Story's products in the market.
In July 2022, Premier Foods, a food manufacturing company based in the UK, successfully acquired The Spice Tailor for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition aims to enable Premier Foods to expand its geographical footprint and bolster its presence in the ethnic foods market, particularly in Australia. The acquisition aligns seamlessly with Premier Foods' growth strategy, providing an opportunity to leverage the exceptional track record of The Spice Tailor. The Spice Tailor, based in the UK, is recognized for manufacturing Indian and South East Asian meal kits, and this acquisition positions Premier Foods to capitalize on the expertise and offerings of The Spice Tailor in its efforts to strengthen its position in the ethnic foods business.
Major companies operating in the ethnic food market include Nestle S.A., Associated British Foods plc, General Mills Inc., Taco Bell Corp., Conagra Brands Inc., Ajinomoto Co. Inc., ITC Limited, McCormick & Company Incorporated, MTR Foods Pvt Ltd, Kikkoman Corporation, House Foods Group Inc., Aryzta AG, B&G Foods Holdings Corp., Haldiram Manufacturing Co. Pvt. Ltd., Goya Foods Inc., GraceKennedy Group, S&B Foods Inc., Amy's Kitchen Inc., Santa Maria AB, East End Foods plc, Surya Foods Ltd., Leathams Limited, Kawan Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, Tasty Bite Eatables Ltd., Tilda Limited, TRS Foods Ltd., Natco Foods Ltd., Wanis International Foods Limited, Frontera Foods Inc., Asli Fine Foods Limited
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the ethnic food market in 2024. The regions covered in the ethnic food market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the ethnic food market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The ethnic food market consists of sales of mango pulp, spicy lentils, special pickles. 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 ethnic food 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.
Ethnic Food Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on ethnic food market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for ethnic food ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The ethnic food market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.