Global Food & Beverage Survey Report

The world is emerging from the pandemic into a period of growth and recovery – shadowed by political instability.

• So how are these events landing in shopping baskets and on tables?
• Where are the biggest opportunities for the food and beverage industry?
• And what risks and challenges are businesses looking out for over the next few years?

To find answers to these questions, we surveyed key decision makers in companies across the globe, from food production and processing to brewing and soft drinks.

Survey sample and methodology

Our survey was carried out by our research partner, Coleman Parkes, in January-February 2022 using phone-to-web methodology.

We received 250 responses from global senior executives in leading food and beverage companies globally.

Key findings

The lessons of Covid are being turned into opportunities

Businesses transformed themselves to adapt in the pandemic. Now, as the world reopens, they are looking to maximise the potential from these changes – 45% said continuing with adaptations, such as automation and digitalization, were among their greatest opportunities.

Challenges to address risks over next 3 to 5 years

Businesses are prioritising stability and resilience

Senior executives named stabilising the business (41%), as their top priority over the next two years, ranking this well above growth.

Businesses are also focusing on resilience – 97% have a formal process for business continuity planning, 63% of which are linked to corporate KPIs.

Companies are optimistic about the future

Despite the challenges of the last two years and ongoing headwinds, 70% of food and beverage organisations are optimistic that the sector will be more profitable over the next two years.

Organic is the key food trend

Organic foods topped our list of greatest business opportunities over the next two years at 48%. Vegan and vegetarian diets (30%) are seen as less beneficial globally.

The last two years has seen perhaps the greatest disruptive event in living memory. Just as things were getting back to some kind of normality, the conflict in Ukraine brought new instability and sent prices rocketing, with potential for further supply chain disruption.

Yet the industry always adapts – it has to, in order to keep shelves stocked and food and drink on the tables of the world.

We’re seeing this in the response to the pandemic as businesses look to turn the adaptations they made to keep going into opportunities for the future.

It’s likely we’ll see more nearshoring of production, investment in automation and strengthening of supply chains as the industry prioritises stability and continuity in the short to medium term.

To learn more, download your free survey report by completing the short form at the top of this page.