Food Certification - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The global food certification market size was valued at USD 6.41 billion in 2025 and estimated to grow from USD 6.75 billion in 2026 to reach USD 8.72 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.26% during the forecast period (2026-2031). This report is Segmented by Certification Type (ISO 22000/FSSC 22000, BRCGS, SQF, IFS, Halal, and More), by Product Type (Meat, Poultry and Seafood Products, Dairy Products, Infant Foods, Beverages, Bakery and Confectionery Products, Free-From/Allergen-Free Foods, and Others) and by Geography (North America, Europe, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Global Food Certification Market Trends and Insights

Rising consumer demand for food-safety and transparency

The increasing consumer awareness about food safety and transparency is significantly driving the food certification market, with consumers actively seeking detailed information about food sources, production methods, and ingredient authenticity. Social media and digital platforms have enhanced consumer access to food safety information, leading to heightened scrutiny of food products and their certifications. Recent food safety incidents have reinforced the importance of third-party certifications, as evidenced by BRCGS data showing that 91% of consumers are influenced by third-party verification for gluten-free products, while 76% prefer products certified by recognized coeliac associations. This heightened awareness has prompted food manufacturers to adopt certification standards, implement transparent labeling practices, and invest in food safety certifications to maintain consumer trust and market share. The trend is further strengthened by the growing population of health-conscious consumers creating demand for certified organic, non-GMO, and allergen-free products. Food manufacturers are responding to this demand by obtaining multiple certifications to address various consumer concerns and regulatory requirements. The integration of blockchain technology and digital traceability solutions is further enhancing the credibility and transparency of food certification systems.

Stringent government regulations and compliance requirements

Government regulations and compliance requirements for food safety and quality standards continue to strengthen globally, particularly in North America and Europe. The implementation of regulations such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the United States and the General Food Law in the European Union mandates food businesses to obtain certifications like HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000. The increasing number of foodborne illnesses, with WHO reporting in October 2024, approximately 600 million people falling ill and 420,000 deaths annually from contaminated food, has prompted governments to enforce stricter food safety measures. This has compelled food manufacturers and processors to invest in certification programs to demonstrate compliance. Furthermore, the rise in international food trade has emphasized the need for standardized certifications to ensure compliance with importing countries' regulations, creating new compliance requirements while driving market growth through mandatory certification requirements.

High cost of certification and renewal

The high costs associated with food certification and renewal processes create significant barriers, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Organizations must allocate substantial financial resources for initial certification, including application fees, audit expenses, and implementation of required systems. The recurring costs for periodic renewals, surveillance audits, and maintaining compliance with evolving standards further strain company budgets. This challenge is particularly evident in developing markets, where certification fees can represent a disproportionate share of company revenues. For instance, Indonesian micro and small enterprises face multiple obstacles in meeting halal certification requirements, including high costs, lack of process knowledge, and inadequate facilities. Similarly, Malaysian SMEs struggle with certification acquisition due to financial constraints and knowledge gaps. These financial burdens can deter potential market entrants and may force existing certified companies to discontinue their certifications, ultimately constraining market growth.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Expanding cross-border food trade drives multi-standard adoption
• Growing popularity of clean label and transparency movements
• Shortage of qualified food auditors slows site approvals

Segment Analysis

ISO 22000/FSSC 22000 certification dominates the market with a 32.10% share in 2025, supported by its Global Food Safety Initiative recognition and implementation across 35,000 organizations worldwide, according to NSF. The certification's prominence is attributed to its comprehensive framework, which integrates ISO 22000:2018 requirements with sector-specific prerequisites. The upcoming FSSC 22000 Version 6, effective April 2024, strengthens this position by introducing enhanced requirements for food safety culture, quality control, and equipment management documentation. BRCGS certification maintains its market strength through its Issue 9 standard, while IFS and GMP+/FSA certifications cater to specialized market segments.

Halal certification emerges as the fastest-growing segment, projecting a 7.52% CAGR through 2031, with Indonesia's mandatory certification law resulting in over 5 million certified products by October 2024. The certification landscape continues to evolve with kosher certification maintaining steady demand in traditional markets, while other certifications, including organic and sustainability standards, experience growth driven by increasing consumer demand for transparency and environmental responsibility. This diversification in certification types reflects the industry's response to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements across global markets.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Certification Type
  • ISO 22000/FSSC 22000
  • BRCGS
  • SQF
  • IFS
  • Halal
  • Kosher
  • GMP+/FSA
  • Others
• By Product Type
  • Meat, Poultry and Seafood Products
  • Dairy Products
  • Infant Foods
  • Beverages
  • Bakery and Confectionery Products
  • Free-From/Allergen-Free Foods
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • Rest of North America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Italy
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Rest of South America
  • Middle East and Africa
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Rest of Middle East and Africa

Geography Analysis

Europe holds the dominant market position with a 33.74% share in 2025, underpinned by the European Food Safety Authority's comprehensive regulatory framework. The region's commitment to consumer protection is evident through the implementation of Regulation 2025/351 on plastic food contact materials, effective March 2025, which establishes stricter purity requirements and migration limits. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority's updated guidance for novel food applications, effective February 2025, has improved the efficiency of risk assessment processes.

The Asia-Pacific region demonstrates the strongest growth trajectory with a projected CAGR of 7.24% through 2031. This growth is driven by significant regulatory developments, such as India's FSSAI re-operationalized food labeling and display standards implemented in January 2023. These standards have strengthened consumer protection through enhanced labeling requirements for fortified foods, while the adoption of blockchain-based traceability systems further supports regional market expansion.

North America maintains a significant market presence through FDA regulations and USDA oversight. South America's market growth is exemplified by Argentina's food import reforms, which streamline trade processes for countries with high sanitary standards while maintaining safety requirements. The Middle East and Africa region continues to develop through expanded halal certification requirements and enhanced regulatory frameworks, contributing to steady market progression.

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Eurofins Scientific SE
• Bureau Veritas Group
• Intertek Group PLC
• SGS S.A.
• NSF International
• TUV SUD Aktiengesellschaft
• SCS Global Services
• AsureQuality Ltd
• Det Norske Veritas Holding AS
• DEKRA SE
• ALS Global
• TUV Rheinland Berlin Brandenburg Pfalz e.V.
• SHV Holdings
• Peterson and Control Union Group
• Perry Johnson Registrars
• DQS Holding GmbH
• QIMA Ltd
• LRQA
• Det Norske Veritas
• Kiwa NV

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support