Ethical Food Market Report 2026

The ethical food market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $146.58 billion in 2025 to $156.85 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of organic farming practices, increasing consumer awareness of ethical consumption, expansion of specialty food retail channels, rising certification and labeling adoption, development of fairtrade supply networks.

The ethical food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $207.14 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for sustainable diets, increasing digital transparency tools in food supply chains, expansion of ethical food e-commerce platforms, rising corporate sustainability commitments, growth in regenerative agriculture adoption. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for certified organic and ethical food products, rising consumer focus on transparency and traceability, growing adoption of fairtrade and animal welfare standards, expansion of locally sourced and regenerative food systems, enhanced emphasis on sustainable packaging practices.

The growing concern for the environment is expected to increase the demand for ethical food in the coming years. Climate change and environmental challenges such as carbon emissions, global warming, plastic pollution, and food waste are driving companies to focus on sustainable products. Rising environmental awareness is encouraging both businesses and consumers to prefer ethically or sustainably certified products. For instance, in March 2023, the International Energy Agency, a France-based intergovernmental organization, reported that global energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 1.1%, adding 410 million tonnes (Mt) and reaching a record high of 37.4 billion tonnes (Gt) in 2023. Therefore, the rising environmental impact of food production and the growing demand for sustainable food are motivating companies to adopt sustainable practices, which is expected to drive the ethical food market.

Prominent companies in the ethical food market are directing their efforts towards the development of innovative products to maintain their market standing, including snack medleys. Snack medleys are assortments or combinations of different snacks packaged together. In June 2023, Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., a US-based producer of fruit-based beverages, introduced Snack Medley, a delightful blend of dried fruits. Crafted with high-quality ingredients, this product is available in three appealing combinations designed to satisfy diverse palates. It serves as a nutritious and convenient snack option, particularly suitable for families on the go.

In July 2024, Probios, an Italy-based producer of fermented foods, acquired BiotoBio for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to strengthen Probios's position in the European health and wellness food market by leveraging BiotoBio's status as a leading Italian supplier of organic, healthy, and natural foods and cosmetics. The portfolio acquired includes renowned brands such as Baule Volante, Finestra sul Cielo, Fior di Loto, and Vivibio. BiotoBio specializes in producing organic and sustainable food products.

Major companies operating in the ethical food market are United Natural Foods Inc, The Hain Celestial Group, Organic Valley, Amy’s Kitchen, Whole Foods Market, Alnatura Produktions und Handels GmbH, HiPP GmbH & Co Vertrieb KG, Eden Foods Inc, Daiya Foods Inc, Earth’s Own Food Company Inc, SunOpta Inc, Blue Diamond Growers Inc, Ripple Foods, Impossible Foods, Gardein, SmartSweets, Uncle Matt’s Organic Inc, Suja Life, Mother Raw, Lufa Farms, Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the ethical food market in 2025. Western Europe was the second-largest region in the global ethical food market. The regions covered in the ethical food market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the ethical food market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The ethical food market consists of sales of organic fruits and vegetables, honey, coffee, tea, meat(chicken, pork, lamb, others), sustainable seafood, chocolate, sugar, and other ethical foods. 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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