Food Away From Home - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Food Away From Home was valued at US$118.7 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$129.7 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.5% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Food Away From Home market.

Global Food Away From Home Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Dining Outside the Home Becoming a Mainstay of Modern Lifestyles?

The global 'Food Away From Home' (FAFH) market is witnessing sustained growth as changing lifestyles, urbanization, and evolving work patterns reshape how consumers approach meals. Dining out - whether at full-service restaurants, fast-food outlets, cafes, food trucks, or institutional canteens - has shifted from a convenience to a routine aspect of daily life. Time-constrained households, particularly dual-income families and urban professionals, are increasingly outsourcing meal preparation, opting for readily available and diverse food options outside the home. The rise of social dining, food tourism, and experiential cuisine has also made eating out a preferred leisure activity among millennials and Gen Z. Moreover, globalization has led to the proliferation of international cuisines, expanding consumer palates and encouraging culinary experimentation. In many urban centers, cafes and quick-service restaurants (QSRs) now serve as social hubs or alternative workspaces, further embedding them in everyday life. The increase in disposable incomes across developing economies has unlocked new demand for organized dining experiences, turning FAFH into a cultural and economic phenomenon. As consumer habits evolve from occasional indulgence to habitual dining, food away from home is fast becoming a permanent fixture of the global food consumption landscape.

How Are Technology and Consumer Preferences Transforming the Industry?

Technological advancements and changing consumer expectations are revolutionizing the food away from home market, creating new business models and reshaping service delivery. Online ordering platforms, mobile apps, digital payment systems, and AI-powered recommendation engines have significantly enhanced customer convenience and loyalty. The explosive growth of food delivery aggregators like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Zomato, and Deliveroo has redefined accessibility, enabling consumers to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home or on-the-go without sacrificing choice. Contactless dining, QR code menus, and cloud kitchens are now mainstream, offering speed, customization, and safety. On the consumer side, there is growing demand for transparency, healthier meal options, and sustainability-focused dining experiences. This has prompted restaurants to adapt with calorie labeling, organic or plant-based menu items, and eco-friendly packaging. Additionally, data-driven personalization and loyalty programs are helping brands build deeper connections with their clientele. In fast-casual and quick-service formats, automation - ranging from self-order kiosks to robotic kitchens - is driving efficiency and consistency. These technological and behavioral shifts are not only enhancing customer experience but also enabling operators to optimize operations, manage labor challenges, and remain competitive in a digitally driven food economy.

Which Segments and Global Regions Are Leading the Charge in FAFH Expansion?

The food away from home market spans a broad spectrum of segments, each experiencing distinct growth dynamics. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) continue to dominate due to their affordability, speed, and scalability, particularly in urban and transit-heavy locations. Fast-casual formats are gaining ground, offering higher-quality meals without the wait times or pricing of full-service restaurants. The full-service dining segment remains resilient in special-occasion and family dining markets, especially in tourist-heavy areas and developed economies. Cafés and specialty beverage outlets are experiencing strong traction among younger consumers and digital nomads, becoming central to urban social culture. In the institutional sector, corporate cafeterias, hospitals, military bases, and educational campuses represent stable demand for high-volume, low-cost food services. Regionally, North America and Europe have mature FAFH markets characterized by advanced infrastructure, strong brand penetration, and consumer willingness to spend on dining experiences. However, the Asia-Pacific region is the most dynamic growth hub, driven by rapid urbanization, a growing middle class, and the rise of local and international chains in countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Latin America and the Middle East are also experiencing expansion, particularly in organized foodservice formats, as retail modernization and international tourism increase. These regional trends point to a robust and evolving global marketplace with diverse drivers of demand.

What Market Forces Are Accelerating Growth and Redefining Competitive Strategies?

The growth in the food away from home market is driven by several factors rooted in demographics, technology, cultural shifts, and economic momentum. First, the global increase in urban populations and rising disposable incomes, particularly in emerging markets, is fueling higher consumption of meals outside the home. Second, lifestyle changes - such as long working hours, smaller household sizes, and on-demand expectations - are pushing consumers toward foodservice solutions that offer convenience and variety without the effort of home cooking. Third, the ubiquity of mobile devices and digital platforms has transformed the customer journey, allowing food providers to meet consumers at multiple touchpoints, from dine-in and takeout to delivery and virtual kitchens. Fourth, the diversification of dietary preferences - including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-sensitive options - is compelling foodservice operators to innovate and differentiate their offerings. The influence of health and wellness trends is also significant, with more diners expecting clean-label, nutritious, and portion-controlled meals. Additionally, economic recovery post-COVID has reignited consumer spending on social and leisure activities, including dining. Rising competition is prompting chains to invest in branding, menu engineering, and omnichannel service models to capture market share. Lastly, environmental sustainability is becoming a competitive differentiator, with customers increasingly favoring brands that demonstrate responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and energy-efficient operations. These multifaceted drivers are converging to shape a resilient and fast-evolving global FAFH market.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the Food Away From Home market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

Segments: Deployment (Dine in, Take Away, Home Delivery); Application (Restaurants, Schools & Colleges, Hotels & Motels, Retail Stores & Vending, Other Applications); Occasion Type (Entertainment, Travel, Retail, Freestanding); Ownership Type (Independent, Chains).

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Dine in segment, which is expected to reach US$85.3 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 1.6%. The Take Away segment is also set to grow at 1.1% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $32.3 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 2.9% CAGR to reach $23.7 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Food Away From Home Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Food Away From Home Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Food Away From Home Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Aramark, Brinker International Inc., Burger King Company LLC, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Compass Group PLC and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 47 companies featured in this Food Away From Home market report include:

• Aramark
• Brinker International Inc.
• Burger King Company LLC
• Chipotle Mexican Grill
• Compass Group PLC
• Darden Concepts Inc.
• Domino's Pizza
• Greene King
• Jubilant FoodWorks
• McDonald's
• Panda Restaurant Group Inc.
• Papa John's International Inc.
• Restaurant Brands International
• SATS Ltd.
• Shake Shack
• Sodexo
• Starbucks Corporation
• Subway IP LLC
• Whataburger
• Yum! Brands

Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025

Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.

The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.

What's Included in This Edition:

• Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
• Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
• Strategic insights into geographic shifts

Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:

• Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
• Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
• Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry