Best Food & Beverage Manufacturers in USA
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The U.S. food and beverage manufacturing industry is an ever-evolving competitive landscape. It is a dynamic business range which plays an important role in shaping the nation’s economy and lifestyle. Manufacturers have always boosted up the country’s external relations as they export their food and beverage products to other countries. The best food & beverage manufacturers in USA have been consistent in setting unrealistic standards in quality, variety, and sustainability. All the top manufacturers mentioned in this list serve a large line of customers in the United States of America! In this blog, we have talked about the key players in the US industry. Additionally, we have also talked about different kinds of manufacturing businesses and trends to follow. So, whether you’re an explorer or a new owner looking for ideas.
What is Food And Beverage Manufacturing?
Food and beverage manufacturing is the process of developing products from combining or making changes to raw ingredients. Once manufactured, these food and beverage products are ready for consumption. The best food & beverage manufacturers in USA conduct a wide range of activities, including sourcing raw materials, processing, packaging, distributing, and marketing. Numerous kinds of businesses exist in the current market, we have listed out the various kinds of manufacturing businesses in the next section.
From producing daily necessities such as bread, dairy to creative dishes and innovative delicacies, food & beverage manufacturers in USA play an important role in ensuring the upliftment of the food market. They have experience with working on advanced technology, to make sure that they maintain quality control while complying end-to-end with the food safety regulations. Top food & beverage manufacturers in USA make sure that they stay ahead of the food and beverage industry trends.
You can find a whole lot of manufacturers, from small sized factories to large corporations. Well, the American food and beverage manufacturing industry is one of the top names in the global stage!
Different Kinds Of Food And Beverage Manufacturing Businesses
The top food & beverage manufacturers in USA already have captured the majority of the market. Also, by the industry being diverse, being home to various tastes, consumer needs, and dietary preferences. Stating that there’s a lot to discover and experience. Here are some of the most prominent types of food and beverage manufacturing businesses:
1. Processed Food Manufacturers
These manufacturers produce packaged foods that are either half-cooked or completely cooked. They’re ready to eat, convenient, and long-lasting. For instance, frozen meals, snacks, canned goods, etc. If you’ll ask us about the top names in the industry – we’ll go on with Kraft Heinz, and General Mills!
2. Beverage Companies
Beverage manufacturers are a proud stakeholder of the beverage industry, they produce a variety of drinks including carbonated sodas, energy drinks, and protein shakes. Key examples would include Coca-Cola, PepsiCo (biggest food & beverage manufacturer in USA), and Anheuser-Busch.
3. Dairy and Plant-Based Alternatives
One of the most popular food business ideas amongst the top food & beverage manufacturers in USA is dairy and plant-based alternatives. These produce dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. Top manufacturer’s names include Danone (known for its dairy and plant-based products), and Oatly.
4. Bakery and Confectionery Businesses
Prime examples of a bakery or a confectionery business would be Hostess and Hersheys. They produce various kinds of bakery products such as bread, cakes, pastries, chocolates, etc. While producing such delicacies for every age, they become one of the best food business options in 2025.
5. Organic and Health-Focused Producers
The market has changed once again, the demand for organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO products has arrived. Hence, we see the growth of companies such as Annie’s Homegrown, and Amy’s Kitchen. They create health-focused and organic products which cater to the wellness trend.
6. Meat and Poultry Producers
The meat and poultry sector has seen a revolution as Vegans continue to experience the market. However, the demand for meat is unmatched. Some of the top names to include here are Tyson Foods and Hormel – specializing in processing and packaging various kinds of meats.
7. Beverage Alcohol Manufacturers
Alcohol is a creative creation and many top beverage manufacturers run the beverage alcohol business. You can find the top names such as Jack Daniels and Budweiser for the alcohol industry. Various categories of alcoholic beverage include beer, wine, vodka, whiskey, etc.
8. Gourmet and Artisanal Brands
Top food & beverage manufacturers in USA even run Gourmet and Artisanal brands such as producing high quality cheese, chocolate, or craft beverages. Such manufacturers often focus on building unique recipes, providing a premium experience to its consumers.
9. Functional and Nutritional Products
Such manufacturers produce functional and nutritional products such as protein bars, supplements, and fortified beverages. Top names include Gatorade and Clif Bar – these cater to the fitness and wellness industry. Providing customers with functional benefit’s drink and food choices.
10. Quick Service and Ready-to-Eat Products
Even the list of the best food & beverage manufacturers in USA includes quick service and ready-to-eat product’s manufacturers. The names of top brands include Nestlé and ConAgra Foods.
Peek Into The 2024 U.S Food And Beverage Manufacturing Market
The 2024 U.S. food and beverage manufacturing market has gained new heights specially with changes from the previous years. Impact of COVID-19 has revolutionized the food and beverage industries. The top food & beverage manufacturers in USA have applied various changes in their strategies to make the most out of their business. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census’ Annual Survey of Manufactures, f&b manufacturers made 16.8% of the total sales and 15.4% of all jobs in the manufacturing sector at large. However, the value they added to the overall manufacturing industry is ranked low, numbered as 15%.
Meat processing is the biggest sector in food and beverage manufacturing, covering activities such as livestock and poultry slaughter, processing, and rendering. It marks up 26.2% of the total sales in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. Additionally, other key sectors include beverages (11.3%), dairy (12.8%), grain and oilseeds (10.4%), and other foods (12.4%).
Here are key food and beverage manufacturing trends for the year 2024:
1.Growth of the eCommerce Marketplace
With the world becoming increasingly internet-enabled, online shopping has grown by leaps and bounds. This change in shopping behavior is also affecting food and beverage manufacturers, who are rapidly looking to and relying on eCommerce sales to drive growth in revenue.
2. Continued Supply Chain Disruptions
Supply chain disruptions have been affecting manufacturers for years, and this is going to be the case in the future. This is because of various factors, including international conflicts diverting trade routes, fuel prices shooting through the roof, resource availability, and changing weather patterns. Among the top ways of reducing supply chain disruptions is through the exploitation of digital ecosystem integration technology. Various benefits of the reduced supply chain disruptions, integrating into a digital ecosystem is where such power in strengthening operational resilience and mitigating risk lies.1
3.Persistent Labor Shortages
There is no denying the labour shortage that has been biting at manufacturers for years, and with the food and beverage industry expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% through 2027, the problem is only going to worsen.
4 .Demand for Fresh and Frozen Products
Consumers have been including more fresh produce and meats in their diets for the last decade or so. This trend will continue in 2024. This is because the world’s population is actively seeking healthier lifestyles and reducing their consumption of processed foods. In return, food and beverage manufacturers have started offering more fresh food options.
5.Hunger for Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Practices
Never has the food and beverage manufacturing industry faced such intense environmental scrutiny. As consumers increasingly educate, become aware of, and grow passionate about the ways their food reaches the table, boardrooms begin to take note and action. Manufacturers are making big moves, cutting water usage and upcycling ingredients to partner with sustainable farms, reducing packaging, and minimizing their footprint on the planet.
Moreover, here is the blog on the topic “top food & beverage business trends in 2025”.
Is Food And Beverage Manufacturing Business Profitable?
The food manufacturing and processing industry is fast developing and is expected to be one of the leading industries in a few years. Food is a primary need, which explains why the food business is one of the most profitable businesses.
The food sector dominates the franchise industry and is one of the best businesses anyone can venture in. According to Industry Research, the food processing market reached $5.9 trillion in 2019 and is expected to reach up to $7.7 trillion by 2026.
The growth of the food industry is attributed to many factors, including technological advancements and increased interest in convenience foods.4 As long as you have a good business idea, food manufacturing is a great industry to start a business that brings a lot of return on investment (ROI).
Top 20 Food & Beverage Manufacturers in USA
Here are the top 20 food & beverage manufacturers in USA:
PepsiCo Inc.
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker and SodaStream. The company’s product portfolio consists of a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Tyson Foods Inc.
Tyson Foods built their name on providing generations of families with wholesome, great-tasting chicken. But today’s Tyson Foods is so much more. As values and behaviors around food have changed, so have they. Today, they’re innovators uniquely positioned to reshape what it means to feed the world. Today, they not only have the fastest-growing portfolio of protein-centric brands, but also offer greater transparency in everything they do.
Nestle
Nestlé is a household name in the food and beverage industry with a significant presence in the United States within its global operations. With an establishment year of 1866, Nestlé’s head office is located in Vevey, Switzerland, where it ranks among the world’s biggest food and beverage companies. The U.S. division, known as Nestlé USA, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Nestlé USA is a leader in iconic brands, a commitment to quality, and innovation in meeting consumer needs.
JBS USA
They are a major beef producer with nine plants in the U.S. They sell beef products to more than 44 countries on six continents and employ more than 26,000 people. These guys are the second-largest fresh pork producer with five plants in the U.S. They sell pork products to more than 26 countries on five continents and employ nearly 11,000 team members.
Kraft Heinz Co.
One of the largest food and beverage companies in the United States and the world is located in Chicago, Illinois, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: the Kraft Heinz Company. Formed in 2015 through the merger of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company, Kraft Heinz became a global leader in convenient, high-quality, affordable food products. As famous for its iconic brands and innovation approach, Kraft Heinz Co. USA is continuously shifting the shape of the food industry by heritage, innovation, and sustainability.
General Mills Inc.
Since their beginnings in a Minneapolis flour mill in 1866, General Mills has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to serving with purpose — and we’re just getting started. For more than 150 years, they’ve made food with passion — having fun and staying true to their values along the way. Food: They’re committed to putting people first by improving the variety, nutrient density, affordability and accessibility of their products.
Anheuser-Busch InBev
Anheuser-Busch InBev, AB InBev, is the world’s largest brewer, based in Leuven, Belgium. Famous for having more than 500 different beer brands under its roof, it counts among these global icons such as Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona, as well as regional and craft beers like Michelob Ultra and Hoegaarden. Formed by several mergers and acquisitions, AB InBev serves almost every market around the world, combining old brewing skills with new innovative ideas. AB InBev focuses on sustainable growth, reduction of environmental impact, responsible drinking, and support to communities. This global brewing company with strategic focus is shaping the future of the beer industry.
Smithfield Foods Inc
Smithfield Foods Inc. is a leading global food company and the world’s largest pork processor and producer. The company was founded in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, and has become a household name for high-quality meat products. Smithfield operates a vertically integrated supply chain, ensuring control over every step of production, from farming to distribution. The company sells its products under some of the best-known brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous, in fresh pork, packaged meats, and prepared foods. Since it was acquired by WH Group in 2013, Smithfield has maintained a commitment to innovation, food safety, and sustainability in furthering global food security.
Coca-Cola Co
The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, famous worldwide for its flagship brand, Coca-Cola, first launched in 1886. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the company serves more than 200 countries with a wide portfolio of beverages, including sparkling drinks, juices, sports drinks, bottled water, and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Iconic brands include Sprite, Fanta, Minute Maid, Powerade, and Dasani. The Coca-Cola Company is also committed to the cause of sustainability; their focus areas are on water stewardship, recycling programs, and reduction of carbon footprint. Innovation in marketing and sustaining this brand legacy, Coca-Cola keeps on leading the beverage industry.
Cargill Inc
Cargill, Inc., one of the largest privately owned companies in the United States with worldwide operations in agriculture, food, and industrial markets. The company was established in 1865 and is headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota, operating in over 70 countries around the globe, connecting farmers and producers to the end consumer. The company offers a range of products and services: grain and oilseed trading, animal nutrition, food ingredients, and bioindustrial solutions. Sustainability is at the core of Cargill’s vision as it works to help develop regenerative agriculture, reduce its environmental footprint, and address the global food security challenge. With an innovative approach and a vast expertise, it is one of the leading companies in changing the future of the world’s food and agricultural sectors.
10th-20th Ranked Food & Beverage Manufacturers in USA
Here are the 10 manufacturers who couldn’t make it to the top 10.
- Mars Inc
- Hormel Foods Corp
- Conagra Brands Inc.
- Pilgrim’s Pride
- Bimbo Bakeries USA (U.S. & Canada)
- Mondelez International
- Saputo Inc
- Hershey Co.
- National Beef Packing Co.
- Kellogg Co
How Athena Marketing International Helps F&B Manufacturers Export Their Products?
AMI makes launching your products in global markets simple and easy. You will have access to savvy business professionals who have had experience in international food, beverage, nutrition and consumer markets.
Our Food Business Consulting, Sales, & Marketing Services
A constantly changing food and beverage environment does not make it easy to navigate consumer preferences, markets in developing nations, and regulatory requirements for businesses. Food business consulting, sales, and marketing services are critical to the survival and growth of brands within these environments. Whether you’re an emerging company or a seasoned international brand, these services are offered to your specific needs as your brand is at a given stage of development. How expert guidance can make the difference:
1. International Market Entry
Global market entry requires proper planning and execution in the food business. Experts will guide you in the best entry strategies, understand local regulations, and how to create a good foothold in international territories.
2. New Customer Identification, Assessment, and Recruitment
Targeting the right customers is critical to growing your business. Consultants help find, evaluate, and recruit new clients and distributors so you partner with people who align with your brand’s goals.
3. Food Export Sales Management
Export sales management is a challenging task, especially when international trade laws vary. Professional guidance ensures smooth operations, helping you streamline sales channels and maintain compliance with international trade requirements.
4. International Strategic Planning and Budgeting
Long-term success can only be achieved by having a clear strategy. Consultants help in making detailed strategic plans, such as market analysis, resource allocation, and budgeting, customized to suit global expansion.
5. Global Market Research and Consumer Trends
Understanding market trends and consumer behavior is an important strategy for staying ahead of competition. Experts research in-depth information to help one predict shifts in preferences and thus identify new opportunities.
6. In-Country Marketing and Promotion
Localized marketing strategies are necessary to strike a chord with different audiences. Consultants develop and implement campaigns that suit the needs of a particular culture or region to ensure that there is proper brand communication.
7. Trade Show Management
Trade shows are powerful platforms to showcase your brand and connect with key industry players. Services include managing everything from booth setup to networking strategies, maximizing your ROI from these events.
8. Foreign Language Packaging
Packaging is quite crucial in the decision process of consumers. Consultants help one adjust product packaging to a local language and culture so as to ensure that the same appeals to international markets.
9. Ingredients Review and Compliance
Ingredient regulations vary from country to country. A compliance review ensures that your products meet local standards, thus sparing you costly penalties and winning consumer trust.
10. Export Sales Training
For businesses venturing into international markets, sales teams need specialized training. Consultants arm your team with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage export sales and build lasting relationships with global partners.
The Bottom line
Adjusting to those big names and learning how they built their business from scratch is a blessing for new entrepreneurs. You can always be the next big name of the industry. In case you’re wondering how to start a food business in 2025, then visit the blog linked to the text and you’ll get the data you need. Additionally, please leave a comment if you felt this blog was the place where you get to know about the top food & beverage manufacturers in USA.
FAQs
- Who are some of the top food and beverage manufacturers in the USA?
Top companies include PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, Tyson Foods, and General Mills. These brands are leaders in the industry, known for their quality, innovation, and extensive product portfolios.
- What factors make a food and beverage manufacturer the “best”?
Key factors include product quality, sustainable practices, innovation, customer satisfaction, and market leadership. Companies that excel in these areas are often considered industry leaders.
- Are these manufacturers committed to sustainability?
Yes, many top manufacturers, such as Coca-Cola and Cargill, prioritize sustainability by focusing on reducing waste, using renewable energy, and sourcing ingredients responsibly to minimize environmental impact.
- How do these manufacturers ensure product quality and safety?
Leading manufacturers follow strict quality control standards, comply with FDA regulations, and invest in advanced technologies to ensure their products are safe and meet high-quality standards.
- What industries within food and beverage manufacturing are the largest in the USA?
Meat processing is the largest sector, followed by dairy, beverages, grains and oilseeds, and processed foods. These industries dominate sales and employment within the U.S. food and beverage manufacturing sector.
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