ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ

Background

Data & Trends of the European food and drink industry 2026

Published: 10/02/2026

ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµâ€™s latest Data & Trends 2026 report is now available, providing comprehensive statistics and insights on the EU food and drink industry.

Data & Trends 2026 shows that the EU food and drink industry employs 4.8 million people, generates a turnover of €1.5 trillion and €300 billion in value added, making it the largest manufacturing industry in the EU. In half of the EU’s 27 Member States, the food and drink industry is the biggest manufacturing employer. This year’s edition includes the latest data on the revenue and investment, competitiveness of the sector globally, and input costs.

Data & Trends 2026 also provides an outlook on markets. Over 65% of EU food and drink exports are destined for the Single Market. At the same time, the EU is the largest exporter of food and drink products in the world with exports outside the EU reaching €190 billion and a trade surplus of €81 billion. The report also includes a ranking of the top 50 food and drink companies in the world.