The top companies in the packaged foods industry include Nestle, JBS Food, Tyson Foods, Mars Inc. and ConAgra Foods. These companies earn so much in revenue which is not the least surprising. Currently, packaged foods are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous benefits. Also, shifting consumer preferences and higher levels of living have positively affected the industry.
Straits Research revealed that the packaged food industry is worth over $2.70 trillion. According to research analysts, the market will be worth USD 3.86 trillion by 2026, with a CAGR of 4.56% projected between 2020 and 2026.
Overview of the Packaged Food Field
Packaged products are gaining traction in the market as their popularity among children grows. Growing consumer preference for healthy and nutritious foods also positively affects the industry.
Also, increasing digitization in both developed and emerging countries have ensured the rapid growth of the industry. Most packaged food companies create long-term supply contracts with established and regional distributors to ensure a smooth supply chain. Companies are also constantly expanding their footprints to create more cash.
Types of Food Packaging Companies
There are various types of food packaging companies that specialize in different aspects of the industry. Some of the most common types of food packaging companies are:
1. Flexible packaging companies
These companies specialize in the production of flexible packaging materials such as plastic films, laminates, and bags. These materials are preferred because they can easily be molded to package various types food products.
2. Rigid packaging companies
These types of companies make more substantial and durable packaging materials such as plastic containers, glass jars, and metal cans.
3. Sustainable packaging companies
Just as the name suggest, these companies produce eco-friendly packaging. The main aim of these companies is to reduce waste and the environmental impact of food packaging materials.
4. Custom packaging companies
These companies specialize in manufacturing customized food packaging materials for a particular brand.
5. Contract packaging companies
These companies offer packaging services to food manufacturers who lack the necessary equipment or resources to package their own products in-house.
6. Co-packing companies
These companies offer a variety of packaging services to food manufacturers. These services may range from material sourcing to packaging and labeling.
Top 10 Companies in the Packaged Food Field
We’ve put together a list of the top ten packaged food companies.
Nestle S.A. now leads the list of the world’s top packaged food companies in terms of both sales and revenue. With over 2000 products, this company is known for its outstanding packaged food that is consumed by people worldwide.
Nestle’s product assortment includes bottled water, infant food, coffee, breakfast cereal, and dairy goods. With 450 factories and operations in 86 countries, the food company’s brands generate a net profit of more than USD 1.1 billion. The most popular goods of the corporation are Nespresso, Nescafe, KitKat, Nesquik, Smarties, Vittel, Stouffer’s, and Maggi.
This U.S. packaged food company produces value-added beef products for consumers in more than 105 countries. The multinational food corporation recently announced a $95 million expansion project into the Grand Island, Nebraska.
The expansion features new and improved meat handling facilities designed to improve member experience, quality, and food safety.
Tyson Foods Inc. is an international branded and packaged food company. The corporation is the world’s second-largest marketer of poultry, beef, and pork. The product portfolio includes brands such as Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Wright, Ball Park, and State Fair.
Tyson Foods Inc. recently announced plans to expand the company’s digital technology capabilities and scale up production while lowering expenses. Improving the computing system has allowed the company to remain competitive in the branded food market.
Mars Inc is a global packaged food industry recognized by Forbes as the world’s sixth-largest privately held company. The corporation has operations in over 80 countries throughout the world. Twix, Mars, Extra, and Snickers are among the brands owned by the packaged food corporation.
Mars Inc plans to invest USD 1 billion over the next several years in product delivery and expansion into other food business sectors. One of the company’s key goals is to use and share research to make the world a better place for pets.
5. Frito-lay Inc
Size: 58,000 Employees
Market Capitalization: $204 billion
Headquarters: Plano, Texas, United States
Frito-Lay Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer and producer of potato chips. Frito-Lay controls 35% of the global potato chip market and 60% of the market in the United States.
Lay’s, Ruffles, Doritos, and Cheetos dominate the snack chip market. With operations in 42 countries, the corporation generates $4 billion in revenue outside of the United States.
6. Kraft Heinz Company
Size: 38,000 Employees
Market Capitalization: $43.6 billion
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Kraft Heinz and its subsidiaries are global manufacturers of packaged food in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is well-known for its traditional condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meats and fish, packed meals, beverages, and coffee.
The corporation has various brand names like Kraft, Heinz, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Velveet, etc. Independent brokers, grocery stores, and bakeries are all part of the distribution and supply chain of the company.
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
General Mills Inc. is a massive producer of packaged goods and pet food items sold in retail stores and supermarkets. The food company is a major provider of packaged food items to the food service and baking industries in North America.
General Mills Inc. manufactures a wide range of branded foods, including Betty Crocker dessert mixes and Pillsbury cookie dough. General Mills Inc is also the owner of the well-known gourmet ice cream brand Haagen-Dazs.
8. Kellogg Company
Size: 31,000 Employees
Market Capitalization: $22.4 billion
Headquarters: Battle Creek, Michigan, United States
Kellogg’s has established a household name by producing the world’s favorite breakfast, Kellogg’s Cornflakes. This packaged food company adheres to the founders’ objective of supplying food that promotes long-term well-being.
The American multinational food corporation manufactures cereal, crackers, and other packaged food. The company has various brand names like Corn Flakes, Frosted Flakes, Pringles, Cheez-It, and Eggos.
Headquarters: Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
The Hershey Company is a global leader in the packaged food sector. The company is recognized for introducing high-quality confectionery such as sweets, chocolates, mints, and other delectable nibbles.
The Hershey Company employs around 18,000 people worldwide to produce high-quality products. The company has over 80 brands retailed worldwide, generating more than $7.4 billion in annual revenues.
Conagra Brands, Inc. is one of North America’s largest packaged food companies. To offer quality items to stores, the company is guided by an entrepreneurial mentality that combines a strong legacy with sharpened innovation. ConAgra’s most well-known brands include Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, and Banquet.
ConAgra Foods debuted its enlarged “better-for-you” product range in 2019, with 10 new brands concentrating on health and nutrition. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to reforming and modernizing its portfolio.
How to Get a Job Offer from Companies in the Packaged Food Field
You’re about to start your job search in the packaged food industry, but where do you begin? The packaged food sector is competitive and fast-paced. Below are ways to get a job offer from packaged food companies:
1. Find your role
Numerous positions fall under the packaged food industry. Finding a role that aligns with your skills and interests is advisable.
2. Look for jobs that fit your role
You can hunt for career opportunities in a variety of places. Company websites and job forums are examples. You can also check out job boards like Angel-list, CareerBuilder, Indeed, Monster, or Craigslist.
3. Do your research
To land a career in the packaged food industry, you must investigate the organization. Understanding all the aspects of the industry is one certain a to attain success.
4. Apply based on interest
You want to ensure you’re applying based on your interests rather than other frivolous reasons. While the lucrativeness of a particular position might attract you, you should select a firm that suits your personality and values.
5. Prepare for the interview
Be prepared to sell your abilities and expertise when the interview comes around. You must demonstrate that you are qualified for the position. Most employers are searching for someone who will add value to their organization.
6. Check the status of your application
If you have not received a response within 5 days, write an email to the hiring manager asking for input on your application. If you receive a negative response from the organization, thank them and wish them luck finding the appropriate applicant.
What Companies in the Packaged Food Field Look For When Hiring?
Here are some of the most common traits packaged food companies look for when hiring:
A positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a desire to learn new things.
Strong leadership abilities and the ability to motivate people around you.
A thorough understanding of packaged food industry standards
Willingness to work flexible hours
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to take on new roles
Passion for the industry
Team player with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Below are some of the popular types of food packaging:
1. Aseptic Processing
This is for sterile foods that must be maintained under such conditions. These items include liquid eggs, milk, and milk product drinks. Aseptic packaging comprises paper, polyethylene, and aluminum, with a tight polyethylene layer inside.
2. Trays
Trays are containers for transporting meats, plant seeds, and beverages. They are typically flat with raised edges to retain the product in place and are manufactured from various materials, including paperboard.
3. Bags
Bags, like trays, are a typical type of food packaging. Bagged snacks (chips, pretzels) and fruit are the most well-known examples. Bags separates the food from air and other elements
Boxes are the most convenient way to convey a food product. Metal, corrugated fiberboard, and wood are the most prevalent materials used in boxes. Foods packaged in boxes include frozen pizzas, cereals, and snack crackers.
5. Cans
Cans are also a fantastic way to store and transport food. Most cans are composed of steel or other thin metal.
6. Cartons
Cartons, like boxes, are made of corrugated fiberboard and are used to transport food. There are four sub-categories of cartons used for food packing. The most well-known is the egg carton, which is shaped like an egg.
7. Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging, like bags, protects food from the environment and provides an adequate means of carrying goods. A popular product found in flexible packaging is bagged salad.
8. Pallets
Pallets are used to convey a product in bulk. Product boxes are placed and stacked on the pallet, then wrapped to secure and reduce food movement.
9. Wrappers
Wrappers, which are used for specific products. Wrappers provide protection between the food and the environment or between the food and a person’s hands. The most common example is candy bars.
FAQs
How big is the packaged food industry?
The global packaged goods sector is worth $4.4 trillion. According to the industry consultancy RTS Resources, the market will grow to $5.0 trillion. The 50 largest global packaged foods companies, both public and private, generated $558.9 billion in revenue in 2022.
What are the staple foods of the packaged food industry?
The staple food of the packaged food industry is savory snacks and confections such as chocolate and sweets. Other staples are cereals, oatmeal, packaged meat, and seafood.
Who are the top packaged food manufacturers?
PepsiCo, Tyson Foods, and Nestle are the three largest packaged food industries in the United States as of 2022.
What makes packaged foods so appealing?
Packaged food is appealing to the consumer because it prevents waste and ensures that the food retains its desired quality throughout its shelf.
What kinds of packaged foods are there?
Packaged food includes breakfast cereals, cheese, tinned vegetables, and bread.
Is working in packaged foods a viable career option?
Yes, it is. The packaged food industry is lucrative, and multinational food package companies are generating billions of dollars yearly.
Is CPG (Consumer Packaged Foods) an excellent career to work in?
The three largest food and beverage companies for 2022 in the U.S. are PepsiCo., Tyson Foods, and Nestle.
What is the largest packaged food company by market capitalization?
Nestle SA has a market capitalization of $298,409 million, making it the largest packaged food company by market capitalization.
Conclusion: Top Companies in the Packaged Foods Industry
Nestle, Kraft Food, Inc., Tyson Foods, and JBS Food are the top companies in the packaged food industry. These companies have thousands of employees, making them one of the biggest sectors in the U.S. These companies also contribute thousands of revenue to the U.S. government.
