Up to one in four humans work in the global agriculture industry, keeping the sector full. From meat to beverages, dairy to biscuits, food manufacturers are a vital part of our lives and the economy.
These ten food and drink manufacturers stand out for their impact and revenue, shaping our dietary habits and influencing agricultural practices and sustainability initiatives across the world.
Tuck in!
10. Mondelez International
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Revenue: US$31bn
Founded: 2012
CEO: Dirk Van de Put
Best known for: Oreo cookies
Snack-leader Mondelēz is the force behind the beloved Oreo, Ritz, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate.
In the modern age, Mondelez International aims to make all packaging recyclable by 2025. By then, all packaging will be made with recyclable material and all paper-based packaging will be sustainably sourced.
Mondelēz has a particular focus on exploring the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region and aims to accelerate product development and foster collaborative efforts with local suppliers, academia and research institutions.
9. Danone
Headquarters: Paris, France
Revenue: €24.65bn
Founded: 1919
CEO: Antoine de Saint-Affrique
Best known for: Activia yoghurt
Danone portfolio includes leading international brands such as Actimel, Alpro, Evian, Nutricia and Volvic and at the heart of the company sits science, innovation and consumer / patient-centricity.
In 2017, Danone acquired WhiteWave Foods, a leading food company focused on plant-based products for USD$13.3bn. Danone is now a major player in the plant-based market.
Due to its significant progress in reaching the highest social and environmental criteria, Danone was also featured in our Top 10: Sustainable Manufacturers
8. Mars
Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, USA
Revenue: US$45bn
Founded: 1911
CEO: Poul Weihrauch
Best known for: M&Ms
Mars is a global leader in pet care, snacking and food. Its recent merger with Kellanova will address key challenges across the food industry, including shifting consumer preferences towards healthier options and the need for sustainable practices.
In our recent interview with Adam Grant, General Manager of Mars Wrigley UK, he told us how the company has made significant strides in its use of virgin plastics and a paper packaging pilot. Mars Petcare also aims to remove 180 tonnes of plastic from cans of Pedigree and Whiskas.
“Our roadmap clearly and powerfully demonstrates what Mars is doing to help tackle climate change, at scale,” he explained. “In fact, our Mars Net Zero Roadmap serves as an open-source strategy that other companies can use to start making meaningful Net Zero action right now.”
7. JBS
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Revenue: US$72bn
Founded: 1953
CEO: Gilberto Tomazoni
Best known for: Swift meat
JBS S.A. is the largest meat processing company and the largest exporter of animal protein in the world.
In order to enhance conservation, JBS developed the JBS Green Platform, underpinned by blockchain technology, that is a cornerstone of JBS's Together for the Amazon programme.
"We are publicly reiterating our commitment to the sustainability of the Amazon,” shared Gilberto Tomazoni, CEO of JBS. “We hope to scale up, not only in combating deforestation, but also in fostering the bio-economy, sustainable agriculture and social development.”
6. Coca-Cola
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Revenue: US$46bn
Founded: 1892
CEO: James Quincey
Best known for: The titular drink, things go better with Coke
It is said that during its first year of business, Coca-Cola sold just 25 bottles. Now, it sells approximately two billion Coca-Cola products each day globally.
Coca-Cola has a vast portfolio of over 500 brands, with North Korea and Cuba being the only two countries in the world where Coca-Cola does not officially operate.
Coca-Cola is currently focusing on product innovation, sustainability initiatives and expanding its non-alcoholic offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences.
The company also collaborates with Nestlé, another giant across multiple industries through the Global Coffee Alliance and partners with bottlers worldwide.
5. Tyson Foods
Headquarters: Springdale, Arkansas, USA
Revenue: US$52bn
Founded: 1935
CEO: Donnie King
Best known for: Chicken
American food giant Tyson Foods is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, with an estimated 141,000 employees across the US.
Tyson Foods has utilised vacuum packing across various product lines, reporting not only reduced plastic usage but also improved product quality and transportation efficiency.
Alongside JBS, Tyson Foods has been expanding its organic offerings while integrating blockchain to provide consumers with verifiable information about the origin and journey of their products. Tyson has partnered with FoodLogiQ, a software provider and an expert in food safety and supply chain transparency, to implement a blockchain-based system for stronger supplier management.
4. Anheuser-Busch InBev
Headquarters: Leuven, Belgium
Revenue: US$59bn
Founded: 2008
CEO: Michel Doukeris
Best known for: Budweiser
Anheuser-Busch InBev is the world's largest brewer behind iconic brands like Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois.
Its brewing heritage dates back to the founding of the Artois brewery in 1366. Stella Artois was a gift to the people of Leuven, from the brewery. “Stella” means “star” in Latin and a star has been featured on Stella Artois bottles ever since.
In 2024, the company is focused on water efficiency, carbon reduction and sustainable agriculture, practises it has integrated into its global operations to drive long-term environmental sustainability.
3. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Revenue: US93bn
Founded: 1902
CEO: Juan Ricardo Luciano
Best known for: Vegetable oil
Archer Daniels Midland is one of the biggest food processing commodity trading companies in the world.
ADM procures agricultural commodities from regions which may be at risk of deforestation and human rights violations. To protect the forests and local communities, ADM’s ‘No-Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation—or No DPE—Policy’ aims to ensure the protection of important natural ecosystems.
For suppliers who don’t comply - they will lose the business of ADM, which operates 265 processing plants and 460 crop procurement facilities.
2. PepsiCo
Headquarters: Purchase, New York, USA
Revenue: US$91bn
Founded: 1965
CEO: Ramon Luis Laguarta
Best known for: Lay’s… or Pepsi
PepsiCo is not just known for its titular product, the company is a global leader in the food, snack and beverage industry. The company aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 and has already achieved 100% renewable electricity in its U.S. operations. PepsiCo focuses on positive agriculture, value chain and choices, aiming to spread regenerative farming practices across seven million acres by 2030.
PepsiCo is a member of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, a coalition which advocates for a global agreement to end plastic pollution.
Read our exclusive interview with PepsiCo’s VP of Global Sustainability, Roberta Barbieri here.
1. Nestlé
Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland
Revenue: US$103bn
Founded: 1905
CEO: Laurent Freixe
Best known for: KitKat
Nestlé is unquestionably the global leader in nutrition. First formed in 1866, the company has grown from a single-product enterprise, to over 2,000 brands in 186 countries.
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, joined the company in 1986 and has spent decades building the company.
"Nestlé has unparalleled strengths, such as iconic brands and products, an unmatched global presence, leading innovation and execution capabilities, and above all, exceptional people and teams. We can strategically position Nestlé to lead and win everywhere we operate."
The company has committed to making 85% of its sales from healthier products by 2030, with a focus on medical nutrition, infant nutrition and active lifestyle nutrition.
Yet well being requires balance and Nestlé hits the mark, from its healthcare range to its snacks.
In our Top 10: Biscuit Manufacturers, Nestlé’s KitKat came in first place. The Guinness World Records has certified KitKat as the world's most global brand and every day 4.5m KitKats are manufactured in 14 countries and sold in over 70 territories.
******
Make sure you check out the latest industry news and insights at Food Digital.
******
Food Digital is a BizClik brand
