Are you looking for the best food & beverage manufacturers in USA? Then, this blog is the right destination for you.

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%).

Key Food And Beverage Manufacturing Trends

Here are key food and beverage manufacturing trends for the year 2024:

1. Growth of the eCommerce Marketplace

As the world’s population continues to gain internet access, online shopping has grown massively in popularity. This shift in shopping habits has impacted food and beverage manufacturers, as they are increasingly exploring and relying on eCommerce sales to drive revenue growth.

  2. Continued Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions have been impacting manufacturers for years, and this is set to continue. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as international conflicts diverting trade routes, soaring fuel prices, resource availability, and changing weather patterns. One of the leading methods of minimizing supply chain disruptions is by harnessing digital ecosystem integration technology. Digital ecosystem integration offers several ways to reduce supply chain disruptions, making it a valuable tool for strengthening operational resilience and mitigating risk.

3. Persistent Labor Shortages

There’s no denying the labor shortage that’s been impacting 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 expected to worsen.

4. Demand for Fresh and Frozen Products

For the past decade or so, consumers have been incorporating more fresh produce and meats into their daily diets. This will continue in 2024. This is largely due to the world’s population 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

The environmental impact of the food and beverage manufacturing industry has never been under such intense scrutiny. As consumers become increasingly educated, aware, and passionate about how their food reaches their tables, boardrooms are starting to take note and action. From reducing water usage to upcycling ingredients, to partnering with sustainable farms and reducing packaging, manufacturers are making big moves to minimize their environmental footprint.

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. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes 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, a household name in the food and beverage industry, has a significant presence in the United States as part of its global operations. Established in 1866 and headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, Nestlé is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world. Its U.S. division, Nestlé USA, operates from Arlington, Virginia, and contributes significantly to the company’s global footprint. Nestlé USA is known for its iconic brands, commitment to quality, and innovative approach to meeting consumer needs.

JBS USA

They are a leading producer of beef with nine facilities in the U.S. They offer 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 facilities in the U.S. They offer pork products to more than 26 countries on five continents and employ nearly 11,000 team members.

Kraft Heinz Co.

The Kraft Heinz Company, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the United States and the world. Formed through the merger of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company in 2015, Kraft Heinz has become a global leader in producing convenient, high-quality, and affordable food products. Known for its iconic brands and innovative approach, Kraft Heinz Co. USA continues to shape the food industry with a focus on heritage, innovation, and sustainability.

General Mills Inc.

Since our 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, we’ve made food with passion — having fun and staying true to our values along the way.

Food: We’re committed to putting people first by improving the variety, nutrient density, affordability and accessibility of our products.

Anheuser-Busch InBev

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is the world’s largest brewing company, headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. Renowned for its extensive portfolio of over 500 beer brands, it includes global icons such as Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona, alongside regional and craft beers like Michelob Ultra and Hoegaarden. Established through multiple mergers and acquisitions, AB InBev operates in nearly every market worldwide, blending traditional brewing techniques with cutting-edge innovation. The company is committed to sustainable growth, focusing on reducing environmental impact, promoting responsible drinking, and supporting communities. With its global reach and strategic focus, AB InBev continues to shape the future of the beer industry.

Smithfield Foods Inc

Smithfield Foods Inc. is a leading global food company and the largest pork processor and producer in the world. Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, the company was founded in 1936 and has since become renowned for its high-quality meat products. Smithfield operates a vertically integrated supply chain, ensuring control over every step of production, from farming to distribution. The company offers a wide range of products, including fresh pork, packaged meats, and prepared foods, under well-known brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous. Acquired by WH Group in 2013, Smithfield continues to prioritize innovation, food safety, and sustainability while contributing to global food security.

Coca-Cola Co

The Coca-Cola Company is one of the world’s largest beverage corporations, known globally for its flagship product, Coca-Cola, first introduced in 1886. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates in more than 200 countries, offering a diverse portfolio of beverages, including sparkling drinks, juices, sports drinks, bottled water, and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Iconic brands under its umbrella include Sprite, Fanta, Minute Maid, Powerade, and Dasani. The Coca-Cola Company is also committed to sustainability, focusing on water stewardship, recycling initiatives, and reducing its carbon footprint. With its innovative marketing and enduring brand legacy, Coca-Cola continues to be a leader in the beverage industry.

Cargill Inc

Cargill, Inc. is one of the largest privately held corporations in the United States, with a global presence in agriculture, food production, and industrial sectors. Founded in 1865 and headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota, Cargill operates in more than 70 countries, connecting farmers, producers, and consumers through its extensive supply chain. The company provides a wide range of products and services, including grain and oilseed trading, animal nutrition, food ingredients, and bioindustrial solutions. Committed to sustainability, Cargill works to promote regenerative agriculture, reduce environmental impact, and address global food security challenges. Its innovative approach and extensive expertise make it a key player in shaping the future of the global food and agricultural industries.

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

In the competitive and ever-evolving food and beverage industry, businesses must navigate a complex landscape of consumer preferences, global markets, and regulatory requirements. Food business consulting, sales, and marketing services play a vital role in helping brands succeed and grow. Whether you’re an emerging company or an established global player, these services are tailored to your unique needs and the stage of your brand’s development. Here’s how expert guidance can make a difference:

1. International Market Entry

Expanding your food business into global markets requires careful planning and execution. Experts help you identify the best entry strategies, navigate local regulations, and establish a strong presence in international territories.

2. New Customer Identification, Assessment, and Recruitment

Targeting the right customers is critical to growing your business. Consultants assist in finding, evaluating, and recruiting new clients and distributors, ensuring you partner with those aligned with your brand’s goals.

3. Food Export Sales Management

Managing export sales can be challenging, especially with varying international trade laws. Professional guidance ensures smooth operations, helping you streamline sales channels and maintain compliance with international trade requirements.

4. International Strategic Planning and Budgeting

Developing a clear strategy is essential for long-term success. Consultants assist in creating comprehensive strategic plans, including market analysis, resource allocation, and budgeting, tailored to global expansion.

5. Global Market Research and Consumer Trends

Understanding market trends and consumer behavior is key to staying ahead of the competition. Experts provide in-depth research to help you anticipate shifts in preferences and identify new opportunities.

6. In-Country Marketing and Promotion

Localized marketing strategies are essential for resonating with diverse audiences. Consultants design and implement campaigns that cater to specific cultural and regional preferences, ensuring effective 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 plays a crucial role in consumer decision-making. Consultants help you adapt product packaging to meet local language and cultural requirements, ensuring your brand appeals to international markets.

9. Ingredients Review and Compliance

Different countries have specific ingredient regulations. A compliance review ensures that your products meet local standards, helping you avoid costly penalties and ensuring consumer trust.

10. Export Sales Training

For businesses venturing into international markets, sales teams need specialized training. Consultants equip your team with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage export sales and build lasting relationships with global partners.

Whether you’re entering a new market, launching a product, or scaling your operations, leveraging food business consulting, sales, and marketing services ensures a strategic, well-executed approach. With expert guidance, your brand can unlock its potential and thrive in the global food and beverage landscape.

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.