PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1758800
PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1758800
Global Genetically Modified Foods Market to Reach US$164.9 Billion by 2030
The global market for Genetically Modified Foods estimated at US$119.8 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$164.9 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Genetically Modified Vegetables, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 4.3% CAGR and reach US$71.4 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Genetically Modified Crops segment is estimated at 7.1% CAGR over the analysis period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$32.6 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 8.4% CAGR
The Genetically Modified Foods market in the U.S. is estimated at US$32.6 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$32.7 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 8.4% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% and 5.3% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.5% CAGR.
Global "Genetically Modified Foods" Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
Why Are Genetically Modified Foods Gaining Global Traction Despite Ongoing Controversies?
The global market for genetically modified (GM) foods is undergoing a significant expansion, driven by growing demand for sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutritional innovation. GM foods are created through precise genetic engineering techniques, where specific traits such as drought resistance, pest tolerance, or enhanced nutrition are introduced into the DNA of crops. These advancements offer promising solutions to critical challenges including climate change, declining arable land, and the need to feed a rising global population. Despite enduring public skepticism, especially in parts of Europe and Asia, the adoption of GM crops is accelerating in regions like North America, South America, and Africa due to their yield-boosting and cost-reducing capabilities. Crops like genetically modified soybeans, maize, cotton, and canola dominate agricultural landscapes in countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Beyond commodity crops, GM technology is now being applied to develop enhanced varieties of fruits, vegetables, and staple foods such as golden rice, which is engineered to combat vitamin A deficiency. This evolving science is not only reshaping food production but also influencing global trade dynamics and regulatory frameworks. While debates around labeling, biosafety, and environmental ethics persist, the market’s forward momentum continues as more governments and consumers recognize the role of biotechnology in meeting the world’s nutritional needs under increasingly challenging conditions.
How Are Innovations in Genetic Engineering Reshaping the GM Foods Landscape?
The technological foundation of genetically modified foods is rapidly evolving, with a new wave of precision breeding tools pushing the boundaries of what genetic engineering can achieve. CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene-editing techniques now allow scientists to make targeted changes at the DNA level without introducing foreign genes, making gene-edited foods more acceptable in certain regulatory environments. These tools have given rise to what some term the “next-gen GMOs,” which include crops with enhanced climate resilience, improved photosynthetic efficiency, and optimized nutrient content. Companies are also focusing on reducing allergenicity and producing plant-based foods with higher shelf stability, better texture, and greater nutritional density. For example, gene-edited mushrooms that resist browning and non-browning apples have already reached the commercial market. Additionally, synthetic biology is enabling the creation of entirely novel food ingredients such as lab-grown dairy proteins and meat substitutes that are not derived from traditional livestock or crops. These products are transforming consumer perceptions of GM foods by focusing on health and environmental benefits. Further integration with AI and data analytics is allowing for faster identification of desirable traits and shorter development cycles. At the same time, open-source biotechnology platforms are democratizing access to these tools, encouraging participation from smaller agricultural producers and research institutions. These ongoing innovations are turning genetic modification into a multi-functional solution that extends well beyond conventional pest or herbicide resistance, supporting the broader goals of food innovation and sustainability.
How Are Consumers, Retailers, and Governments Responding to the GM Foods Revolution?
Consumer response to genetically modified foods remains complex and highly variable across global regions, with attitudes shaped by cultural values, economic priorities, and information access. In North America, particularly the United States and Canada, GM foods are widely accepted and commonly found in supermarkets, with minimal consumer resistance. Conversely, in the European Union, strict regulatory policies and consumer wariness have slowed market penetration, prompting many food producers to pursue “non-GMO” labeling to meet demand. Meanwhile, in developing countries facing food shortages and agricultural instability, GM crops are increasingly seen as tools for food security and economic growth. Public perception is gradually evolving, especially as new genetically modified products focus on nutrition and sustainability rather than corporate farming benefits. Retailers and food manufacturers are adapting by offering both GMO and non-GMO lines to appeal to diverse consumer segments. Some are partnering with biotech firms to co-develop transparent labeling systems and traceability solutions, enhancing trust in GM food supply chains. Governments are also playing a decisive role through policy frameworks that govern GM crop approval, cultivation, and import/export. Regulatory agencies in nations like Brazil, the U.S., and India are streamlining their biotech approval processes, while others like China are beginning to ease long-standing restrictions. International organizations such as the FAO and WHO have issued guidelines supporting the safe use of GM technology to address malnutrition and hunger. These shifts in stakeholder attitudes are contributing to a more nuanced and pragmatic global dialogue around the role of genetically modified foods in modern agriculture.
What’s Powering the Growth of the Global Genetically Modified Foods Market?
The growth in the genetically modified foods market is driven by several factors directly linked to technological advancements, shifting agricultural needs, consumer behavior, and policy evolution. One of the primary drivers is the increasing pressure on global food systems to become more efficient, resilient, and productive in the face of climate variability, soil degradation, and water scarcity. Genetically modified crops are being adopted for their ability to produce higher yields under stress conditions such as drought, high salinity, and pest infestation-factors that are particularly pressing in developing agricultural economies. The rising demand for biofortified foods, which offer enhanced nutritional content, is another key contributor, especially in regions grappling with micronutrient deficiencies. On the technological front, innovations in gene-editing and synthetic biology are enabling faster, cheaper development of customized crop varieties with regulatory pathways that differ from older GMO techniques, expanding market access. There is also strong industry support from agrochemical and seed companies investing in next-gen GM technologies to retain competitive advantage. Increasing public-private partnerships in agricultural biotechnology are helping scale these innovations, particularly in Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, consumer demand for sustainable, long-lasting, and health-focused food products is aligning with GM innovations that promise lower spoilage, reduced food waste, and enriched nutritional profiles. Lastly, supportive regulatory shifts in key markets such as China, India, and the Philippines-where food security is a national priority-are opening doors for commercial cultivation and cross-border trade in GM food commodities. All these drivers collectively point to a robust and expanding global market for genetically modified foods, increasingly viewed not just as a scientific advancement but as a strategic necessity in modern food systems.
SCOPE OF STUDY:
The report analyzes the Genetically Modified Foods market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
Segments:
Type (Genetically Modified Vegetables, Genetically Modified Crops, Genetically Modified Fruits, Genetically Modified Animal Products)
Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.
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