PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1750936
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1750936
Carbon-neutral food refers to food products with a net-zero carbon footprint, meaning that the greenhouse gas emissions produced throughout their lifecycle from production and processing to transportation and disposal are entirely offset. These foods are generally produced through sustainable methods such as regenerative agriculture, the use of renewable energy sources, and participation in carbon offset initiatives to reduce environmental impact.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The primary types of carbon-neutral foods include vegetables and fruits, meat and poultry, dairy products, and others. Vegetables and fruits are plant-derived foods naturally rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These products can be categorized as carbon-neutral, carbon-negative, or low-carbon and are typically consumed by environmental advocates, health-conscious individuals, and vegan or vegetarian consumers. They are utilized in applications such as food manufacturing, retail, and distribution.
The carbon neutral food market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides carbon neutral food market statistics, including carbon neutral food industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a carbon neutral food market share, detailed carbon neutral food market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the carbon neutral food industry. This carbon neutral food market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The carbon neutral food market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $86.20 billion in 2024 to $94.74 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%. The growth during the historic period can be credited to the rising implementation of life-cycle assessments in food production, the development of agroforestry and sustainable land-use practices, the expansion of organic agriculture, the shift toward climate-resilient crop varieties, and the growing use of protein sources derived from algae and fungi.
The carbon neutral food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $136.38 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing consumer inclination toward sustainable and eco-friendly food choices, a rising demand for plant-based and alternative protein sources, greater awareness of the carbon footprint associated with food production, a surge in ethical consumerism and the desire for transparent food sourcing, and the expansion of clean-label and low-carbon food certifications. Major trends expected during this period include increased investments in carbon offset initiatives, the adoption of carbon-neutral menus by fast-food and restaurant chains, technological advancements in carbon capture and storage within the food sector, the development of lab-grown and precision-fermented foods with reduced emissions, and the incorporation of renewable energy in food processing and packaging.
The growing demand for sustainable food is projected to drive the expansion of the carbon-neutral food market during the forecast period. Sustainable food encompasses items that are produced, processed, and consumed in ways that are environmentally, socially, and economically responsible, ensuring future generations can meet their needs without harming the planet or public health. This demand surge is largely due to increased consumer awareness about the environmental, social, and health-related consequences of conventional food systems. More consumers are recognizing the high carbon emissions, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss tied to traditional agriculture and food production. The rising interest in sustainable food is pushing producers to adopt carbon-neutral practices, such as using renewable energy, regenerative farming, and carbon offsetting, which together help reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the food supply chain. For example, in January 2025, Sodexo, a France-based food services and facilities management company, reported that in 2024, 68% of consumers continued to favor sustainable food, a figure nearly matching the 69% from the previous year. The company has pledged that by 2030, 70% of its main dishes in the UK and Ireland will qualify as low-carbon, cutting the average carbon footprint of these meals from 2-2.5 kg CO2e to just 0.9 kg CO2e. As a result, the increasing appetite for sustainable food is accelerating the growth of the carbon-neutral food market.
Key players in the carbon-neutral food market are prioritizing the development of technologically advanced offerings, such as plant-based meats, to provide sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious alternatives to traditional meat. These products help reduce environmental impact, avoid animal cruelty, and often contain less cholesterol and saturated fat. Plant-based meats are formulated from plant-derived ingredients such as soy, wheat, or peas to mimic the flavor, texture, and nutrition of conventional meat. For instance, in September 2024, vEEF, an Australian meat alternative brand, launched a range of four carbon-neutral products, competitively priced to match or undercut traditional meat. The line includes plant-based smokey sausages, classic sausages, beef mince, and chorizo sausages. These chef-developed items are nutrient-rich and feature 50% less plastic packaging than earlier versions, supporting consumers' goals of healthier eating, environmental protection, and cost savings.
In October 2024, Smart Foods, a food manufacturer based in Australia, acquired The Aussie Plant-Based Co. for an undisclosed sum. Following the acquisition, Smart Foods resumed operations at The Aussie Plant-Based Co.'s facility on the Sunshine Coast, with plans to scale distribution nationwide and achieve placement in major retail outlets. The Aussie Plant-Based Co. specializes in plant-based products and produces carbon-neutral food, aligning with Smart Foods' commitment to sustainable and innovative food solutions.
Major players in the carbon neutral food market are Kroger, Mars Incorporated, Sodexo, Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, Conagra Brands Inc., Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Yorkshire Tea, Quorn Foods, Gerber, Leon Restaurants Ltd., LightLife Foods Inc., Bread Alone, Alter Eco, Planet FWD, Puffin Produce, Future Farm, Alara Wholefoods Ltd., Neutral Foods Inc., Organic Tap, vEEF.
Europe was the largest region in the carbon neutral food market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in carbon neutral food report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the carbon neutral food market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The carbon neutral food market consists of sales of sustainably produced food, plant-based products, and carbon-offset food items. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Carbon Neutral Food Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on carbon neutral food market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for carbon neutral food ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The carbon neutral food market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.