Top 10 Food and Beverage Companies in 2024

Companies	Employees	HQ location	Revenue	Website	Industry
McDonald’s	View 150,838 employees	🇺🇸 USA, IL, Chicago	$ 1B+	mcdonalds.com	Food and Beverage, Mobile Apps, Apps, Restaurants
Starbucks	View 71,530 employees	🇺🇸 USA, WA, Seattle	$ 1B+	starbucks.com	Coffee, Food and Beverage
PepsiCo	View 72,632 employees	🇺🇸 USA, NY, New York	$ 1B+	pepsico.com	Food and Beverage, Water
Sodexo	View 55,936 employees	🇫🇷 France, Marseille	$ 1B+	sodexo.com	Food and Beverage, Food Processing, Agriculture
Tyson Foods	View 25,971 employees	🇺🇸 USA, AR, Springdale	$ 1B+	tysonfoods.com	Food and Beverage, Food Processing
Chipotle Mexican Grill	View 20,373 employees	🇺🇸 USA, CA, Newport Beach	$ 1B+	chipotle.com	Food and Beverage, Recipes, Food Processing, Restaurants
Sysco	View 21,309 employees	🇺🇸 USA, TX, Houston	$ 1B+	sysco.com	Food and Beverage, Supply Chain Management
The Coca-Cola Company	View 28,537 employees	🇺🇸 USA, GA, Atlanta	$ 1B+	coca-colacompany.com	Food and Beverage, Marketing, Advertising
Heineken	View 21,828 employees	🇳🇱 Netherlands, Amsterdam	$ 1B+	theheinekencompany.com	Food and Beverage, Brewing, Craft Beer
Cracker Barrel	View 17,014 employees	🇺🇸 USA, TN, Lebanon	$ 1B+	crackerbarrel.com	Food and Beverage, Snack Food, Food Processing, Food Delivery, Restaurants, Recipes

1. McDonald’s

McDonald’s is a global fast-food leader known for its iconic burgers, fries, and efficient service. With over 39,000 locations worldwide, McDonald’s has built a reputation for consistency and convenience, appealing to a diverse customer base. The company continually evolves, adapting its menu to local tastes and embracing innovations like digital ordering and delivery services. By focusing on operational efficiency and customer experience, McDonald’s remains a dominant player in the fast-food industry, meeting the demands of modern consumers while maintaining its classic offerings.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, IL, Chicago	Size View 150,838 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Food and Beverage, Mobile Apps, Apps, Restaurants
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2. Starbucks

Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain renowned for its high-quality coffee, personalized service, and cozy atmosphere. With over 36,000 locations worldwide, Starbucks has built a loyal customer base by offering a wide range of beverages, snacks, and seasonal specials. The company has embraced technology through mobile ordering, digital loyalty programs, and innovative store formats, enhancing customer convenience. Starbucks’ commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced coffee also resonates with socially conscious consumers, helping to solidify its position as a leader in the premium coffee market.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, WA, Seattle	Size View 71,530 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Coffee, Food and Beverage
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3. PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage powerhouse, known for its iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay’s, Gatorade, and Quaker. With a diverse portfolio spanning snacks, beverages, and nutrition products, PepsiCo serves millions of consumers in over 200 countries. The company continually innovates, responding to changing consumer preferences with healthier options, sustainability initiatives, and digital marketing strategies. PepsiCo’s focus on product variety and responsible growth has positioned it as a leader in both the snack and beverage industries, driving long-term success while meeting evolving market demands.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, NY, New York	Size View 72,632 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Food and Beverage, Water
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4. Sodexo

Sodexo is a global leader in quality of life services, offering a wide range of solutions from food services to facilities management. Serving clients in sectors like education, healthcare, and corporate workplaces, Sodexo focuses on improving daily experiences for millions of people in over 50 countries. The company emphasizes sustainability and innovation, integrating digital tools and sustainable practices into its offerings. By delivering personalized and efficient services, Sodexo helps organizations enhance employee well-being, improve operational efficiency, and create more productive environments.

Location 🇫🇷 France, Marseille	Size View 55,936 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Food and Beverage, Food Processing, Agriculture
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5. Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods is one of the world’s largest food companies, specializing in the production of protein-based products, including chicken, beef, and pork. Known for brands like Tyson, Jimmy Dean, and Hillshire Farm, the company serves a wide range of markets, from retail to foodservice. Tyson Foods is focused on innovation, investing in plant-based alternatives and sustainability initiatives to meet changing consumer demands. With its scale, commitment to food safety, and emphasis on responsible production, Tyson plays a key role in feeding millions globally while addressing the challenges of a growing population.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, AR, Springdale	Size View 25,971 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Food and Beverage, Food Processing
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6. Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its commitment to serving fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients. Specializing in customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads, Chipotle emphasizes food made with integrity, prioritizing organic produce, humanely raised meat, and sustainable practices. With a simple menu and focus on transparency, Chipotle offers a healthier, fast dining option while maintaining convenience through its mobile app and digital ordering. This blend of quality and efficiency has made Chipotle a standout in the fast-casual industry, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for quick, flavorful meals.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, CA, Newport Beach	Size View 20,373 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Food and Beverage, Recipes, Food Processing, Restaurants
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7. Sysco

Sysco is a global leader in foodservice distribution, supplying a wide range of food products, kitchen equipment, and supplies to restaurants, healthcare facilities, and hospitality businesses. Serving over 700,000 customers worldwide, Sysco leverages its vast distribution network and deep industry expertise to ensure businesses get the ingredients and tools they need to operate efficiently. The company focuses on delivering high-quality products, sustainability, and innovation, helping foodservice operators streamline operations and meet evolving consumer demands in a competitive market.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, TX, Houston	Size View 21,309 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Food and Beverage, Supply Chain Management
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8. The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is a global beverage leader known for its iconic soft drink, Coca-Cola, as well as a vast portfolio of beverages, including water, juice, sports drinks, and teas. Operating in over 200 countries, the company continually innovates to meet diverse consumer tastes, focusing on low-sugar and zero-sugar options to align with health-conscious trends. Through strategic marketing and a commitment to sustainability, including water conservation and recycling initiatives, Coca-Cola maintains its position as a dominant force in the global beverage industry while adapting to changing market demands.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, GA, Atlanta	Size View 28,537 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Food and Beverage, Marketing, Advertising
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9. Heineken

Heineken is a global brewing company known for its flagship Heineken lager and a diverse portfolio of over 300 beer and cider brands. Operating in more than 190 countries, Heineken combines tradition with innovation, continually expanding its product range to meet evolving consumer tastes, including low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options. The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability, focusing on renewable energy, water conservation, and responsible consumption initiatives. Heineken’s commitment to quality, heritage, and sustainability has helped it maintain a leading position in the global beer market.

Location 🇳🇱 Netherlands, Amsterdam	Size View 21,828 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Food and Beverage, Brewing, Craft Beer
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10. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is a U.S.-based restaurant and retail chain known for its Southern-inspired comfort food and nostalgic, country-style dining experience. With over 660 locations, Cracker Barrel offers a unique combination of homestyle meals, such as biscuits, fried chicken, and hearty breakfasts, alongside a general store selling vintage goods, gifts, and regional products. The company focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to families and travelers alike, blending quality food with a memorable, rustic retail experience. Cracker Barrel’s emphasis on tradition and hospitality has helped it build a loyal customer base across the country.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, TN, Lebanon	Size View 17,014 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Food and Beverage, Snack Food, Food Processing, Food Delivery, Restaurants, Recipes
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Things to Consider When Prospecting into Food and Beverage Companies

Common Pain Points and Challenges for Companies in Food and Beverage

Regulatory Compliance and Changing Standards

The food and beverage industry faces a maze of regulations that constantly evolve to address safety, health, and environmental concerns. Staying compliant is a major challenge.

Why it’s a pain point:

Frequent updates to food safety laws and labeling requirements.
Strict health standards, especially after the pandemic.
International trade rules affecting import/export of food products.

Insight for You: Highlight how your solution can help businesses adapt quickly to changing regulations. If your product streamlines compliance tracking or simplifies documentation, you’ll become an essential partner for businesses that need to stay ahead of these challenges.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Food and beverage companies are heavily impacted by supply chain disruptions due to climate change, geopolitical instability, and transportation challenges.

Why it’s a pain point:

Difficulty sourcing raw materials.
Rising transportation and logistics costs.
Short product shelf life adds urgency to delays.

Insight for You: Understanding how supply chain volatility affects food businesses, you can position your solution as the key to smoother operations. Focus on how you help companies manage inventory more efficiently or provide real-time updates to minimize the risks caused by disruptions.

Rising Ingredient and Operational Costs

Food and beverage companies are facing rising costs across the board, from raw ingredients to energy and labor, all of which eat into already tight margins.

Why it’s a pain point:

Increased energy costs in production and logistics.
Higher labor costs due to shortages.
Rising ingredient prices driven by environmental factors.

Insight for You: Use this knowledge to show empathy and present your solution as a way to boost efficiency and reduce costs. Whether it’s through automation or data-driven decision-making, your product can become the cost-cutting tool businesses are looking for.

Shifting Consumer Preferences

Consumers are demanding healthier, more sustainable, and ethically sourced products, forcing food and beverage companies to pivot quickly or risk losing market share.

Why it’s a pain point:

Growing demand for plant-based or organic foods.
Concerns over sustainable packaging and reducing waste.
Desire for transparency and clean-label products.

Insight for You: Highlight how your solution helps businesses stay on top of evolving consumer trends. If you offer tools for product transparency, sustainable sourcing, or developing innovative new lines, these can resonate strongly with companies aiming to meet these shifting demands.

Labor Shortages and Retention Issues

Labor shortages are hitting the food and beverage industry hard, especially in manufacturing, distribution, and hospitality.

Why it’s a pain point:

Difficulty in hiring skilled workers.
High turnover rates that increase training costs.
Rising wages due to labor demand.

Insight for You: If your solution can help businesses automate processes or reduce reliance on labor, now is the time to emphasize it. Companies are seeking tools that can help them maintain operations with fewer staff or better manage their workforce.

Food Safety and Traceability

Ensuring food safety and traceability is more important than ever, as global supply chains become more complex and consumers demand transparency.

Why it’s a pain point:

Complex supply chains make tracking product origins difficult.
Risk of contamination or recalls can seriously harm a brand.
Increasing pressure to meet safety certifications like HACCP and ISO 22000.

Insight for You: Focus on how your solution can improve traceability or provide quick, transparent reporting to help companies meet stringent safety standards. Businesses will appreciate tools that reduce the risk of recalls and protect their brand’s reputation.

Waste Management and Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer optional. The food and beverage industry faces growing pressure to reduce waste and adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Why it’s a pain point:

Excess food waste due to spoilage or overproduction.
Stricter environmental regulations on packaging and emissions.
Consumer demand for sustainable practices and greener brands.

Insight for You: If your solution helps reduce waste, improve packaging efficiency, or cut down on emissions, you’ll be speaking directly to the industry’s current priorities. Emphasize how you can help businesses achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining profitability.

Innovation and Product Differentiation

With so many similar products on the market, food and beverage companies must innovate constantly to stand out from the crowd.

Why it’s a pain point:

Market saturation makes differentiation difficult.
High R&D costs to develop new products or flavors.
Pressure to adopt new technologies and trends quickly.

Insight for You: Show how your product can support faster product development or help companies track trends more effectively. Tools that streamline innovation will appeal to businesses eager to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Distribution and Logistics Challenges

Efficient distribution is key for the food and beverage industry, but many companies struggle with logistical bottlenecks, especially when handling perishable goods.

Why it’s a pain point:

Managing perishable goods across complex supply chains.
Rising fuel and transportation costs.
Last-mile delivery challenges, particularly in urban areas.

Insight for You: If you can help optimize logistics, streamline deliveries, or provide real-time tracking, you’ll be solving a critical problem. Businesses will value solutions that prevent delivery delays and minimize waste from spoilage.

Digital Transformation and E-commerce

The food and beverage industry is catching up with digital transformation, with e-commerce and data-driven decisions now becoming a priority.

Why it’s a pain point:

Difficulty integrating digital tools into outdated systems.
Competition from digital-native brands with strong direct-to-consumer sales.
Increased need for advanced analytics to understand customer behavior.

Insight for You: If your solution helps businesses transition to digital platforms, improve e-commerce capabilities, or manage customer data more effectively, you’re offering exactly what they need. Help companies modernize their processes and open new revenue streams through digital channels.

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Key Decision-Makers and Influencers in Food and Beverage

Key Departments

Operations

Insight: Operations departments manage production processes, quality control, and cost efficiency. They look for solutions that can streamline processes, reduce waste, and maintain product consistency. Key concerns include scalability, safety regulations, and minimizing production downtime.

Supply Chain and Procurement

Insight: Supply chain and procurement teams are responsible for sourcing ingredients, packaging, and managing supplier relationships. Their focus is on cost-effectiveness, supplier reliability, inventory management, and ensuring the timely delivery of quality ingredients.

R&D (Research and Development)

Insight: R&D teams develop new products and improve existing ones, focusing on innovation, market trends, and regulatory compliance. They often look for ingredients, technologies, and processes that support product differentiation, cost savings, and sustainability.

Quality Assurance (QA)

Insight: QA teams ensure that food and beverage products meet safety and quality standards. They are highly concerned with regulatory compliance, traceability, and reducing product defects. They prefer solutions that improve testing accuracy and reduce risk.

Marketing

Insight: Marketing teams in food and beverage aim to align product offerings with consumer demands, such as trends in health, sustainability, or convenience. Their focus is on branding, packaging, product positioning, and ensuring a compelling product-market fit.

Finance and Accounting

Insight: Finance teams evaluate the financial impact of investments in new technologies, equipment, or suppliers. Their decisions are guided by ROI, cost management, and long-term profitability. They are critical in determining the budget for operations and marketing initiatives.

Human Resources (HR)

Insight: HR departments handle workforce management, ensuring the company has the necessary talent to run operations smoothly. In the food and beverage industry, they also focus on ensuring compliance with labor regulations and safety standards.

Seniority Level

C-level Executives (e.g., CEO, COO, CFO)

Insight: At the executive level, decisions focus on long-term strategy, profitability, risk management, and maintaining a competitive edge. C-level executives are involved in major capital expenditures, new product lines, and significant operational changes.

Vice Presidents (VP)

Insight: VPs are often department heads responsible for ensuring that their departments meet business objectives. They focus on operational efficiency, departmental budgets, and ensuring alignment with broader corporate strategies.

Directors

Insight: Directors typically oversee specific functions such as operations, procurement, or marketing. They are responsible for ensuring that day-to-day operations align with business goals and that any solutions or purchases contribute to improving efficiency and quality.

Managers

Insight: Managers are closely involved in day-to-day operations, often identifying specific needs for improvements in processes, equipment, or software. They play a critical role in assessing practical solutions and advocating for investments in tools that can improve workflows.

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Buying Processes and Behaviors in Food and Beverage

Price Sensitivity and Cost Control

In the food and beverage world, price is always a major consideration.

Margins are slim, so buyers are focused on finding cost-effective solutions.
Companies are constantly balancing quality and affordability to stay competitive.
Bulk purchasing or long-term contracts help them keep costs in check.

How to leverage: Highlight cost savings and long-term value in your pitch. Offering discounts for bulk orders or showing how your solution reduces operational costs will make you more appealing to buyers focused on managing budgets.

Focus on Quality and Safety Standards

Strict regulations around food safety and quality drive purchasing decisions in this industry.

Compliance with health and safety standards (like FDA or HACCP) is a must.
Buyers prefer suppliers with proven safety records and certifications.
Solutions that help improve or maintain high safety and quality standards are prioritized.

How to leverage: Make sure to highlight any certifications and how your product or service ensures food safety. Share examples of how you’ve helped other clients meet compliance standards, so buyers can see the value in partnering with you.

Reliability and Consistency in Supply Chain

A reliable supply chain is critical, especially with perishable goods.

Delays or inconsistencies can lead to financial losses and damaged reputations.
Buyers value suppliers with a strong record of on-time and accurate deliveries.
Efficient inventory management is key to avoiding stockouts or overproduction.

How to leverage: Emphasize your track record of reliability and propose ways to streamline supply chain processes. Talk about how your product helps them maintain the right inventory levels or minimize delays, which will give buyers confidence in your ability to deliver.

Demand for Innovation and Consumer Trends

Consumers are driving demand for innovative, healthy, and sustainable food products.

Companies are constantly looking for suppliers that can help them meet new consumer preferences (e.g., organic, plant-based, non-GMO).
Sustainability is increasingly important, with many companies seeking eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients.
Buyers look for products that can differentiate them from competitors.

How to leverage: Position your product or service as innovative and aligned with current trends like health, convenience, or sustainability. Use data or case studies to show how your offering helps companies stay ahead of consumer demand.

Relationship-Driven Purchasing

Trust and long-term relationships are a big deal in this industry.

Many food and beverage companies prefer working with suppliers they know and trust.
A good relationship is built on reliability, transparency, and excellent customer service.
Personal recommendations and word of mouth often influence buying decisions.

How to leverage: Build strong, trust-based relationships by being proactive, transparent, and offering exceptional service. Go the extra mile to ensure your customers feel valued and supported. Show how you’ve built long-term partnerships with other clients to inspire confidence.

Efficiency in Ordering and Inventory Management

With many moving parts, food and beverage companies need to keep their ordering and inventory management efficient.

Buyers value suppliers who make the procurement process simple and smooth.
Automation and real-time inventory visibility are attractive features.
Systems that prevent stockouts or overproduction are highly sought after.

How to leverage: If your product improves efficiency, highlight how it simplifies their procurement or inventory management process. Offer solutions that can integrate with their existing systems to help them save time and reduce operational headaches.

Risk Mitigation and Contingency Planning

Food and beverage companies are very risk-conscious due to factors like spoilage, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer preferences.

Buyers prefer suppliers who have contingency plans in place.
Vendors that can handle disruptions, like flexible delivery options, are preferred.
Reducing risk is a key factor in choosing a supplier, especially when it comes to perishables.

How to leverage: Show how your solution can help minimize risks. If you offer flexible terms, backup options, or contingency planning, highlight these. It will help you stand out as a reliable partner who’s ready for anything.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Sustainability is becoming a top priority for food and beverage companies.

Many are actively looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint.
Buyers are increasingly focused on sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and reducing waste.
Consumer demand is also pushing companies to make more environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.

How to leverage: If your product has sustainability benefits, make sure to lead with them. Whether it’s eco-friendly packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, or reduced carbon impact, showing you align with their sustainability goals can give you an edge.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Data is becoming a critical part of the buying process in this industry.

Buyers use data to track trends, optimize inventory, and forecast demand.
Suppliers who can provide actionable insights or help with data analytics are more valuable.
Predictive analytics helps companies reduce waste and improve efficiency.

How to leverage: Present any data or insights that demonstrate how your solution can help buyers make smarter decisions. Offering tools that help them forecast demand or improve efficiency adds extra value beyond just the product itself.

Flexibility and Customization

Food and beverage companies often need solutions that are tailored to their unique needs.

One-size-fits-all approaches don’t always work in this industry.
Buyers prefer suppliers who offer flexibility, whether it’s in product specifications, delivery schedules, or contract terms.

How to leverage: Emphasize your ability to customize your offering. Show how you can adapt to their specific requirements, whether it’s tweaking the product, offering flexible terms, or adjusting delivery options. Flexibility can be the deciding factor that wins the deal.

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Prospecting Tips for Selling to Food and Beverage Companies

Emphasize Operational Efficiency

Food and Beverage companies are always looking for ways to improve their production processes and reduce waste. Show how your solution can streamline operations or help manage supply chains more effectively.

Tip: Highlight features that boost productivity, cut costs, or minimize downtime in their daily operations.

Showcase Sustainability Benefits

Sustainability is becoming a top priority in the Food and Beverage industry, with companies under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. If your product can support sustainability goals, be sure to bring this up.

Tip: Reference any eco-friendly benefits or certifications your product holds that align with their sustainability efforts.

Understand Compliance Requirements

Strict regulations around food safety, labeling, and traceability are central to the industry. Show that you’re familiar with these rules and explain how your solution helps meet compliance standards.

Tip: Mention specific industry regulations your product supports, such as FDA or HACCP compliance.

Appeal to Brand Reputation

Brand trust is everything in this industry. Food and Beverage companies want to protect their reputation for quality and safety. If your solution can help enhance this, make sure it’s part of your outreach.

Tip: Share examples of how your product has helped other brands maintain or improve their market reputation.

Focus on Consumer Trends

Staying ahead of consumer trends—whether it’s plant-based products, organic options, or healthier alternatives—is key to success. If your solution helps businesses respond to these trends, highlight that.

Tip: Offer insights on how your product can help them innovate or pivot quickly to meet shifting consumer demands.

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Things to Consider When Prospecting into Food and Beverage Companies

Common Pain Points and Challenges for Companies in Food and Beverage

Start finding new prospects that match your ICP

Key Decision-Makers and Influencers in Food and Beverage

Key Departments

Seniority Level

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Buying Processes and Behaviors in Food and Beverage

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Prospecting Tips for Selling to Food and Beverage Companies

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Top 10 Food and Beverage Companies — a guide for sales

Want to see more food and beverage companies?

Things to Consider When Prospecting into Food and Beverage Companies

Common Pain Points and Challenges for Companies in Food and Beverage

Start finding new prospects that match your ICP

Key Decision-Makers and Influencers in Food and Beverage

Key Departments

Seniority Level

Not joined Surfe yet? Sign up to Surfe today

Buying Processes and Behaviors in Food and Beverage

Not joined Surfe yet? Get 20 free credits

Prospecting Tips for Selling to Food and Beverage Companies