Upcoming Trade Shows in USA for Food & Drink

While juicy burgers and crispy fries might come to mind, the US food and drinks manufacturing industry goes far beyond the typical restaurant fare. In 2021, this sector accounted for 16.8% of all US manufacturing sales. There are 41,080 facilities nationwide that employ 1.7 million workers. The landscape cannot be any more diverse. The American sector is built on top of multiple sub-sectors. American consumers are big on meat consumption and we’re seeing this reflected in the volume of sales. With 26.2% of sales, meat processing takes the top spot, encompassing livestock slaughter, processing and rendering. The livestock industry is also supported by an active animal products sector. Dairy boasts 12.8% of sales, showcasing the vital role of cheese, milk and yogurt in American kitchens. Other significant segments include ‘other foods’ (12.4%), including everything from pasta to snacks, beverages (11.3%), and grain and oilseeds (10.4%), which provide the base for countless processed foods. California leads the pack on a national level. While food and beverage processing plants pepper the nation, California has over 6,300 facilities. Texas and New York follow closely behind. These plants are the transformers, applying technology and know-how to turn raw ingredients into everything from baking flour to your favorite frozen meal. Interestingly, while these manufacturers contribute significantly to sales and employment, the raw materials can make up a large portion of their costs. As consumer preferences evolve, the industry faces various challenges and opportunities. Plant-based alternatives and sustainability concerns are driving innovation, which will for sure give the meat sector stiff competition as vegetarianism and veganism continue to grow in popularity across the nation. In the same breath, automation and technology are transforming production processes towards sustainability and a reduced environmental impact that ranges from more efficient energy usage to reduction in food waste and the use of plastics.