Food away from home market seen reaching $5.85 trillion by 2031

Allied Market Research projects the global food away from home market will reach $5,848.7 billion by 2031, growing at a 2.3% CAGR from a 2021 base. The report points to urbanization, disposable income gains, delivery apps, and fast-food expansion as the main growth drivers across dining, delivery, and travel-related spending.

Why it matters: - The food away from home market is moving toward a $5.85 trillion scale by 2031, signaling continued consumer spending on restaurants, delivery, and other out-of-home food services. - The growth outlook matters for restaurant chains, delivery platforms, suppliers, investors, and policymakers tracking shifts in food service demand. - The forecast period runs from 2021 to 2031, with 2021 used as the base year.

What happened: - Allied Market Research released a study titled "Food Away From Home Market Size, Share & Trends Forecast 2021-2031." - The report projects the market will reach US$ 5,848.7 billion by 2031 at a 2.3% CAGR. - The report covers global and regional market dynamics, competitive landscape, key segments, value chain analysis, and regulatory and technology trends. - The study includes a sample request page here: Request a Sample Copy.

The details: - Market growth is linked to rising disposable incomes, urbanization, busy lifestyles, and a larger female workforce. - Fast-food chains and cloud kitchens are expanding in both developed and developing economies. - International brands such as McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Yum Brands, and Dunkin' Brands are increasing their presence in China, India, Brazil, and Indonesia. - Online food delivery platforms including Zomato, Swiggy, Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats are expanding home delivery as internet access and smartphone use rise. - Global cuisines, international tourism, and government investment in travel infrastructure are adding demand. - The report spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. - The report reviews food safety rules, service standards, ESG and sustainability trends, cloud kitchen innovation, and investment outlooks. - Companies analyzed in the report include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Sysco Corporation, Yum Brands, Darden Concepts, Restaurant Brands International, Zensho Holdings, SSP Group, Jubilant FoodWorks, Burger King Corporation, Cloud Kitchens, Bid Corporation, Aramark, SATS, Compass Group, and Sodexo. - By delivery model, dine-in held 70.4% of the market in 2021. - Home delivery is the fastest-growing delivery model during the forecast period. - By application, restaurants held 73.5% of the market in 2021. - Hotels and motels are the fastest-growing application segment. - By occasion type, freestanding led the market in 2021. - Travel is the fastest-growing occasion segment during the forecast period. - By ownership type, independent operators are expected to post the highest growth. - Chains are also expanding quickly, helped by fast-food growth in developing nations. - North America held the largest regional share at 36.4% in 2021. - Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by faster fast-food penetration and changing consumer lifestyles. - The report also covers Europe and LAMEA. - A purchase inquiry page is available here: Purchase inquiry.

Between the lines: - The market is still dominated by dine-in and restaurant spending, but delivery is gaining share as digital ordering becomes more common. - The strongest growth signals point to markets with rising urban income, expanding chain footprints, and higher tourism exposure. - Cloud kitchens and platform-based delivery suggest more pressure on traditional restaurant models and more competition on convenience and price.

What's next: - Market growth through 2031 will likely track consumer spending patterns, app-based delivery adoption, and chain expansion in emerging markets. - Regional gains are expected to remain strongest in Asia-Pacific, while North America continues to anchor the market in absolute size. - The report frames health-conscious demand and fast-casual competition as key challenges that may shape strategy over the forecast period.

The bottom line: - Food away from home remains a massive, steadily growing global market, with delivery, travel, and chain expansion driving the next phase of competition.