Food Certification Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Global Food Certification Market Trends and Insights

Rising consumer demand for food-safety and transparency

The increasing consumer awareness about food safety and transparency is significantly driving the food certification market, with consumers actively seeking detailed information about food sources, production methods, and ingredient authenticity. Social media and digital platforms have enhanced consumer access to food safety information, leading to heightened scrutiny of food products and their certifications. Recent food safety incidents have reinforced the importance of third-party certifications, as evidenced by BRCGS data showing that 91% of consumers are influenced by third-party verification for gluten-free products, while 76% prefer products certified by recognized coeliac associations ^{[1]Source: BRCGS, “Gluten-Free Certification Program,” brcgs.com} . This heightened awareness has prompted food manufacturers to adopt certification standards, implement transparent labeling practices, and invest in food safety certifications to maintain consumer trust and market share. The trend is further strengthened by the growing population of health-conscious consumers creating demand for certified organic, non-GMO, and allergen-free products. Food manufacturers are responding to this demand by obtaining multiple certifications to address various consumer concerns and regulatory requirements. The integration of blockchain technology and digital traceability solutions is further enhancing the credibility and transparency of food certification systems.

Stringent government regulations and compliance requirements

Government regulations and compliance requirements for food safety and quality standards continue to strengthen globally, particularly in North America and Europe. The implementation of regulations such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the United States and the General Food Law in the European Union mandates food businesses to obtain certifications like HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000. The increasing number of foodborne illnesses, with WHO reporting in October 2024, approximately 600 million people falling ill and 420,000 deaths annually from contaminated food, has prompted governments to enforce stricter food safety measures ^{[2]Source: World Health Organization, “Food Safety,” who.int}. This has compelled food manufacturers and processors to invest in certification programs to demonstrate compliance. Furthermore, the rise in international food trade has emphasized the need for standardized certifications to ensure compliance with importing countries' regulations, creating new compliance requirements while driving market growth through mandatory certification requirements.

Expanding cross-border food trade drives multi-standard adoption

The growth in international food trade requires manufacturers to obtain multiple certifications to access different markets. Companies must comply with various regulatory standards, including FDA regulations in the United States, FSSC 22000 in European markets, and CCC certification in China. The World Trade Organization's Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement establishes baseline standards for food safety and certification processes across borders. The growth of cross-border food trade and e-commerce has created a regulatory environment where multi-certification approaches are necessary for market access and global expansion. Food companies must adapt to diverse certification standards due to increasing consumer demand for imported products and varying regional food safety regulations. According to WTO data in 2024, international trade accounts for 25% of global food production, with food and agricultural trade valued at USD 2.3 trillion ^{[3]Source: World Trade Organization, “25 Years of SPS Agreement,” wto.org}. Multi-certification requirements have become essential for food producers aiming to access global markets. This complex certification landscape is expected to continue shaping international food trade dynamics in the coming years, making it crucial for companies to develop comprehensive certification strategies.

Growing popularity of clean label and transparency movements

The clean label movement is driving significant changes in the food certification market, as consumers increasingly demand products with recognizable ingredients and transparent production processes. This consumer awareness has intensified the need for verified information about product ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing methods. Food manufacturers are responding by obtaining various certifications, including organic, non-GMO, and clean label certifications, to validate their product claims. The USDA's Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule exemplifies this trend, mandating certification for companies in the organic supply chain and eliminating loopholes that previously allowed non-compliant ingredients. The trend has particularly gained momentum in developed markets like North America and Europe, where consumers actively seek products with minimal processing and natural ingredients. Companies are adapting to these demands, as demonstrated by Little Sesame obtaining clean label certification in September 2024, which verifies products are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and unnecessary chemicals including glyphosate, arsenic, and pesticide residues ^{[4]Source: Eat Little Sesame, “Little Sesame Is Officially Clean Label Certified,” eatlittlesesame.com} . This transparency imperative is creating new certification categories and enabling premium pricing for verified clean-label products.

High cost of certification and renewal

The high costs associated with food certification and renewal processes create significant barriers, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Organizations must allocate substantial financial resources for initial certification, including application fees, audit expenses, and implementation of required systems. The recurring costs for periodic renewals, surveillance audits, and maintaining compliance with evolving standards further strain company budgets. This challenge is particularly evident in developing markets, where certification fees can represent a disproportionate share of company revenues. For instance, Indonesian micro and small enterprises face multiple obstacles in meeting halal certification requirements, including high costs, lack of process knowledge, and inadequate facilities. Similarly, Malaysian SMEs struggle with certification acquisition due to financial constraints and knowledge gaps. These financial burdens can deter potential market entrants and may force existing certified companies to discontinue their certifications, ultimately constraining market growth.

Shortage of qualified food auditors slows site approvals

The food certification market faces significant operational challenges due to the limited availability of qualified food auditors, creating bottlenecks in certification processes and increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses and regulatory lapses. The shortage of experienced professionals extends the time required for site inspections and approvals, particularly affecting developing regions where certification demand is growing rapidly. The extensive training requirements and increasing complexity of food safety standards make it difficult to expand the qualified auditor pool quickly. This scarcity has led to notable food safety incidents and recalls linked to inadequate oversight. The resulting delays in site approvals increase costs for food manufacturers and potentially affect their market entry timing, highlighting the critical need for more qualified professionals in the industry. The gap between auditor supply and certification demand continues to widen as global food trade expands and regulatory requirements become more stringent. Furthermore, the increasing consumer awareness about food safety and quality has amplified the pressure on certification bodies to maintain thorough inspection processes despite resource constraints. Therefore, addressing the auditor shortage through enhanced training programs and industry partnerships has become crucial for maintaining food safety standards and meeting market demands.

Segment Analysis

By Certification Type: Standards Consolidation Drives Market Leadership

ISO 22000/FSSC 22000 certification dominates the market with a 32.48% share in 2024, supported by its Global Food Safety Initiative recognition and implementation across 35,000 organizations worldwide, according to NSF. The certification's prominence is attributed to its comprehensive framework, which integrates ISO 22000:2018 requirements with sector-specific prerequisites. The upcoming FSSC 22000 Version 6, effective April 2024, strengthens this position by introducing enhanced requirements for food safety culture, quality control, and equipment management documentation. BRCGS certification maintains its market strength through its Issue 9 standard, while IFS and GMP+/FSA certifications cater to specialized market segments.

Halal certification emerges as the fastest-growing segment, projecting a 7.88% CAGR through 2030, with Indonesia's mandatory certification law resulting in over 5 million certified products by October 2024. The certification landscape continues to evolve with kosher certification maintaining steady demand in traditional markets, while other certifications, including organic and sustainability standards, experience growth driven by increasing consumer demand for transparency and environmental responsibility. This diversification in certification types reflects the industry's response to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements across global markets.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Product Type: Protein Products Lead While Specialty Foods Accelerate

Meat, poultry, and seafood products command a dominant 36.19% market share in 2024, driven by complex safety requirements and regulatory oversight. The USDA's proposed Salmonella framework for raw poultry products introduces new adulterant standards, while the National Marine Fisheries Service has revised seafood inspection regulations to enhance program uniformity and reliability. The sector's growth aligns with expanding global trade and evolving consumer preferences for certified products.

The food safety testing market shows significant growth across various segments, with free-from and allergen-free foods projected to grow at 7.94% CAGR through 2030. This growth is supported by regulatory initiatives like the USDA's Allergen Verification Sampling Program, which tests for 14 allergens, including the 'Big 9' and gluten, in ready-to-eat products. The market also sees enhanced oversight in infant foods, exemplified by China's new procedures for priority review of special medical purpose foods and updated infant formula registration guidelines, while segments like beverages, bakery, and confectionery products continue to develop under increasing safety standards.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Geography Analysis

Europe holds the dominant market position with a 34.23% share in 2024, underpinned by the European Food Safety Authority's comprehensive regulatory framework. The region's commitment to consumer protection is evident through the implementation of Regulation 2025/351 on plastic food contact materials, effective March 2025, which establishes stricter purity requirements and migration limits. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority's updated guidance for novel food applications, effective February 2025, has improved the efficiency of risk assessment processes.

The Asia-Pacific region demonstrates the strongest growth trajectory with a projected CAGR of 7.56% through 2030. This growth is driven by significant regulatory developments, such as India's FSSAI re-operationalized food labeling and display standards implemented in January 2023. These standards have strengthened consumer protection through enhanced labeling requirements for fortified foods, while the adoption of blockchain-based traceability systems further supports regional market expansion.

North America maintains a significant market presence through FDA regulations and USDA oversight. South America's market growth is exemplified by Argentina's food import reforms, which streamline trade processes for countries with high sanitary standards while maintaining safety requirements. The Middle East and Africa region continues to develop through expanded halal certification requirements and enhanced regulatory frameworks, contributing to steady market progression.