Global Soups Market Overview
The soups market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.4% by 2027, and is expected to reach approximately USD 19,655.9 million during the forecast period. All commercially available soups, including instant soups offered in the retail market, are included under the umbrella term "soup." Expanding product categories, rising health and wellness product consumption, and aggressive marketing by market players are projected to fuel the soup industry's expansion over the medium term. The changing way of life reacts to the rising need for quick meals. Additionally, companies are increasingly creating container designs that are easy to use and discard as the demand for convenience food rises. In addition, the market for soup is projected to expand due to rising consumer desire for healthier eating options. Due to their ease of preparation and increased consumer demand for such goods due to busier lifestyles, instant, dehydrated, and ultra-high temperature soups are projected to dominate the soup market throughout the forecast period.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The pandemic has had a significant impact on people's life. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis was primarily characterized by the loss of human life, the weakening of the nation's political, social, and economic standing, and corporate losses. The main cause of the problem was indefinite lockdowns at the local, state, and national levels. Despite the pandemic's impact on many industries, the food and beverage sector experienced significant demand. Although traditional supermarkets and convenience stores lost customers, online sales increased. Business manufacturers are gradually moving toward this dynamic transition because of shifting consumer behavior and the shift to internet retailers. The soup industry is anticipated throughout the projected period to turn a profit.
Soups Market Dynamics
The market is expanding due to rising processed food consumption in developed and emerging countries. This change in consumer behavior results from several factors, including an increase in the working population, an increase in the number of working women, a fast-paced lifestyle, an increase in westernization and urbanization, and per capita spending on processed food products, among others. These factors contribute to consumers' preference for instant food items, including ready-to-eat (RTE), ready-to-drink (RTD), convenience foods, and many others. This immediately contributes to the market's expansion.
Market Drivers
- Increase in vegetable stock and broth consumption
The growing vegan population significantly influences the use of vegetable stocks and broths in developed and developing nations. To meet the growing demand from the public, large producers are producing vegan soups in various containers. In contrast to non-vegetarian soups, people, except the vegan community, prefer healthy vegetable soups. The market benefits from these broths' increasing acceptance among consumers. According to the Vegan Society Organization, 40% of people worldwide will eat conventional meat by 2040, 35% will eat clean-label meat, and 25% will eat vegan meat substitutes.
Market Restraints
- Health problems caused by the continuous corn starch intake
Regular salt and corn starch intake works as a market restraint and contributes to several health issues, including obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Most items are prepared with maize flour and corn starch because they serve as a thickening agent, particularly canned and dehydrated soups. Soup intake is a common part of diets in nations like Japan.
Customers are aware of the additives added to their food, which limits market expansion. To combat this, leading manufacturers are developing new products with less maize starch and more vegetables. The soupy variations of Campbell Soup Company were expanded to include a variety of vegetable flavors, including carrot, red pepper, sweet potato, and ginger. With this launch, the younger generation, well-versed in ingredient lists, will be targeted.
Market Opportunities
- Increasing demand for healthy fast food
A significant element in the expansion of the soup industry is the desire for convenience meals brought on by urbanization. The need for healthful convenience food has increased due to the growing working population and busy lives, boosting the soup market. The urban middle class' rising living standards and expanding disposable money are driving up demand for quick, ready-to-eat meals; soups are renowned for being both a comfort dish that is typically scrumptious and satisfying and a healthy alternative. Additionally, a wide variety of soups are available because of ized culinary practices fueling industry expansion.
Soups Market Segmentation
Type Insights
The soups market segmentation, based on type, is dry, wet, and others. The soups industry growth was prominently high under the dry category in 2021. The working population's increased use of packaged, convenient, and healthy processed food is blamed for the segment's expansion. Working individuals are more likely to prefer nutritious meals, particularly prepared foods that are simple to prepare and consume.
Distribution Channel Insights
The soups market segment, based on distribution channel, is supermarkets & hypermarkets, convenience stores, and others. In 2021, supermarkets & hypermarkets accounted for the largest market share of the market. This increase is the outcome of several causes, including rising customer desire for ready-to-eat and convenience foods, which has led to higher purchases of instant noodle soups, and the simple availability of packaged soups in supermarkets in large quantities. The most common forms of meat extract are concentrated liquid and powder. This segment's growth is further fueled by the robust expansion of the retail industry in developed and developing nations.
Global Soups Market Share, by Region, 2021 (%)
Soups Market Overview by Region
By region, the soups market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America accounted for the most extensive market share. Asia-Pacific will exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
North America
North America dominated the market share in 2021. This increase results from changing consumer perceptions of soups containing meat extracts as healthier food options and an increasing preference for soup as a quick lunch, supported by the introduction of premium, clean-label, and novel tastes in the North American region. One of the main factors influencing the growth of the North American Soup Market is the population's increasingly busy lifestyles in developed countries like the U.S. and Canada, where people choose ready-to-go meals and chicken broth.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific accounted for the second-largest market share in the market for soup in 2021. The rapid modernization of nations in Asia-Pacific, including Bangladesh, Thailand, China, and India, is one reason for this rise. The rise of the soup industry in the Asia-Pacific area is further fueled by the increase in expenditure on Asian chicken broth and meat extracts, as well as the growing demand for canned and dried soup products.
Soups Market Competitive Landscape
The market includes tier-1, tier-2, and local players. The tier-1 and tier-2 players have reach with diverse product portfolios. Companies such as Nestle (Switzerland), Bear Creek Country Kitchens LLC (U.S.), Conagra Brands Inc. (U.S.), TSC Foods (U.K.), Maruchan Inc. (U.S.), Associated British Foods PLC (U.K.), and Premier Foods (U.K.) dominate the market due to product differentiation, financial stability, strategic developments, and diversified regional presence. The players are concentrating on supporting research and development. Furthermore, they embrace strategic growth initiatives, such as development, product introduction, joint ventures, and partnerships, to strengthen their market position and capture an extensive customer base.
Prominent players in the soups market research include Associated British Foods PLC (U.K.), Conagra Brands Inc. (U.S.), TSC Foods (U.K.), Maruchan Inc. (U.S.), Premier Foods (U.K.), Campbell Soup Company (U.S.), The Kraft Heinz Company (U.S.), The Kroger Co. (U.S.), AMY's Kitchen Inc. (U.S.), General Mills Inc. (U.S.), Unilever PLC (U.K.), Symington's Ltd (U.K.), Hain Celestial (U.S.), Baxters Food Group Limited (U.K.), Kettle Cuisine LLC (U.S.), The Original Soupman (U.S.) among others.
Inudustry Development
In April 2024, a plant-based alternative to turtle soup was created by the world’s leading food technology company called NotCo. The product known as NotTurtle Soup leveraged NotCo’s advanced artificial intelligence technology and the culinary skills of Diego Oka, a Peruvian chef, to bring about a delicacy that resembles the taste and texture of genuine turtle meat, but minus the actual thing.
For example, in March 2024, Campbell, a New Jersey-based canned soup manufacturer, introduced its new Tomato soup with Grilled Cheese. It is served in cans with grilled cheese sandwich flavors that create a more palatable spoonful of deliciousness and comfort.
For instance, Peninsular Export Company developed SAARRU, which is India's first indigenous soups brand with local variations, in November 2023. Mutton soup masala, chicken soup masala, and chicken coriander rasam masala are the three kinds of soups offered by this brand. The soups are available through B2C channels as well as B2B in Tamil Nadu, and SAARRU’s e-commerce website has them besides other online channels like Flipkart and Jiomart.
For example, Tideford Organics UK’s plant-based vegan, gluten-free soup brand has launched some new flavors of their soups as well as better recipe options, thus doubling their retail distribution from last year (September 2022). Indian Cauliflower Masala kickstarted their inspired line along with Lebanese Lentil + Kale and Malaysian Coconut + Noodle soups.
For instance, in January 2022, Zoup! Eatery introduced Zoup! Good, Really Good Soups for gluten-free consumers who want premium quality products without using any artificial ingredients or preservatives even though they have one of Zoup!'s homestyle bases.
Also, in November 2021, Herbalife Nutrition entered the U.S. market under the umbrella category of soup with the introduction of Instant Soup, which is a delicious protein-packed snack. The soup mix contains 15 grams of plant-based protein to keep hunger at bay and deliver long-lasting energy, in addition to fiber, totaling three grams.
Moreover, Full Futures was launched by Campbell Soup Company in October 2021 and aims to establish a school nutrition environment that leaves no student hungry or unprepared for success throughout their academic years and beyond. Such moves, as well as the introduction of soups in healthier versions, are expected to spur demand for soups within the forecasted period.
Similarly, in June 2021, Chunky introduced Strictly Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup flavored with bold chili pepper tones and lingering vinegar accents, which attracted many customers. Through introducing multiple types of flavors of soup, market participants cater for the evolving consumer tastes and preferences, fostering culinary experimentation and enjoyment, leaving a positive impact on the soup market outlook.
Scope of the Soups Market Report
Type Outlook
Distribution Channel Outlook
- Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Others
Region Outlook
- North America
- Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia and New Zealand
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Rest of the World
- South America
- Middle East
- Africa
Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the study are summarized in 5 stages. They are as mentioned below:
Soups Market Forecast & Size
To identify and estimate the market size for the soups market report segmented by type and distribution channel by value (in U.S. dollars). Also, to understand the consumption/ demand created by consumers in the soups market forecast between 2022 and 2030
Market Landscape and Trends
To identify and infer the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the soups market growth
Market Influencing Factors
To find out the factors which are affecting the soups market size among consumers
Impact of COVID-19
To identify and understand the various factors involved in the market affected by the pandemic
Company Profiling
To provide a detailed insight into the major companies operating in the market. The profiling will include the financial health of the company in the past 2-3 years with segmental and regional revenue breakup, product offering, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and key strategies.
Intended Audience
- Soup producers
- Raw material suppliers
- Retailers, wholesalers, and distributors
- Governments, associations, and industrial bodies
- Food & beverage companies
Report Attribute/Metric
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Details
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Market Size
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USD 19,655.9 million
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CAGR
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5.4% (2020–2027)
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Base Year
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2019
|
Forecast Period
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2020-2027
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Historical Data
|
2018
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Forecast Units
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Value (USD Million)
|
Report Coverage
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Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
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Segments Covered
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Type and Distribution Channel
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Geographies Covered
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW)
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Key Vendors
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Associated British Foods PLC (U.K.), Conagra Brands Inc. (U.S.), TSC Foods (U.K.), Maruchan Inc. (U.S.), Premier Foods (U.K.), Campbell Soup Company (U.S.), The Kraft Heinz Company (U.S.), The Kroger Co. (U.S.), AMY's Kitchen Inc. (U.S.), General Mills Inc. (U.S.), Unilever PLC (U.K.), Symington's Ltd (U.K.), Hain Celestial (U.S.), Baxters Food Group Limited (U.K.), Kettle Cuisine LLC (U.S.), The Original Soupman (U.S.)
|
Key Market Opportunities
|
Increasing demand for healthy fast food
|
Key Market Drivers
|
Increase in vegetable stock and broth consumption
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The soups market forecast period is 2020-2027
The market is expected to register a CAGR of ~5.4% over the next 10 years, according to soups market research.
Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during 2020-2027
North America held the largest share in 2021
The market size is expected to be USD 19,655.9 million by 2027.
Associated British Foods PLC (U.K.), Conagra Brands Inc. (U.S.), TSC Foods (U.K.), Maruchan Inc. (U.S.), Premier Foods (U.K.), and Campbell Soup Company (U.S.) are the major companies operating in the market.