Global Food Gifting Market Overview, 2024-29

Global Food Gifting Market Overview, 2024-29

The global food gifting market has become a significant sector that blends tradition with modern convenience, offering a wide variety of giftable food items that cater to diverse consumer preferences and occasions. Food gifting, cherished across cultures, has transcended traditional boundaries, evolving into a popular way to express emotions, celebrate special occasions, and show appreciation. From luxurious chocolates and artisanal baked goods to gourmet hampers and exotic treats, the market provides endless possibilities to cater to the tastes of recipients worldwide. Driving this market’s expansion is the universal appeal of food as a versatile and thoughtful gift choice. In a world that increasingly values meaningful, personalized experiences, food gifting allows for customization and creativity, making it especially appealing for both personal and corporate gifting. Seasonal events, such as Christmas, Eid, Lunar New Year, and Diwali, significantly boost food gifting sales as consumers turn to quality and thoughtfully curated options to share with family, friends, and colleagues. Similarly, the rise of globalization has introduced consumers to international flavors, sparking interest in gourmet and artisanal food items from various cultures. Moreover, growing disposable incomes and a heightened focus on premium, high-quality foods have made food gifts more appealing. Brands and retailers are meeting this demand by creating aesthetically pleasing, well-packaged products that emphasize the gifting experience. Whether through personalized hampers or sustainable, eco-friendly packaging, food gifts have become symbols of care, connection, and indulgence. As consumer tastes continue to diversify, the global food gifting market promises to expand further, presenting both traditional and innovative gift solutions to meet evolving preferences.

According to the research report, “Global Food Gifting Market Overview, 2024-29” published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to cross USD 44 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 33.22 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow with a 5.16% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The global food gifting market is seeing transformative trends, including personalization, sustainable packaging, and the influence of technology. Personalized gifts, which allow buyers to tailor items to recipients' tastes, are increasingly popular. Consumers now expect customized hampers, engraved packaging, and unique flavors that cater to individual preferences. Another major trend is sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, as environmental awareness grows. Reusable and biodegradable packaging materials are becoming industry standards, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and adding value to the gifting experience. Technology is also reshaping the market, especially with the rise of online gifting platforms. Digital platforms allow users to browse, customize, and send gifts from anywhere, making it easier to connect with loved ones globally. E-commerce solutions and mobile applications simplify the process, while augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are enhancing the unboxing experience by creating interactive packaging that delights recipients. Subscription-based food gifting is another trend on the rise, allowing consumers to gift recurring deliveries of gourmet treats, thereby offering an extended, memorable experience. Leading companies, such as Harry & David, Edible Arrangements, and FTD Companies, have solidified their positions by offering curated and premium food gift options. These companies are expanding into international markets and adapting their products to cultural preferences while leveraging digital channels for wider reach. Government policies supporting e-commerce growth and cross-border trade have also contributed to the market’s globalization, making it easier for companies to enter new markets. With trends favoring personalization, sustainability, and tech-enhanced experiences, the global food gifting market is set to grow as an increasingly sophisticated and consumer-centric industry.

Market Drivers

• Expansion of Corporate Gifting Culture Corporate gifting has become a powerful strategy for employee engagement, client relations, and brand building. Food gifts are particularly favored in the corporate space due to their broad appeal and ease of customization. Organizations worldwide are increasingly incorporating food gifting into their corporate culture, especially during festive seasons or milestone celebrations. This rise in corporate gifting supports market growth, with companies opting for premium, gourmet, or healthy food gift options to enhance their brand image and create a positive impact on clients and employees alike.
• Preference for Healthy and Organic Food Options The demand for healthy and organic food products in the gifting market has surged, driven by increased consumer health awareness. People are now more inclined to choose food gifts that reflect wellness, opting for organic, low-calorie, gluten-free, or vegan options. This trend has encouraged businesses to innovate and expand their product ranges to include healthier gift choices. As the market caters to health-conscious consumers, it opens up new avenues for growth, especially among buyers who prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing in their purchasing decisions.

Market Challenges

• Difficulty in Maintaining Brand Loyalty With an increasing number of brands entering the food gifting market, retaining customers has become more challenging. Consumers often try new products based on seasonal trends or recommendations, which impacts brand loyalty. Building customer retention requires a strong focus on quality, unique offerings, and exceptional service, which can be costly and resource-intensive. Frequent promotions by competitors further intensify the challenge, as price-sensitive customers may switch brands for discounts, making it harder for companies to cultivate a loyal customer base.

Market Trends

• Preference for Local and Artisanal Food Gifts There is a growing appreciation for locally sourced and artisanal food products as consumers seek authentic, high-quality items that support small businesses. Gifts featuring regional specialties, handcrafted treats, and locally made products resonate with recipients who value uniqueness and craftsmanship. This trend aligns with the broader movement toward supporting local economies and sustainable practices, enhancing the appeal of food gifts. By incorporating artisanal products, brands can offer distinctive gifts that stand out and appeal to the sophisticated tastes of today’s consumers.
• Increased Focus on Health and Wellness-Oriented Gifts With rising health consciousness, there is a significant trend toward food gifts centered around wellness and nutrition. Options such as organic snack boxes, sugar-free assortments, and plant-based treats cater to consumers’ health-focused preferences. Wellness-themed food gifts are particularly popular during holidays and as corporate gifts, as they convey care and thoughtfulness. This trend encourages brands to expand their healthy product lines, meeting the needs of a health-conscious demographic that seeks both indulgence and nutritional value in their gifting choices.

The Confectionery items hold a special place in the global food gifting market, making them one of the most popular choices for both personal and corporate gifting

Confectionery items hold a special place in the global food gifting market, making them one of the most popular choices for both personal and corporate gifting. The appeal of confectionery as a gift type lies in its universal attraction across age groups, cultures, and preferences. From chocolates to candies, confectioneries are seen as indulgent treats that symbolize celebration, making them perfect for gifting on birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. The versatility in flavor, texture, and packaging makes confectioneries easy to customize, aligning with the growing consumer demand for personalization in gifts. Additionally, premium confectionery brands have raised the bar by offering luxury options, with ingredients like fine cocoa, exotic fillings, and unique flavor profiles, elevating them into an upscale gifting category. Seasonal flavors, such as peppermint chocolates during the winter holidays, further enhance their appeal and create limited-time offers that entice customers. The emotional satisfaction linked to confectionery items, along with a strong cultural association as symbols of care and joy, bolsters their dominance. As confectionery brands expand their product offerings and collaborate with gifting platforms, they continue to set trends and redefine gifting experiences, ensuring that confectionery remains a favored choice worldwide in the food gifting market.

The Festive and seasonal gifting has emerged as the leading segment in the global food gifting market due to its alignment with consumers' desire to celebrate and connect meaningfully during special occasions.

Festive and seasonal gifting has emerged as the leading segment in the global food gifting market due to its alignment with consumers' desire to celebrate and connect meaningfully during special occasions. Events such as Christmas, Lunar New Year, Eid, and Thanksgiving inspire people to share gifts as tokens of appreciation and goodwill. Food gifts, in particular, resonate well during these occasions as they embody the spirit of sharing and indulgence. Seasonal demand creates a surge in food gifting, as people search for high-quality and themed items to commemorate the festivities. This segment thrives on the appeal of limited-edition products, holiday packaging, and thematic flavors that make gifts feel exclusive. Businesses capitalize on these festive trends by launching curated hampers and exclusive assortments that cater to each season’s specific tastes and cultural nuances. The predictability of demand during festive seasons also encourages food gifting companies to prepare and innovate, ensuring timely supply and appealing selections. In many cultures, exchanging food gifts during festivities has a symbolic meaning, further driving demand. As brands continue to design unique offerings around holidays and cultural celebrations, festive and seasonal gifting remains the top choice in the global food gifting landscape.

The offline distribution remains a leading channel in the global food gifting market.

Despite the rapid rise of e-commerce, offline distribution remains a leading channel in the global food gifting market. Physical stores, including supermarkets, specialty shops, and boutique outlets, offer a tactile, immersive experience that online platforms cannot fully replicate. For food gifts, this experience is invaluable: customers often wish to see, touch, and even sample items before purchasing, particularly for premium or perishable gifts. Offline channels also enable instant purchases, making them ideal for last-minute gift buyers. Additionally, traditional stores leverage seasonal and festive displays that visually engage shoppers and inspire impulse purchases, boosting gift sales. Specialty food shops and luxury department stores further appeal to customers looking for unique or artisanal items that may not be readily available online. Furthermore, many customers prefer purchasing food gifts offline for their personalized service, with sales associates offering guidance on selecting the perfect gift. Offline stores can also personalize packaging on the spot, catering to consumers’ desire for customized gifts. By combining a memorable shopping experience with a range of food gifting options, offline channels continue to drive significant consumer engagement and remain crucial in the food gifting market.

The North America stands out as the leading region in the global food gifting market due to a combination of strong consumer spending and well-developed infrastructure.

North America stands out as the leading region in the global food gifting market due to a combination of strong consumer spending, well-developed infrastructure, and cultural significance attached to gift-giving. Gift-giving is deeply ingrained in North American culture, where holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day, as well as personal occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, are widely celebrated with food gifts. Seasonal and festive demand is high, with consumers in the United States and Canada showing a strong preference for premium and customized options. The popularity of food gifts ranges across all age groups, making them a versatile choice that appeals to diverse demographic segments. The region’s advanced e-commerce landscape further fuels growth in food gifting. North American consumers benefit from easy access to digital shopping platforms, which offer convenient delivery options and an extensive array of products. This digital infrastructure has encouraged innovative trends in food gifting, including subscription-based gifts, gourmet boxes, and health-oriented snack packs, catering to the evolving preferences of health-conscious and convenience-seeking consumers. Alongside online platforms, the prevalence of offline shopping channels such as specialty food stores, supermarkets, and department stores provides a tactile shopping experience that appeals to consumers looking for in-person assistance and instant purchase options. Moreover, North American companies have established global food gifting brands that emphasize quality, variety, and personalization, making the region a trendsetter in the industry. The corporate sector, too, contributes to North America’s dominance, as businesses increasingly use food gifts for employee recognition, client relations, and holiday gifting. With a robust economy, high consumer spending capacity, and a culture that values premium gifting experiences, North America continues to lead the global food gifting market. Its influence sets industry standards, pushing the boundaries of innovation, quality, and service, ensuring its place as the top region in this rapidly growing market.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Food Gifting Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region & country wise Food Gifting market analysis
• Application wise Food Gifting distribution
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product type
• Confectionery
• Fresh & Dried Fruits (Healthy and Organic Foods)
• Bakery & Pastry/sweets Products
• Beverages (Wines, Tea, Coffee, etc)
• Others

By Occasion
• Festive/seasonal Gifting
• Corporate Gifting
• Birthday & Anniversaries
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• Offline
• Online

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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