Industry Statistics and Trends
Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe key trends
Gen Z is changing Europe’s food scene with a hunger for healthy options.
Wholesalers who cater to this generation’s wellness priorities are not only pleasing customers but also opening doors to steady revenue growth and fresh sales opportunities.
Non-alcoholic drinks are quickly becoming the focus of Europe’s beverage scene.
As younger generations prioritise wellness over alcohol, wholesalers are embracing the trend by partnering with producers and exploring new ways to grow their business and meet evolving consumer preferences.
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Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe
Industry Revenue
Total value and annual change from 2012-2030. Includes 5-year outlook.
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Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe market size (2020-2025)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 1.4 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated €2.0tr in 2025.
Trends and Insights
Europe shifts to healthier drinks as more people say no to alcohol
- In recent years, Europe has experienced a decline in alcohol consumption, as more people focus on health and aim for a healthier lifestyle. IWSR’s latest No/Low Alcohol Strategic Study, published in December 2024, reports that per capita consumption of pure alcohol in countries like France, Germany, Spain, and the UK has dropped by 20% since 2000. The study also shows that people are moderating their drinking habits, with 75% of Gen Z consumers of no- and low-alcohol products having cut back on alcohol in the past six months through December 2024, compared to 74% of Millennials, 66% of Gen X, and 55% of Boomers. These figures indicate that people are drinking less, which may reduce alcohol sales for wholesalers as both retailers and customers place smaller orders.
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Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe outlook (2025-2030)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Wholesalers face potential threat as retailers and manufacturers seek cost-cutting alternatives
- Retailers and manufacturers bypass wholesalers to cut costs, posing a significant threat to the European grocery wholesaling industry in the near future. For example, major UK supermarkets (like Morrisons and Asda) are prioritising local sourcing. Asda, for instance, is directly partnering with over 300 local suppliers in 2025. These suppliers now manage over 2,000 product lines in Asda stores, removing the need for wholesalers and likely slowing wholesaler revenue growth in the coming years.
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Revenue
€2.0tr
Employees
3m
Wages
€XX.Xbn
European Leaders & Laggards
Top 5 Countries
- Switzerland +7.8%
- Greece +7.1%
- Malta +4.2%
- Serbia +4.2%
- Italy +4.0%
Bottom 5 Countries
- Lithuania -2.6%
- Slovakia -1.2%
- Estonia -0.8%
- Sweden -0.6%
- Luxembourg -0.1%
* CAGR values are for the years 2020-2025.
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Biggest companies in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe
| Company | Market Share (%)
2025 | Revenue (€m)
2025 | Profit (€m)
2025 | Profit Margin (%)
2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Costco Wholesale | 29,129.8 | 1,048.6 | 3.6 | |
TransGourmet Holding AG | 20,329.5 | 365.9 | 1.8 | |
Metro AG | 34,560.9 | 622.1 | 1.8 |
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Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe
Products & Services Segmentation
Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.
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Top Questions Answered in this Report
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What is the market size of the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe in 2025?
The market size of the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe is €2.0tr in 2025.
How many businesses are there in the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe in 2025?
There are 414k businesses in the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe, which has grown at a CAGR of 0.6 % between 2020 and 2025.
Has the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe has been growing at a CAGR of 1.4 % between 2020 and 2025.
What is the forecast growth of the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe is expected to grow.
What does the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe include?
Fruit and vegetables and Meat and meat products are part of the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe.
Which countries have the most businesses in the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe?
The European country with the most businesses in the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry is Russia.
How competitive is the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe?
The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Food & Drink Wholesaling industry in Europe.
Related Industries
This industry is covered in 37 countries
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Russia
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in France
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Romania
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in the UK
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Poland
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Portugal
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Cyprus
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Croatia
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Bulgaria
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Lithuania
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Belgium
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Italy
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Austria
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Norway
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Slovakia
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Malta
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Latvia
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in North Macedonia
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Greece
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Spain
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Switzerland
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Denmark
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Germany
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Luxembourg
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Finland
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Slovenia
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Iceland
- Fruit & Vegetable Wholesaling in the UK
- Meat Wholesaling in the UK
- Juice, Mineral Water & Soft Drink Wholesaling in the UK
- Alcoholic Beverage Wholesaling in the UK
- Dairy Product, Egg & Edible Oil Wholesaling in the UK
- Tobacco Product Wholesaling in the UK
- Coffee, Tea & Spices Wholesaling in the UK
- Confectionery Wholesaling in the UK
- Grocery Wholesaling in the UK
- Grocery Wholesaling in Germany
- Confectionery Wholesaling in Germany
- Coffee, Tea & Spices Wholesaling in Germany
- Other Food Wholesaling in Germany
- Tobacco Product Wholesaling in Germany
- Dairy Product, Egg & Edible Oil Wholesaling in Germany
- Beverage Wholesaling in Germany
- Meat Wholesaling in Germany
- Fruit & Vegetable Wholesaling in Germany
- Food, Beverage & Tobacco Wholesaling in Ireland
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in the Netherlands
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Hungary
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Czechia
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Sweden
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Turkey
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Ireland
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Estonia
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Food & Drink Wholesaling in Serbia
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Businesses in the industry wholesale a range of food products, including fresh or frozen meat; fresh, frozen or processed vegetables; beverages; dairy products, eggs and oils; tobacco; and baking products and confectionery. This industry also includes prepared meals, bread, dips and condiments, food spreads, savoury snacks, sandwich fillings, tinned goods and processed grain and cereal.
Related Terms
WHOLESALE BYPASS SPECIALISED WHOLESALER COOPERATIVESUPPLY CHAINWhat's included in this industry?
Fruit and vegetablesMeat and meat productsDairy products, eggs and edible oils and fatsBeveragesSugar and sugar confectioneryCanned and pre-packaged foodCompanies
Costco WholesaleTransGourmet Holding AGMetro AGIndustry Code
463 - Wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco in Europe
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Performance
Key Takeaways
Europe shifts to healthier drinks as more people say no to alcohol
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Revenue Highlights
Trends
- Revenue
- 2025 Revenue Growth
- Revenue Volatility
Employment Highlights
Trends
- Employees
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Employee
Business Highlights
Trends
- Businesses
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Business
Profit Highlights
Trends
- Total Profit
- Profit Margin
- Profit per Business
Current Performance
Charts
- Revenue in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Employees in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Business in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Profit in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
Analysis
What's driving current industry performance in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry?
Outlook
Analysis
What's driving the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry outlook?
Volatility
Analysis
What influences volatility in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix
Life Cycle
Analysis
What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Life Cycle Matrix
Products and Markets
Highlights
Trends
- Largest Market
- Product Innovation
Key Takeaways
Rising health and environmental concerns hit meat consumption. The increasing popularity and awareness of plant-based diets and sustainability issues are driving down meat product sales.
Products and Services
Charts
- Products and Services Segmentation
Analysis
How are the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry's products and services performing?
Analysis
What are innovations in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry's products and services?
Major Markets
Charts
- Major Market Segmentation
Analysis
What influences demand in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry?
International Trade
Highlights
- Largest Importer
- Smallest Importer
- Total Imports into Europe
- Largest Exporter
- Smallest Exporter
- Total Exports into Europe
Heat maps
- Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
- Industry Concentration of Exports by Country
Data Tables
Value and annual change (%) included
- Number of Imports and Exports by European Country (2025)
Geographic Breakdown
Business Locations
Heat maps
- Share of Total Industry Revenue by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Enterprises by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Employment by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Wages by Region (2025)
Industry Geographic Breakdown
Data Tables
Values and annual change provided for 37 European countries:
- Revenue (2025)
- IVA (2025)
- Enterprises (2025)
- Employment (2025)
- Exports (2025)
- Imports (2025)
Competitive Forces
Highlights
Trends
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
Key Takeaways
Major wholesalers dominate the industry. The industry is made up of numerous major players, including Sucres et Denrees SA, Groupe Lactalis SA and Metro AG.
Supply Chain
Charts
Buyer and supply industries
Companies
Market Share
Charts
- Industry Market Share by Company (2020-2025)
Companies
Data Tables
Top 10 companies by market share:
- Market share (2025)
- Revenue (2025)
- Profit (2025)
- Profit Margin (2025)
Data Tables
- Countries of operation for Costco Wholesale
- Countries of operation for TransGourmet Holding AG
- Countries of operation for Metro AG
- Countries of operation for Rewe Group
- Countries of operation for Groupe Lactalis SA
- Countries of operation for EDEKA ZENTRALE Stiftung & Co KG
- Countries of operation for Booker Group Ltd
- Countries of operation for Gruppo Veronesi SpA
- Countries of operation for Sucres Et Denrees SA
- Countries of operation for Alvean Sugar SL
External Environment
Highlights
Trends
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key Takeaways
Wholesalers in the industry must ensure they distribute food free from harmful substances. European wholesalers must adhere to food safety and hygiene legislation like The General Food Law Regulation.
External Drivers
Analysis
What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry?
Financial Benchmarks
Highlights
Trends
- Profit Margin
- Average Wage
- Largest Cost
Key Takeaways
Wholesalers are contending with rising procurement costs because of unprecedented inflation in food manufacturing. The high cost of commodities triggered by inflation and adverse weather conditions increases the purchasing expenses for wholesalers, directly impacting their profit.
Cost Structure
Charts
- Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
-
Industry Cost Structure Benchmarks:
- Marketing
- Depreciation
- Profit
- Purchases
- Wages
- Rent
- Utilities
- Other
Analysis
What trends impact cost in the Food & Drink Wholesaling in Europe industry?
Key Ratios
Data tables
- IVA/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Imports/Demand (2015-2030)
- Exports/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Revenue per Employee (2015-2030)
- Wages/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Employees per Establishment (2015-2030)
- Average Wage (2015-2030)
Country Benchmarks
European Leaders & Laggards
Data Tables
Top and bottom five countries listed for each:
- Revenue Growth (2025)
- Business Growth (2025)
- Job Growth (2025)
European Country Performance
Data Tables
Rankings available for 37 countries. Statistics ranked include:
- IVA/Revenue (2025)
- Imports/Demand (2025)
- Exports/Revenue (2025)
- Revenue per Employee (2025)
- Wages/Revenue (2025)
- Employees per Establishment (2025)
- Average Wage (2025)
Structural Comparison
Data Tables
Trends in 37 countries benchmarked against trends in Europe
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
- Volatility
- Capital Intensity
- Innovation
- Life Cycle
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2015-2030)
- IVA (2015-2030)
- Establishments (2015-2030)
- Enterprises (2015-2030)
- Employment (2015-2030)
- Exports (2015-2030)
- Imports (2015-2030)
- Wages (2015-2030)
Methodology
Where does IBISWorld source its data?
IBISWorld is a world-leading provider of business information, with reports on 5,000+ industries in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and China. Our expert industry analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build an accurate picture of each industry.
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and IBISWorld's proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
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