Emergency Food Market

Emergency Food Market Size and Share:

The global emergency food market size was valued at USD 8.51 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 14.95 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.14% from 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding 41.3% of the market share. The emergency food market share is driven by frequent natural disasters, a growing awareness of food insecurity, and strong government support for disaster relief programs.

The global emergency food market growth is driven by the increasing natural disasters and climate change, contributing to a higher demand for emergency food supplies, as affected regions require immediate relief. In addition, the rise in global conflicts and political instability boosts the need for humanitarian aid, aiding the market growth. Moreover, the population growth, particularly in disaster-prone areas, creates a larger vulnerable demographic, fueling the market demand. Besides this, rapid urbanization and supply chain disruptions stress food security, providing an impetus to the market. Also, ongoing technological advancements in food preservation and packaging improve the accessibility and shelf-life of emergency food, supporting the market growth. In the United States, meat production reached 44.7 million tonnes, including 19.6 million tonnes of chicken, 12.9 million tonnes of beef, and 12.2 million tonnes of pork, highlighting the increasing capacity to supply protein-rich emergency food reserves. Furthermore, the growing awareness of food security and preparedness among governments and organizations is impelling the market growth.

The United States emergency food market demand is driven by the rising healthcare costs and economic instability led to increased demand for affordable emergency food options. It holds a total market share of 81.30%. Moreover, the aging population creates a need for convenient, ready-to-eat (RTE) meals for seniors, which is contributing to the market expansion. Concurrently, urban food deserts make access to fresh food challenging, boosting the demand for emergency supplies, and strengthening the market share. Besides this, the increasing awareness of food insecurity in both urban and rural areas drives the need for preparedness, thus aiding the market growth. Additionally, government disaster relief programs and funding are significantly fostering the market demand. For example, the USDA's Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions initiative, which covers initiatives aimed at minimizing food loss and waste, with the 2024 report based on submissions by the 2030 Champions, further supports the growing focus on sustainable food management, fostering demand for long-lasting emergency food supplies. Apart from this, the growing popularity of prepping culture encourages individuals to stockpile emergency food, thereby propelling the market forward.

Emergency Food Market Trends:

Increasing Climate-Related Disasters

Climate change has led to a rise in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and droughts. According to industrial reports, in 2022, the United States experienced 18 separate weather or climate disasters that each resulted in at least USD 1 billion in damages. These events disrupt food supply chains, leading to food shortages. In addition, there is a rising need for emergency food supplies to sustain affected communities. The global emergency food market benefits from this heightened demand during and after disasters, as governments, NGOs, and individuals stock up on long-lasting food products. Climate-related disasters often lead to power outages and disrupted transportation networks. Emergency food products that require minimal preparation, such as freeze-dried meals, are particularly valuable in such situations. Furthermore, manufacturers have integrated innovations in packaging and preservation techniques, ensuring that the products remain safe and nutritious for long periods.

Rising Awareness about Food Security

The rising awareness about food security has gained great attention in recent years. According to a 2022 report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 828 million people globally were undernourished, and this number is expected to rise with climate change and geopolitical tensions. Governments and organizations worldwide are increasingly recognizing the need to prepare for emergencies and ensure that their populations have access to a stable food supply during crises. This rising awareness has driven strong investments in emergency food stockpiles, at the national and community levels. Additionally, individuals and families are taking proactive steps to safeguard themselves against unforeseen events. This includes purchasing emergency food kits and supplies to have handy in case of severe emergencies. This growing consumer demand contributes to the expansion of the emergency food market.

Global Population Growth

The global population continues to grow, increasing the overall demand for food. As urbanization and population density increase, so does the vulnerability of communities to disruptions in the food supply chain. The United Nations estimates that the global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, with urban areas housing nearly 70% of the population. Emergency food products provide a safety net during periods of scarcity, ensuring that essential nutrition is available to all, regardless of the challenges posed by population growth. With a larger population to feed, governments and humanitarian organizations are compelled to invest in emergency food reserves and disaster preparedness, further enhancing the emergency food market outlook.

Advancements in Food Technology

Advances in food preservation and packaging technologies have revolutionized the emergency food industry. Freeze-drying, dehydration, and vacuum-sealing have enhanced the shelf life of emergency food products, with some products now lasting up to 25 years. These innovations have extended the shelf life of emergency food products while maintaining their nutritional value and taste. Freeze-drying, dehydration, and vacuum-sealing techniques have become standard practices, allowing for the production of lightweight, compact, and long-lasting food supplies. Improved food technology has also enabled the creation of specialized products catering to dietary preferences and restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-free options. This variety in product offerings is enhancing the appeal of the market to the audience globally.

Government Initiatives and Regulations

Governments worldwide are implementing regulations and guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of emergency food products. For instance, in 2023, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) answered more than 100 disaster emergencies. Emergency survivors received more than USD 1.3 billion to initiate their recovery process. The established regulations seek to normalize industry practices while giving buyers assurance about product quality. Manufacturers who follow regulations gain advantages through demonstrating their dedication to product quality together with safety standards. National disaster management agencies along with international aid efforts conduct emergency food supply procurement and distribution through government involvement. The continuous involvement of agencies in emergency food procurement creates an ongoing market need for such products which stabilizes the emergency food market trends.

Emergency Food Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global emergency food market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product type, sales channel, and end user.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Non-Perishable Pasteurized Milk
• Ready to Eat Meals
• Protein or Fruit Bars
• Dry Cereals or Granola
• Peanut Butter
• Dried Fruits
• Canned Juice
• Infant Food

Non-perishable pasteurized milk is a crucial segment of the emergency food market, holding 20.6% share. It offers a reliable source of nutrition with a longer shelf life as compared to regular milk. This product is typically available in aseptic packaging, which ensures that it remains safe for consumption for an extended period. It is a valuable source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, making it an essential component of emergency food kits, especially for those who have dietary restrictions or preferences. Non-perishable pasteurized milk is widely used in disaster relief efforts and for long-term food storage.

Analysis by Sales Channel:

• Offline
• Online

The offline sales channel is leading the market with 92.4% of the market share share. It involves traditional brick-and-mortar retail outlets, including supermarkets, grocery stores, specialty stores, and even disaster supply centers. These physical locations offer consumers the opportunity to physically examine and purchase emergency food products. One of the key advantages of the offline channel is immediate accessibility, allowing consumers to quickly obtain emergency food supplies during emergencies or for planned preparedness. It also provides a sense of familiarity and trust for shoppers who prefer to see and touch the products before making a purchase. Additionally, offline channels often cater to the specific needs and preferences of the local community, offering a wide range of emergency food options.

Analysis by End User:

• Civil
• Military

The civil end-user segment dominates the market with 52.3% share. It encompasses a wide range of consumers and organizations outside the military realm, including households, individuals, community groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies responsible for disaster management and relief efforts. Civil end users are primarily focused on preparedness for natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and emergencies that may affect communities, regions, or entire nations. For households and individuals, emergency food kits and supplies are essential for personal preparedness. These kits typically consist of shelf-stable, long-lasting food products that can sustain individuals and families during power outages, evacuation scenarios, or food shortages caused by various emergencies.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

The emergency food market share in North America remains prominent with 41.3% share. This is because of regional institutions that prioritize disaster preparedness and rising occurrences of weather disasters. The United States together with Canada operates advanced emergency preparedness programs through government initiatives by building an inventory of emergency food supplies. For instance, The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) distributes emergency food aid through its programs to assist refugee survival across the world where 25 million individuals suffer refugee status. The increasing consumer recognition of food security needs has driven the marketplace to seek out extended-life nutritious emergency food items. The emergency food market in North America continues to grow due to increased preparedness efforts, self-reliant initiatives, and efficient infrastructure networks.

Key Regional Takeaways:
 

United States Emergency Food Market Analysis

The U.S. emergency food market continues to gain significance because citizens recognize the need to prepare themselves against natural disasters and economic instability and food shortages. The USDA documents that food insecurity impacted 13.5% of U.S. households in 2023 compared to the 12.8% rate from 2022. Moreover, food insecurity continues to grow so customers are actively seeking portions of emergency food supply distributions. For instance, the Department of Homeland Security granted USD 20.261 billion to the Disaster Relief Fund through the fiscal year 2024 appropriations for FEMA to deliver substantial disaster relief and preparedness services. The civilian interest in extended food storage increases every year as freeze-dried meal sales show a 12% yearly growth. Furthermore, the emergency response and civilian markets have Mountain House and Wise Foods as their leading participants. The food preservation industry grows because of technological innovations which include vacuum-sealing systems and shelf-stable packaging solutions. The U.S. market growth receives support from both increased emergency preparedness awareness among citizens and government emergency preparedness programs.

Europe Emergency Food Market Analysis

The European emergency food market is highly driven by increasing food chain disruptions and economic insecurity. As per an industry report, food price inflation in the EU had increased to 12.6% in 2023, where some households prepared for food shortages and the European governments have actively engaged funds for emergency preparedness including food relief programs. For instance, in the UK, the government allocated GBP 500 million (approximately USD 636.92 million) in 2023 for emergency food supplies to be used by vulnerable groups. Emergency food products, including freeze-dried meals and ration packs, have increased by 15% in sales in countries like Germany and France, where civil preparedness efforts are on the rise. Increased awareness regarding climate change also is influencing food availability, therefore creating an added reason for the consumers and the business community to invest in emergency food supplies.

Asia Pacific Emergency Food Market Analysis

The Asia Pacific emergency food market is fast-growing, largely due to the impact of natural disasters, increasing urbanization, and growing economic instability. Natural disasters are found to occur more frequently in this region, with the Asian Development Bank stating that the region requires disaster preparedness solutions. In Japan, the shipment value for emergency food markets was estimated at around 31.3 billion yen (USD 0.27 billion) in fiscal year 2021, and estimates are stable above 31 billion yen (USD 0.20 billion approximately) through fiscal year 2026, as per reports. The Japanese government has also invested heavily in relief efforts following a disaster. For example, the government agreed to spend an additional 108.8 billion yen (USD 0.68 billion) from its fiscal 2024 reserve funds to provide disaster relief following the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024, raising the total to 664 billion yen (USD 4.20 billion). Other countries, such as India and Indonesia, are also heavily investing in food security, focusing strongly on disaster relief capabilities and food assistance programs. The region also focuses on investing significant amounts of capital in the fields of research and development concerning highly advanced emergency food solutions.

Latin America Emergency Food Market Analysis

The emergency food market is growing in Latin America as occurrences of disaster incidents, food security, and elevated government concern on disaster relief measures and food delivery increase. On the federal government scale, managing environmental disasters with efforts to mitigate this action in 2025 would come at BRL 1.7 billion (USD 0.28 billion), while the country steps up in such disaster relief attempts, as per reports. In Brazil, the government emphasis in disaster response creates growth in the use of emergency foods. Increasingly, the region is paying attention to improving food security through investments from governments and organizations against climate change and natural calamities. Brazil and Mexico, among others, are focusing on infrastructure for food distribution, as well as relief efforts. Major players in the region also respond to that with more efficient, sustainable food solutions that answer that growing demand.

Middle East and Africa Emergency Food Market Analysis

The emergency food market in the Middle East and Africa is driven by geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and the impact of climate change. The United Nations states that this region has one of the most extreme levels of food insecurity, where over 80 million people need humanitarian assistance. Demand for emergency food kits in South Africa has recently increased because it is considered more prepared for local, as well as global factors disrupting the region, and a general increase in demand for humanitarian organizations' service, especially from emergency food aid for crises. Global food suppliers working with local distribution companies increase their availability and distribution in emergency food products for the region.

Competitive Landscape:

The key players in the market are actively engaging in several strategic initiatives to maintain their positions and adapt to changing market dynamics. The market leaders continuously support research and development activities to create better versions of their products. The companies focus on two main areas that improve their emergency food products by increasing nutritional value and shelf stability and developing environmentally friendly packaging methods. Major companies build expanded distribution systems that reach governmental institutions as well as humanitarian agencies and end consumers throughout both domestic and international markets when emergencies occur. Major disaster relief agencies together with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) now benefit from strengthened partnerships with key players who actively participate in disaster response initiatives. The service helps both populations in need and strengthens their standing as a dependable emergency food supplier.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the emergency food market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Conagra Brands Inc.
• Del Monte Foods Inc. (Del Monte Pacific Ltd.)
• General Mills Inc.
• Lotte Corporation
• Nestlé S.A.
• PepsiCo Inc.
• Princes Group (Mitsubishi Corporation)
• SOS Food Lab LLC
• The Coca-Cola Company
• The Kellogg Company
• The Kraft Heinz Company

Latest News and Developments:

• January 2025: Foodlink has launched a USD 15 million project to enhance its facilities and operations, including a new energy-efficient cooler to increase cold storage space by 69%, expanding the community farm, and improving kitchen capacity. These upgrades aim to support rising demands for emergency food assistance in the region.
• June 2024: Conagra Brands expanded its emergency food product line, introducing new ready-to-eat meals and non-perishable options to meet the growing demand for convenient and long-lasting food supplies.
• April 2024: The Kraft Heinz Company Foundation pledged USD 15 million over three years to Rise Against Hunger, with a goal of delivering 463 million meals. This partnership will include micronutrient sachets, sustainable agriculture projects, and employee volunteer events to fight global hunger and improve nutrition access worldwide.

Emergency Food Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the emergency food market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global emergency food market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the emergency food industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.