The highly fragmented food and beverage manufacturing industry is rapidly growing due to population expansion in key markets, evolving consumer preferences (e.g., plant-based foods), and a heightened focus on sustainability. Given that water and wastewater management are impacted by these shifts, water solutions providers and multinationals are racing to address the opportunities ahead.

Companies are facing increasing pressure from customers to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing water usage and recovering resources. This focus on corporate sustainability can be a competitive advantage, particularly for customer-facing brands.

Leading manufacturers are setting ambitious water conservation targets, aiming to increase water reuse to US$1.7 billion by 2030. Developing markets, influenced by rising incomes, are also playing a significant role in shaping food choices and water & wastewater management. The food and beverage industry is projected to invest US$112.3 billion in water and wastewater management by 2030, with China, the U.S., and India leading the way.

This Insight Report provides a 2024–2030 global forecast of capital and operating expenditures for the food & beverage industry considering industry trends, inflationary pressures, facility-level usage, and policy incentives.