Food Traceability Market Size, Share and Trends and Growth 2034

Food Traceability Market Size, Share and Growth Insights

The global food traceability market size stood at USD 21.63 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to expand from USD 23.34 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 46.27 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.90% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Consumer demand for the safe food product and technological development mainly driving the market.

Key Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the global market with the largest share in 2024. Rising consumer concern for their health and safety has boosted the development of food traceability solutions, as industries utilize technology to enhance visibility and handle disruptions. 
• By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The food traceability market in Asia Pacific experiencing the significant growth due to many industries identifying the strategic importance of executing traceability systems. 
• By technology, barcodes segment held the major market share in 2024. The cost-effectiveness of barcode technology in comparison to certain other traceability technologies is responsible for the segment's dominance.
• By technology, RFID segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034. By executing RFID tags, industries are gaining enhancements in inventory management, traceability, and logistics. 
• By software, supply chain management segment contributed the biggest market share in 2024. Efficient management of the food supply chain is crucial for delivering food products to consumers effectively, affordably, and while ensuring maximum food safety boosting the demand for segment. 
• By software, enterprise resource planning segment is expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034. The rising necessity for data-informed decision-making and efficient operations in diverse sectors fuels market expansion. 
• By end user, fish, meat and seafood segment dominated the market in 2024. Food safety is essential across all sectors, but it is especially vital in the seafood and meat industry because of the perishable characteristics of seafood and meat items due to which demand for traceability is fostering. 
• By end user, processed food segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the projected period. Consumers are significantly consuming processed food due to urbanization and hectic lifestyle and therefore demand traceability for food safety.

Industry Coverage

Rising Foodborne Diseases and Food Adulteration: Expanding the Food Traceability Market

By offering transparent data on the origin of food ingredients, food safety and quality control throughout the manufacturing process, from farm to fork, food traceability is one of the key solutions to consumer concern about food contamination. Foodborne diseases are caused by contamination of food and occur at any stage of the food production, delivery and consumption chain. According to World Health Organization, each year, around one in 10 individuals around the globe fall sick after consuming contaminated or adulterated food, leading to over 420000 deaths.

Every year children under 5 years of age are excessively affected, with 125000 deaths per year. Rising frequency of the food adulteration and foodborne illness increasing the awareness among consumer and therefore boosting the food traceability market to meet consumer demand of transparency. 

Food Traceability Market Trends 

• E-traceability is an emerging trend in the agri-food sector that enhances transparency, accountability, and lowers the risk of foodborne illnesses by employing electronic systems to track products across the entire supply chain. Recent studies emphasize the advantages of e-traceability, like boosting supply chain efficiency, decreasing food waste, improving food safety and quality, and building consumer trust. 
• Food product trade is consistently expanding across countries. For numerous participants in the food market, unpredictable supply flows and the perishable nature of food items have heightened the demand for comprehensive traceability systems to enable a swift reaction whenever an issue arises. 
• The food traceability market is undergoing a transformation through the implementation of innovative technologies that will improve both precision and productivity. This includes smart labels, blockchain-enabled track-and-trace systems, and integrated platforms. Moreover, the rising use of RFID tags and GPS trackers, which offer real-time status and location data for perishable items, also boosts the market's demand. 
• The combination of AI, the Internet of Things, and blockchain has greatly improved the trustworthiness and effectiveness of food traceability systems. AI is progressively revolutionizing food traceability systems by offering immediate information and enhancing processes to be more efficient, precise, and transparent. Embracing AI and advanced technologies is transforming food safety by providing unprecedented levels of traceability and transparency. Such technological integration in food traceability fostering the food traceability market. 

How Government is Regulating the Food Traceability Market?

• Multiple governments have implemented programs to enhance food traceability and to advance food safety and quality control. The FDA’s New Era of Smarter Food Safety initiative collaborated with stakeholders to investigate low-cost or free alternatives, ensuring strategies are inclusive and applicable for food operations for both humans and animals. 
• The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) focuses on the necessity for swift and efficient tracking and tracing of food products. FSMA section 204, Improving Food Tracking and Tracing and Recordkeeping, mandates the FDA to establish extra recordkeeping obligations for specific foods. The Blueprint for the New Era of Smarter Food Safety presents the FDA’s plan to boost traceability, upgrade predictive analytics, react more swiftly to outbreaks, tackle emerging business models, lessen food contamination, and promote stronger food safety cultures. These regulations mandated by FDA encouraging the food companies to incorporate food traceability system and therefore escalate food traceability market. 
• The EU established regulations mandating traceability and labeling of food items and feed across the European market, strengthening consumer trust and aiding in recalls. 
• FAO aids and promotes the implementation of business practices among a diverse range of trading partners, from farmers or growers to globally sourced suppliers, to efficiently manage traceability within the food sector. Leveraging established best practices, FAO assists competent national authorities in developing, reviewing, and implementing efficient national food recall systems as a vital management strategy for preparing for and reacting to food safety incidents or emergencies. 

Market Opportunity 

Emerging Markets Offering the New Opportunities 

With the food traceability market broadening its scope, businesses are certainly acknowledging the importance of new markets. By monitoring regions such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, food traceability companies can significantly broaden their client bases, thus advancing into new growth territories. These markets are typically less saturated than other areas, thus presenting a significant opportunity for businesses to take advantage of. 

Market Challenge 

High Implementation Cost

Implementing comprehensive traceability systems requires substantial financial investments in advanced technologies like blockchain, IoT devices, and data management software. Companies must allocate resources for staff training, infrastructure improvements, and system upkeep. These costs may be excessive for smaller companies, hindering their ability to establish the necessary traceability measures. 

Regional Insights 

North America dominated the food traceability market in 2024.

Rising consumer concern for their health and safety has boosted the development of traceability solutions, as industries utilize technology to enhance visibility and handle disruptions. When it comes to executing comprehensive technology, including AI, blockchain, IoT, and RFID, to enhance food quality and traceability, American industries are breaking the ground. Additionally, the expansion of smartphone usage and the advancement of mobile applications have paved the way for consumer demand for food traceability. Consumers are using various apps with scanning functions to scan barcode or QR code on the product to get complete about it. This tendency is in line with consumers' rising need for transparency boosting the food traceability market. 

With consumers increasingly aware of the food they eat, there is a rising demand for clarity concerning the sources, manufacturing practices, and safety regulations of their food which is escalating the market in United States. This need is mainly fueled by worries regarding food quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. Furthermore, the FDA is adopting a novel strategy for food safety by utilizing technology and various tools and methods to establish a more secure, digital, and traceable food system. 

• For Instance, IBM Food Trust, in collaboration with the FDA, is developing a more intelligent, secure, and sustainable food system for everyone. IBM Food Trust is a specially designed solution to support the precise traceability required by the new FDA regulation. IBM and iFoodDS have collaborated to provide a combined solution named iFoodDS Trace Exchange using IBM Food Trust®. This solution will deliver a comprehensive, scalable, and secure traceability system for food industry businesses and their suppliers that complies with FSMA Rule 204 requirements. (Source: IBM)

The Canadian market for food traceability is influenced by growing consumer consciousness regarding food quality, safety, sustainability and transparency. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has established food traceability rules to guarantee the safety and quality of food items. These actions are essential to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) and serve an important function in safeguarding consumers' health. 

Asia Pacific expects the significant growth in the market during the forecast period.

The food traceability market in Asia Pacific experiencing the significant growth due to many industries identifying the strategic importance of executing traceability systems. The market encompasses various players, from small and medium-sized enterprises to multinational food corporations across various sectors including agriculture, seafood, meat and poultry, dairy, and processed foods. This has escalated the demand of enterprises and large firms in the region to greatly execute advanced technological solutions such as those using blockchain technology to develop a more transparent and cohesive supply chain traceability and offer a more authenticated product to their customers.

Food safety is a major issue in India due to the inappropriate and unpredictable nature of food safety monitoring system. As consumer changing their preference towards sustainability and transparency, traceability enabling Indian industries to demonstrate the authenticity of their products, serving to a more informed and discriminating consumer base. Additionally, traceability enhances supply chain management by finding inefficiencies, lowering food wastage, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Various initiatives implemented by APEDA and its collaboration with GS1 India in the form of Anarnet, Peanut.net, Grapenet, and Meat.net for the Indian farming products and their exports, boosting the food traceability market.

The FSSAI has recently launched various important initiatives to strengthen food traceability across India. These involve the enforcement of Quick Response (QR) codes on food packages, which permit customers to easily access detailed information about the product's journey from farm to fork. 

Segmental Insights 

Technology Insights

Which technology segment held the dominating share of the food traceability market in 2024? 

The barcodes segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024. The cost-effectiveness of barcode technology in comparison to certain other traceability technologies is responsible for the segment's dominance. Barcodes enhance traceability, product recall management, quality control, and other prominent food safety and compliance factors. Invention in barcode technology, including the advancement of more sophisticated, high-capacity QR codes and RFID tags, are at the topmost of these advancements. These technologies provide improved data storage capabilities, allowing the embedding of extensive product information, from origin to expiry dates, directly within the code. 

The RFID segment observed to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.

RFID technology in the food industries is revolutionizing the management of food products. By executing RFID tags, industries are gaining enhancements in inventory management, traceability, and logistics. It abolishes the need for manual scans, lowers delivery times, and enhance operational efficiency. For customers, the approach to detailed product information builds confidence and intensify their relationship with food brands which is boosting the demand for the RFID. 

Software Insights

What made supply chain management the dominant segment of the food traceability market in 2024?

Supply chain management held the largest share of the market in 2024. Efficient management of the food supply chain is crucial for delivering food products to consumers effectively, affordably, and while ensuring maximum food safety. Supply chain management is vital in the food sector due to the intricacy of the supply chain. The food supply chain includes various phases, ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to packaging, distribution, and sales. Efficient supply chain management necessitates precise coordination and communication among all participants involved. The food industry is extensive even in the U.S. In 2023, the USDA reported nearly 2 million farms in the U.S., while IBIS World estimated 62,383 grocery retail stores supplying food across the nation. Such rising food sector demand supply chain management for process efficiency. 

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) segment is seen to grow at a notable rate during the predicted timeframe.

The rising necessity for data-informed decision-making and efficient operations in diverse sectors fuels market expansion. Modern companies must handle and coordinate intricate processes across various departments, such as finance, inventory, sales, and supply chain. Traceability in the food industry through ERP is gaining importance as consumers seek more transparency regarding their food, which enhances customer satisfaction. Additionally, to assist businesses in adhering to government regulations, ERP for food traceability can enhance profitability by minimizing waste and increasing efficiency. 

End User Insights

Why did the fish, meat, and seafood segment dominate the food traceability market in 2024? 

The fish, meat, and seafood segment dominated the food traceability market in 2024. Food safety is essential across all sectors, but it is especially vital in the seafood and meat industry because of the perishable characteristics of seafood and meat items. Traceability systems enable the oversight of seafood throughout all phases of the supply chain, from capture or harvest through processing, distribution, and retail. Starting in 2026, the EU will mandate seafood suppliers to provide "relevant data in a sortable format" within 24 hours after processing.

The US is expected to emulate the EU by enhancing traceability standards for all food products. When consumers have information regarding the origin and methods of their seafood’s capture or cultivation, they are more inclined to trust both the product and the brand. This clarity not only boosts consumer trust but also increases the value of seafood products, as traceable seafood can demand higher prices due to its confirmed quality and responsible sourcing.

• In December 2024, the Global Seafood Alliance launched a new platform called Prism, which offers assurance and traceability solutions in collaboration with Wholechain. To coincide with the platform launch, GSA and Wholechain will offer a traceability webinar series starting December 17 and continuing into 2025. (Source: globalseafood)

The processed food segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period.

Consumers are significantly consuming processed food due to urbanization and hectic lifestyle and therefore demand traceability for food safety. Trust in the source and quality of the food influences the customer's decision. Buyers can ensure that the product they are buying is safe and of good quality by tracing its origin and the processes it has gone through. 

Recent Developments in the Food Traceability Market

Regenagri

• Launch: In May 2025, Regenagri, an international regenerative agriculture program, unveiled a collection of enhanced standards designed to improve the sustainability and traceability of food and textiles produced regeneratively. The improved framework will also incorporate quantifiable standards to back regeneration claims throughout supply chains. (Source: Farmers Review Africa)

Superplum

• Launch: In March 2025, Superplum introduced its groundbreaking mango packaging solution, aimed at enhancing food safety, traceability, and consumer trust. This newest development includes separate mangoes enclosed in tamper-resistant pouches with scannable QR codes. Supported by India’s most advanced supply chain, Superplum maintains farm-to-retail superiority. (Source: Food Tech Biz)

Food Traceability Market Leading Companies

• Bio-Rad LaboratoriesInc.
• Optel Vision inc. Cognex Corporation
• Honeywell International Inc.
• SGS SA
• Zebra Technologies Corp.
• Bar Code IntegratorsInc
• Carlisle Companies Inc.
• Merit-Trax Technologies
• Trustwell
• Food Forensics Limited
• Bext360
• ANTARES VISION S.p.A. CovectraInc.
• TE-FOOD International GmbH
• Source Trace
• Trace One
• Crest InfoSolutions
• DAMSELFLY SOLUTIONS INC

Segments covered in the Report

By Technology 

• Radio Frequency Identification
• Barcodes
• Infrared
• Biometrics
• Global Positioning Systems
• Others

By Software 

• Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP)
• Friction Welding
• Laboratory Information Systems
• Warehouse Software
• Supply Chain Management (SCM)
• Others

By End User

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Fruit Pulp & Concentrates
• Dairy Products
• Fish, Meat, and Seafood
• Processed Food
• Bakery & Confectionary
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
• Latin America