The food gifting industry has experienced a significant evolution in recent years, transforming from a niche segment to a major player in global gift markets. This growth is fueled by a number of factors, including the increasing importance of personalized and experiential gifts, a surge in health-conscious consumerism, and the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms that make food gifting more accessible than ever before. The act of giving food as a gift is deeply embedded in cultural traditions worldwide, particularly during major holidays such as Christmas, Diwali, Valentine’s Day, and Thanksgiving. These celebrations often center on the exchange of gifts, with food being a central, tangible symbol of goodwill, love, and care. For instance, gourmet chocolates, artisanal treats, fruit baskets, and fine wines are common choices for gifting, particularly in Western and Asian markets. Food gifts also serve a more personalized touch compared to traditional presents, as consumers increasingly seek out custom assortments, specialized diets like gluten-free or vegan options, and curated experiences that cater to the recipient's tastes and preferences. Additionally, the demand for premium, health-focused and sustainable food gifts has risen as consumers shift toward products that align with their values, including organic, locally-sourced, and eco-friendly options. The increasing desire for ethically produced, health-conscious food products has led to innovative offerings, with companies introducing plant-based, low-sugar, and allergen-free treats as part of their product lines. As a result, food gifting brands are increasingly differentiating themselves by offering a wider variety of products, including dietary-specific and limited-edition collections, making it easier for consumers to find the perfect gift to suit any occasion.
According to the research report, “Global Food Gifting Market Outlook, 2029” 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 rise of digital platforms has also had a transformative impact on the industry. Online food gifting services allow consumers to easily browse and order a wide variety of food items, including customized gift baskets, subscription boxes, and gourmet products, with the added benefit of delivery right to the recipient’s door. This level of convenience, coupled with the ability to personalize gifts, has led to the boom of online food gifting platforms, which continue to grow in popularity across regions such as North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. However, despite the immense growth of the sector, the food gifting market also faces challenges, including seasonality, high competition, and logistics issues associated with perishable products. Nonetheless, the continued rise of health and sustainability trends, coupled with the growing need for personalized gifting solutions, signals a bright future for the industry. Companies are increasingly focusing on innovative packaging, ethical sourcing, and premium product offerings to maintain consumer loyalty and stay ahead in a competitive market.
In North America, the food gifting market is highly developed, driven by strong cultural practices surrounding gift-giving, particularly during major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day. The region's preference for premium, artisanal, and customized gifts, alongside the convenience of e-commerce platforms, has significantly boosted the growth of online food gifting services. North American consumers' increasing focus on health-conscious and sustainable products also shapes market trends, with demand rising for organic, vegan, and gluten-free food gift options. As a result, this region leads the global market in both revenue and innovation, driven by a broad range of offerings from luxury chocolate boxes to personalized gourmet baskets. In Europe, food gifting is deeply intertwined with various cultural and festive traditions, such as Easter, Christmas, and regional celebrations. The European market is seeing a growing interest in premium, organic, and locally sourced products, with an increasing shift towards personalized food gifts. Countries like the UK, Germany, and France are key players in this market, where consumers are increasingly seeking gourmet, ethically produced food gifts. The rise of sustainable gifting options has gained traction, as consumers become more conscious of environmental impacts, prompting food gifting brands to adopt eco-friendly packaging and promote sustainable sourcing. European consumers are also gravitating towards unique, artisanal offerings, making it a competitive but flourishing market. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the food gifting market, driven by the rising affluence of consumers in countries like China, Japan, and India.
In these markets, food gifting is not just about quality, but also about presentation and symbolism, especially during traditional holidays like Lunar New Year, Diwali, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. There is an increasing preference for luxury, health-oriented, and exotic food gifts, including specialty teas, fruits, and traditional sweets. E-commerce platforms have become increasingly popular for food gifting in this region, catering to the growing middle class and tech-savvy consumers who prefer the convenience of online shopping. In South America, food gifting is popular in countries like Brazil and Argentina, where food plays a central role in family and social gatherings. The market is characterized by a preference for local delicacies, including chocolates, fruits, and beverages, particularly during Christmas and other major celebrations. However, the South American food gifting market is still evolving, with growth driven by increasing disposable incomes and urbanization. There is also a notable shift towards health-conscious and premium food products as consumers become more aware of their dietary choices. The Middle East & Africa presents an emerging market for food gifting, with countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa gaining attention. In the Middle East, traditional gifting practices are being influenced by a younger, more globalized population that favors premium, luxury, and personalized food items. Islamic holidays like Ramadan and Eid are particularly important occasions for food gifting, with dates, chocolates, and gourmet hampers being popular choices. In Africa, South Africa stands out as a leader in the market, with an increasing demand for gourmet and artisanal food gifts. However, the market in this region is still developing and faces challenges such as logistical barriers and economic instability in certain areas.
Confectionery remains one of the leading sectors in food gifting, with chocolates, candies, and sweets consistently ranking as popular choices. This segment benefits from the universal appeal of sweet treats, particularly during holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. Premium chocolates, artisanal candies, and novelty confectionery products are highly sought after, as consumers look for indulgent gifts that offer a luxurious and enjoyable experience. Major players in the market have introduced innovative packaging and personalized offerings, making chocolates and candies a highly customizable and gifting-friendly product. In the growing trend towards Fresh & Dried Fruits, the demand for healthier and organic gifting options is surging. Consumers are increasingly opting for fruit baskets, organic dried fruit assortments, and exotic fruit arrangements as gifts. This segment is driven by the rising focus on health-conscious and sustainable eating habits, as well as the increasing popularity of organic foods. Fresh fruits like exotic berries, apples, and citrus, as well as dried fruits such as apricots, figs, and dates, are increasingly favored for their nutritional value, aesthetic appeal, and versatility in gifting. This segment also aligns with the rise of vegan and gluten-free trends, offering guilt-free options for health-conscious consumers. The Bakery & Pastry/Sweets Products category is another key player in the food gifting industry, particularly during major holidays and celebrations. Baked goods such as cookies, cakes, muffins, and pastries are widely gifted for their comforting appeal and ability to convey warmth and thoughtfulness. This segment benefits from the growing trend of artisanal and handmade products, with consumers increasingly choosing unique, small-batch baked goods over mass-produced options.
Customization is a major driver here, with consumers opting for personalized cakes and pastries for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. Additionally, the appeal of regional and international flavors like French macarons or Italian panettone has made this category a favorite for gift-givers looking to offer something special. The Beverages segment, which includes wines, teas, coffees, and specialty beverages, has also seen steady growth in the food gifting market. Wine gift baskets, premium teas, and gourmet coffee packages are particularly popular during festive seasons like Christmas and New Year’s. The increasing preference for artisanal and specialty beverages, such as organic teas, single-origin coffees, and craft beers, has driven demand for these products as unique, high-quality gifts. Wine gifting, in particular, remains strong, with personalized wine selections and wine and cheese gift baskets becoming popular choices for luxury gifting. As consumers seek premium and personalized experiences, the beverages segment continues to expand, offering a wide variety of gifting options for different tastes and preferences. The Others category in the food gifting market encompasses a wide array of products that don’t fit neatly into the traditional categories of confectionery, beverages, or baked goods. This includes gourmet nuts, specialty cheeses, charcuterie, and other gourmet food items that are often incorporated into customized gift baskets.
Festive and seasonal gifting remains a dominant driver in the food gifting market, especially during peak holidays such as Christmas, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Lunar New Year, and Easter. During these times, food gifting becomes an integral part of cultural and family traditions, with people exchanging gourmet gift baskets, chocolates, baked goods, wines, and other festive treats. This segment is fueled by a strong emotional connection to celebrations and the desire to share something meaningful and indulgent with loved ones. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for consumers to send food gifts to family and friends across distances, making festive gifting a year-round trend, not limited to one or two major holidays each year. Corporate gifting is another significant segment in the food gifting market. Companies often use food gifts as a way to strengthen relationships with clients, employees, and business partners. This segment includes luxury hampers, branded chocolates, gourmet coffee sets, wine baskets, and other premium food products, all customized to reflect the company’s branding or tailored to the preferences of the recipient. Corporate gifting is especially popular during the holiday season, but it also extends to milestones such as company anniversaries or celebrations of successful projects. The growing trend of personalized gifting, which offers a unique and customized experience, has greatly boosted the appeal of food gifts in corporate settings. Corporations are also increasingly seeking sustainable and ethically sourced food gifts, aligning with broader trends of environmental responsibility and health-consciousness. When it comes to birthdays and anniversaries, food gifting offers a thoughtful and personalized way to celebrate these milestones. Consumers often seek out custom-made or artisanal food gifts that reflect the recipient’s tastes, whether it’s a box of gourmet chocolates, a selection of exotic fruits, or a beautifully crafted cake. The personalization factor is a key driver in this segment, with consumers increasingly looking for unique, curated experiences such as wine and cheese pairings or bespoke sweet treats. This trend extends beyond just individuals to include celebratory gifts for couples or family-oriented packages, especially for milestone anniversaries or birthday celebrations.
Offline food gifting remains a significant segment, especially in regions where traditional retail and face-to-face interactions are highly valued. In many countries, physical stores, gourmet food shops, supermarkets, and specialty food boutiques are central hubs for purchasing food gifts. The tactile experience of browsing through premium chocolates, selecting fresh fruit baskets, or picking out artisanal products enhances the overall gifting experience. For consumers, offline shopping provides the immediate satisfaction of handpicking gifts, allowing them to see and touch the products before purchasing. During peak seasons like Christmas or Diwali, brick-and-mortar stores often witness a surge in foot traffic, with in-store promotions and attractive displays driving sales. Moreover, in some cultures, the personal touch associated with hand-delivering gifts plays a crucial role in maintaining strong social bonds, particularly during important holidays or celebrations. On the other hand, the online food gifting market has seen remarkable growth in recent years, driven by the increasing adoption of digital platforms and e-commerce. The convenience of online shopping allows consumers to easily browse a wide variety of food gift options from the comfort of their homes, with personalized recommendations and curated selections enhancing the shopping experience. Online food gifting also provides a greater range of choices, from custom gift baskets to luxury gourmet products, catering to various tastes and preferences. One of the key advantages of online food gifting is the ability to send gifts directly to recipients, regardless of geographic location. This convenience has made it a popular choice for consumers who are separated by distance but still wish to send thoughtful and meaningful gifts. Additionally, online platforms often offer subscription services, allowing consumers to send regular, curated food gifts to their loved ones, further boosting the appeal of e-commerce in this market. The growth of online food gifting is also fueled by advancements in logistics, which ensure timely delivery, even for perishable items, and easy return policies. The integration of social media and digital marketing has further expanded the reach of online food gifting, with companies leveraging influencers and targeted ads to drive consumer interest and engagement.