According to a recent research report “Food Certification Market by Certification Type (Safety & Quality Certifications, Dietary & Lifestyle Certification), Application, End-User, Certification Scope, Price Sensitivity and Region – Global Forecast to 2029” published by MarketsandMarkets, the food certification market is valued at USD 5.85 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 7.72 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.
The demand for certification is surging as consumers increasingly seek safety, transparency, and ethically sourced products. From ISO 22000 compliance certifications to lifestyle-driven certifications like organic, allergen-free, and fair trade, the global food certification market is rapidly evolving to address both regulatory requirements and consumer-driven preferences.
Rising Importance of Food Certification
Certifications today go beyond regulatory compliance—they serve as a trust badge for consumers. With foodborne illnesses, sustainability concerns, and demand for clean labels shaping consumer choices, certification ensures product safety, authenticity, and ethical sourcing.
Leading players in the food certification industry are expanding certification portfolios, integrating digital traceability technologies, and tapping into emerging markets to meet evolving global standards. This dual focus—on safety and consumer expectations—is fueling the steady expansion of certification across regions.
Free-Form Certification: Fastest Growing Segment
One of the standout growth areas is free-form food certification, projected to record the highest CAGR through 2029. The increasing prevalence of food allergies and intolerances—such as gluten sensitivity and lactose intolerance—is driving demand for gluten-free, lactose-free, and allergen-free certifications.
The broader trend of personalized nutrition is also a key contributor, as consumers increasingly choose foods that align with their unique health and lifestyle needs. This shift is further supported by the rising popularity of clean-label products free from artificial additives and preservatives.
In particular, North America is a strong growth hub, with its health-conscious consumer base and significant demand for allergen-free and gluten-free options.
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Dietary & Lifestyle Certifications on the Rise
The dietary & lifestyle certification segment, including Halal, Kosher, and free-form certifications, is projected to be the fastest-growing category.
- Religious and cultural factors are driving higher demand for Halal and Kosher-certified foods worldwide.
- Health and wellness awareness is increasing demand for allergen-free and specialized dietary options.
- Globalization of food products is exposing consumers to new dietary practices, boosting certification demand.
This category represents the market’s evolution toward inclusivity and health-conscious consumption, reflecting changing consumer lifestyles across regions.
North America: A Key Growth Driver
North America is expected to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Several factors are fueling this growth:
- A diverse population with strong demand for Halal, Kosher, and allergen-free foods
- Growing food-related health concerns like allergies and intolerances
- Rising demand for clean-label products validated by trusted certification standards
As consumers continue prioritizing quality, safety, and transparency, food manufacturers in the region are actively pursuing certifications to strengthen consumer trust and market positioning.
Key Market Players
The food certification companies dominating this market are expanding their capabilities to address evolving needs. Leading names include:
- DEKRA (Germany)
- SGS (France)
- Intertek Group plc (UK)
- AsureQuality (New Zealand)
- Bureau Veritas (France)
- LQRA (UK)
- DNV (Norway)
- TÜV SÜD (Germany)
- Kiwa (Netherlands)
- ALS (US)
- UL LLC (US)
- EAGLE Certification Group (US)
- INTL Certification Limited (UK)
These players are innovating by leveraging digital platforms, blockchain, and AI-driven traceability tools to enhance certification credibility and streamline compliance for food businesses.
The food certification market is moving beyond compliance to become a strategic enabler of consumer trust and brand value. With growing concerns around safety, health, and ethical sourcing, certifications such as free-form, Halal, Kosher, and clean-label are becoming essential for businesses to thrive in an increasingly conscious global marketplace.
As the market heads toward USD 7.72 billion by 2029, companies that invest in comprehensive certification strategies will be best positioned to capture consumer loyalty and expand globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the food certification market?
The food certification market refers to the industry that provides third-party validation of food safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory and consumer standards. Certifications such as ISO 22000, Halal, Kosher, organic, and allergen-free labels assure consumers and regulators that food products meet specific requirements.
Q2. What factors are driving the growth of the global food certification market?
Growth is driven by rising consumer demand for transparency, safety, and ethically sourced products. Increasing food allergies and intolerances, cultural and religious dietary needs, globalization of food trade, and stricter regulatory frameworks are all boosting demand for certification.
Q3. Which certification types are most popular in the food certification industry?
The most common certifications include:
- Safety & Quality Certifications (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP)
- Dietary & Lifestyle Certifications (Halal, Kosher, gluten-free, allergen-free, organic)
- Sustainability Certifications (fair trade, non-GMO, eco-labels)
Q4. What is free-form food certification and why is it growing so fast?
Free-form certifications validate products as gluten-free, lactose-free, or allergen-free. This segment is growing quickly due to increasing awareness of food intolerances, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, and the wider consumer shift toward personalized nutrition and clean-label products.
Q5. Which region is expected to grow the fastest in the food certification industry?
North America is expected to register strong growth, fueled by health-conscious consumers, strict food safety regulations, and high demand for Halal, Kosher, and allergen-free products. Europe and Asia-Pacific are also experiencing rapid expansion due to diverse dietary needs and stricter export/import standards.
Q6. Who are the leading food certification companies?
Some of the top food certification companies include DEKRA, SGS, Intertek Group, Bureau Veritas, AsureQuality, DNV, TÜV SÜD, Kiwa, ALS, UL LLC, and Control Union Certifications. These companies provide certification, auditing, and compliance services globally.
Q7. How does food certification benefit manufacturers?
Food certification helps manufacturers:
- Build consumer trust through transparency
- Expand into new markets with regulatory approval
- Differentiate products with health, safety, and ethical claims
- Reduce risks of recalls and compliance penalties
Q8. What is the future outlook for the food certification market?
The market is projected to reach USD 7.72 billion by 2029, driven by stricter regulations, digital traceability technologies (like blockchain), and rising consumer demand for clean, safe, and inclusive food options.