Grant Thornton International LTD's 2013 Global Food and Beverage Benchmarking Survey (PDF) shows strong signs of optimism among global food and beverage executives. We've put together some of the most interesting findings in the infographic below. For more results and actionable insights, read the executive summary. http://gt-us.co/1g07e1q

1. 90%
plan to hire
more WORKERS
43%
Southeast Asia
(excluding China)
China
North America
56%
of global executives expect
greater REVENUES;
Top new markets
for the next 1-2 years:
61+39
61%
PREMIUM
59% Healthy
49% Locally sourced
46% Sustainably produced
44% Convenience
Costs MOST likely to rise
90% Transportation/fuel
89% Labor
INSIGHTS FROM THE 2013 GRANT THORNTON INTERNATIONAL LTD
Global Food and Beverage benchmarking survey
GROWTH: A story of emerging opportunities and risk
Doing more with less:
but only
MEANS TO GROWTH
EXPORTS:
of product sales will come from exports.
26.7%
38%
32%
Top export risks:
Government and product regulations
in countries of export
Insufficient infrastructure to move products
Quality and safety risks for perishable food
and beverages
41%
PLANT EXPANSION:
are likely to build new facilities.
EQUIPMENT, NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND IT:
Top investments for most companies in the next year
CHANGING CONSUMER DEMANDS: Demographic shifts and public focus on
GMO controversy have led consumers to
seek new market niches.
Top food and beverage product trends
with a positive effect on business:
CHALLENGES TO GROWTH
Most executives expect every cost surveyed to rise in the next 12 months.
91%
Utility/energy
70% IT
68% Service provider
71%
R&D
Costs LEAST likely to rise
IMPACT ON CONSUMERS:
Some costs may finally be
passed on to customers after years of pricing stagnation.
REGULATION UNCERTAINTY AND SUPPY CHAIN RISKS:
Food scares have led to tigher regulations, leaving producers wary of effects on business.
48% Environmental
44% Taxes
38% Food labeling
TOP 4
SUPPLY CHAIN CONCERNS
TOP 3 GLOBAL INDUSTRY
REGULATORY CONCERNS
59%
Retailer dominance
Product safety
Quality
Traceability
51%
50%
35%
2014
In the next 2 years
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