The food trade landscape is undergoing a radical transformation. Grocery retail, the HoReCa sector, and digital distribution no longer operate as separate worlds, but intersect within a dynamic ecosystem where resilience, speed, and technology have become essential. In this new context, strategic companies like Palimex emerge as key partners, able to adapt to all channels with customized solutions and cutting‑edge logistics.
Table of Contents
1. Growing markets: the numbers that matter
- B2B foodservice (HoReCa): worth around USD 45 billion in 2024, expected to grow to USD 75 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of about 6%.
- Food e‑commerce (B2C and B2B): the global online food & beverage market will rise from USD 656 billion in 2024 to USD 765 billion by 2025, CAGR 16.6%. In the medium term, it is estimated to reach around USD 954.6 billion by 2034 (CAGR 8.4%).
- Food & beverage B2B e‑commerce: valued at USD 1,966 billion in 2024, forecast to grow to USD 2,771 billion by 2034, with a 3.5% CAGR.
These trends indicate growing convergence: grocery retail, HoReCa, and digital do not compete in isolation, but reinforce each other via omnichannel platforms.
2. Ongoing trends: digitalization and omnichannel integration
- According to BigCommerce, B2B online sales reached USD 2.297 trillion in 2024 and are projected to rise to USD 3.027 trillion by 2028. The digital channel will account for 27.5% of all electronic B2B sales.
- The HoReCa sector is adopting digital technologies for personalization, operational efficiency, sustainability, and customer experience, such as mobile ordering, digital payments, and advanced reservation systems.
- Digital platforms are revolutionizing ordering in HoReCa: faster order management, greater transparency, and better use of resources.
3. Sustainability, traceability and supply‑chain resilience
- Strategic articles—such as those by Deloitte—stress that the future of food will be resilient, sustainable, and regenerative, and that bold collaboration across the entire chain is needed to tackle climate change, market volatility, and environmental responsibility.
- Leading industry trends also point to greater focus on transparency and operational sustainability: cutting waste, strengthening responsible supply chains, and ensuring food safety are imperatives for buyer trust..
4. Palimex: the tailored partner for every channel
Grocery retail
- Offers certified IQF ingredients and purées, ready to use and in continuous stock.
- Efficient large‑scale logistics, ensuring linear availability thanks to integrated hubs and controlled temperatures.
HoReCa and foodservice
- Dedicated range for restaurants, canteens, pasta makers, and food industries, with highly customized solutions.
- Rapid response to requests thanks to flexible supplies and just‑in‑time programs.
Digital distribution (B2B e‑commerce)
- Technology infrastructure ready for online: automated order management, traceability dashboards, integration with marketplaces and digital platforms.
Safety, sustainability, traceability
- BRC and organic certifications and robust, audit‑ready documentation.
Transparent, responsible supply chain, aligned with the ESG needs of advanced buyers. - Filiera trasparente e responsabile, in linea con le esigenze ESG dei buyer più avanzati.
Conclusions
Food trade is no longer linear: today grocery retail, HoReCa, and digital converge into an interdependent, constantly evolving market. The data is clear: foodservice, e‑commerce, and B2B markets are growing; expectations for efficiency, technology, and sustainability are rising.
Palimex positions itself as a strategic partner to navigate this complexity: consistent, flexible, digitally ready, with solid logistics and a certified offering. From grocery retail to HoReCa and through to digital sales, Palimex responds with tailored solutions and continuity.
