By Michelle Stangler

While overall food industry sales have remained flat in recent years, growth is emerging from one clear area: global cuisine.

According to Nick Lenzi, senior vice president of marketing for Lipari Foods, international foods—responsible for 82% of industry growth—are not only driving category expansion but also helping retailers connect with younger consumers who prioritize health, flavor, and functionality.

That growth, he explained, is tied closely to shifting consumer preferences, particularly among millennials and Generation Z.

“When you look at what really is going on in the global cuisine space, the items that are doing well are the healthier-for-you options,” Lenzi said.

Lenzi noted that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated interest in international cooking. With more time at home, consumers became more adventurous, experimenting with new flavors and cuisines they may not have tried before.

Among the strongest performers is Mediterranean and Hispanic cuisine. Mediterranean consistently ranks as the top diet in the U.S. due to its perceived health benefits. Emerging cuisines such as South Korean, Indian, and West African foods are also gaining traction. That popularity aligns with the growing “food is medicine” movement, which emphasizes nutrition and functionality.

Health-forward attributes are another key driver. Products with digestive health benefits such as prebiotics and probiotics are growing more than 17% year over year in the global space, while specialty natural foods with clean labels, organic, or sustainably sourced ingredients are up nearly 14%.

For retailers, global foods present a rare chance to appeal to multiple customer groups at once.

“You can capture your international customers as well as Gen Z and millennials, because they tend to lean toward the same product attributes,” said Lenzi.

As consumer tastes continue to change, global cuisine is a standout category for grocers to prioritize—especially as demand for organic, non-GMO, and function-driven foods continues to rise. Because of this, international foods may remain one of the strongest growth engines in today’s evolving food marketplace.

Source: Wisconsin Grocer – Winter 2026