The 15 Largest Bakery Companies In The World

Did you know that a significant portion of Americans indulge in snacks daily? With grocery store aisles brimming with an array of delectable treats, it’s easy to understand why. We all enjoy a little something between meals, and thanks to major bakery companies, we have countless options at our fingertips.

So, who are the key players behind these beloved snacks? It turns out that a select few companies produce most of the baked goods and snacks we find in stores.

Many of these industry giants also operate in diverse sectors through their affiliated brands, showcasing their extensive influence. The impact of these colossal companies is undeniable, as bakery and snack industries are poised to generate over $500 billion this year, underscoring their significance in both daily life and the broader economy.

Let’s explore the major corporations that satisfy our cravings while providing numerous job opportunities and economic value. Here are the top 15 snack and bakery companies in the world.

15 Largest Bakery Companies

1. Nestlé

   Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
   2022 sales: $94.4 billion

   Leading the global market is Nestlé S.A., a powerhouse with a vast presence in the U.S., its home country of Switzerland, and worldwide. Founded in 1905 through the merger of two Swiss milk companies, Nestlé has since transformed into the largest global food brand, encompassing sectors like snacks, bottled water, pet food, and baby formula. Today, Nestlé produces many of our favorite treats, including Toll House chocolate chip cookies, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, and brands like Hot Pockets and Cheerios.

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2. PepsiCo

   Harrison, NY
   2022 sales: $86.39 billion

   A household name, PepsiCo is known primarily for its flagship soda, but its portfolio includes a variety of products that might surprise you. Founded in 1920, PepsiCo quickly became a major player in the cola market and expanded into the snack and baked goods industries in the late 20th century.

   Today, PepsiCo owns Frito-Lay (famous for snacks like potato chips, Cheetos, and Doritos) and Quaker (known for oatmeal and granola bars), along with many other beloved snack brands.

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3. Arca Continental

   Monterrey, Mexico
   2022 sales: $53.36 billion

   Although less known in the U.S., Arca Continental has a massive presence in Central and South America. Founded in 2001, this company emerged from the merger of three established firms.

   Primarily recognized for bottling Coca-Cola products in Mexico, they also manufacture and distribute products in the U.S. Their popular offerings include baked goods, tortilla chips, popcorn, and various snack foods throughout Latin America.

4. Mondelez International

   Chicago, IL
   2022 sales: $31 billion

   Originally part of Kraft before a merger with Heinz, Mondelez became an independent entity in 2012. The company boasts a diverse portfolio of well-known snack brands from around the globe.

   Their products include Cadbury from the UK, LU from France, and Milka from Switzerland, along with popular American treats like Oreos, Ritz, and Honey Maid.

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5. Kraft Heinz Company

   Chicago, IL and Pittsburgh, PA
   2022 sales: $26 billion

   The merger of Kraft and Heinz in 2015 resulted in one of the largest food companies in the U.S. They are known for a variety of beloved brands including Capri Sun, Jell-O, Lunchables, and Oscar Meyer.

   Together, they produce many of the snacks found in school lunches across the nation.

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6. General Mills

   Golden Valley, MN
   2022 sales: $19 billion

   Renowned for their cereals, General Mills also plays a significant role in the baked goods sector. Founded in 1866, the company has a rich history in grain-based products.

   Their brands include Trix, Cocoa Puffs, and Lucky Charms, alongside popular baked goods like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury.

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7. Kellogg

   Battle Creek, MI
   2022 sales: $15.3 billion

   Established in 1906, Kellogg’s has been a key player in the cereal industry. Their original toasted corn flakes evolved into the iconic Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, and they have since expanded to a wide range of cereals and baked goods.

   They produce popular brands such as Apple Jacks, Crispix, and Cinnabon.

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8. Conagra Brands

   Chicago, IL
   2022 sales: $11.54 billion

   Founded in 1919, Conagra Brands has a wide-ranging food portfolio, including iconic snack and baked goods brands.

   Their well-known products include Boom Chicka Pop, Orville Redenbacher popcorn, and Duncan Hines baked goods.

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9. Hershey Company

   Hershey, PA
   2022 sales: $10.41 billion

   Known for their chocolate and candy, Hershey Company started as a candy and dairy factory in 1894. Hershey is behind iconic products like Reese’s, Kit Kat, and Twizzlers, as well as baked goods that incorporate their famous chocolate.

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10. Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution

    Mexico City, MX
    2021 sales: $8.9 billion

    Bimbo is recognized as the largest baking company globally, with a vast international presence. Founded in 1945, they began as a small local business focused on wrapped baked goods and have since grown into a multinational corporation.

    Bimbo is the name behind popular bread brands like Sara Lee, Thomas, and Wonder Bread, among others.

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11. Campbell Soup

    Camden, NJ
    2022 sales: $8.6 billion

    While primarily known for soups, Campbell’s has diversified into baked goods through acquisitions of brands like Pepperidge Farm and Snyder’s. They produce a variety of snacks, including cookies and chips.

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12. Post Holdings

    Brentwood, MO
    2022 sales: $6.08 billion

    Known for its cereal products, Post has evolved since its inception in 1895 and now includes a diverse range of refrigerated foods and snacks.

    Their popular cereal brands include Grape Nuts and Honey Bunches of Oats.

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13. Wonderful Company

    Los Angeles, CA
    2022 sales: $5 billion

    Founded in 2015, Wonderful Co. focuses on healthier snack options. Popular for their mindful snacking products, their brands include POM Wonderful juice and FIJI Water.

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14. Treehouse Foods

    Oak Brook, IL
    2022 sales: $3.45 billion

    Though Treehouse Foods may not be widely recognized, their subsidiaries manufacture many well-known products. Founded in 2005, they focus on acquisitions and produce a variety of foods without branding under their own name.

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15. ARYZTA

    Zurich, Switzerland
    2021 sales: $1.56 billion

    Concluding our list is ARYZTA, a Swiss company that specializes in baked goods for restaurants and retail. Their offerings range from sweet treats to savory bread and pizzas.

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Largest Bakery Companies FAQ

1. How many bakery workers are there in the US?

   There are over 29,000 bakery workers currently employed in the US. There are 76,678 active bakery worker job openings in the US based on job postings, and the projected job growth for bakery workers is 8% through 2028.

2. What is the largest bakery company in the world?

   Nestlé is the largest bakery company in the world with 2022 sales of $94.4 billion. Following closely is PepsiCo with $86.39 billion, and Arca Continental with $53.36 billion.

Author

Amanda Covaleski

Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.