Sandwich Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Fresh Sandwich and Pre-packaged Sandwich), By Type (Non-vegetarian and Vegetarian), By Service Type (On-Premise and Delivery & Take Away), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global sandwich market size was valued at USD 428.15 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 444.92 billion in 2025 to USD 646.25 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.48% during the forecast period. North America dominated the sandwich market with a market share of 46.16% in 2024.

The global market has experienced major growth in recent years, owing to changing consumer preferences, economic growth, and the expansion of the fast-food sector. The rapidly growing disposable income and evolving lifestyles have led the fast food segment to become one of the most important dynamic sectors in the global economy. The fast-paced lifestyles marked by the predominance of dual-income homes and urbanization have heightened the need for cheap and quick meal options. These factors make fast food options more appealing to a wide consumer base, such as millennials, and further fuel the market growth. The major players in the sandwich market include Focus Brands LLC, Greencore Group Plc, Greggs Plc, Jimmy John's Franchisor SPV LLC, and American Dairy Queen Corp.

Global Sandwich Industry Landscape Overview

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 428.15 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 444.92 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 646.25 billion
• CAGR: 5.48% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• North America dominated the sandwich market with a 46.16% share in 2024, supported by a well-established fast-food infrastructure, high disposable income, and evolving dietary preferences. Fresh sandwiches led the product type segment due to their convenience and customization options, while non-vegetarian sandwiches held the largest share by type, driven by increasing demand for animal protein. The on-premise service segment dominated, fueled by the growth of quick-service restaurants.

Key Country Highlights:

• United States: Busy lifestyles and a growing number of fast-food restaurants have driven sandwich consumption. Premium sandwich offerings featuring organic and artisanal ingredients are gaining traction.
• United Kingdom: Rising demand for plant-based and healthy sandwich options supports growth, with brands launching vegan alternatives to meet consumer trends.
• India: Increasing urbanization and adoption of Western diets are driving the market, with major players like Subway planning long-term expansion in the region.
• Brazil: Expansion of quick-service restaurants and increased consumer spending support sandwich market growth across South America.
• GCC Countries: Rising youth population, westernization, and high consumer spending on convenience food are propelling market growth in the Middle East & Africa.

SANDWICH MARKET TRENDS

Sandwiches Made using Brown Bread/Multigrain Bread are Gaining Popularity

Over the last few years, with the growing emphasis on health and wellness, consumers are shifting from conventional products to healthier and nutrition-rich products. The sandwich industry is also following this trend. Multigrain bread is usually made of multiple grains, often including millet, oats, barley, flaxseeds, whole wheat, cornmeal, and sunflower seeds. The purpose of mixing multiple grains is to deliver a broad range of nutrients and textures compared to traditional bread. While conventional white bread is usually made from refined flour and considered dangerous for health, multigrain bread contains grains that are rich in vitamins, fiber, and essential minerals. This trend is expected to boost the sales of brown-bread sandwiches. North America witnessed a growth from USD 187.36 Billion  in 2023 to USD 197.62 Billion  in 2024.

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MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Growing Consumer Focus on Health and Wellness to Fuel Market Growth

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in consumers' preferences toward healthier food options. This shift is driven by increasing awareness between health and diet, leading to a rise in food options with healthy ingredients. The rising consumer focus on health and wellness is a significant factor driving the growth of the market. Sandwiches are considered a healthier breakfast item in many developed and developing countries. Consumers are actively seeking healthier food choices that are both nutritious and convenient, resulting in a rise in demand for sandwiches made from ingredients such as fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Moreover, plant-based diets are also increasingly becoming popular among consumers due to dietary restrictions. Market participants have adapted to this change by innovating and reformulating products to meet the demands of such consumers.

For instance, in April 2025, Golden Toast, a well-known bread brand, launched a new vegan Brioche Sandwich. This new product is a 100% vegan recipe and ideal for millennials who value plant-based alternatives.

Introduction of New Variants of Sandwich by Key Manufacturers to Aid Market Growth

The global market has been experiencing significant growth due to key manufacturers' innovation in new variants of sandwiches. These new offerings help cater to the evolving consumer preferences and tastes. Through constant and regular introduction of new product variants, the companies keep consumers excited and engaged, leading to increased product sales and global sandwich market growth.

• For instance, in May 2024, Chick-fil-A, an American fast food restaurant chain, launched a new sandwich, the Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich. The new product is made with lemon herb marinated boneless breast of chicken, toasted maple flavored brioche bun, green leaf lettuce, bacon hand-tossed in a brown sugar and pepper blend, and other ingredients.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Increasing Risks of Food-borne Contamination to Hamper Product Sales

Sandwich is one of the most popular Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food items. However, the product presents food safety challenges, owing to potential sources of contamination and multiple ingredients. Some high-risk food ingredients, such as eggs, raw vegetables, cold cuts, or deli meats, and salad dressing, are commonly used in fast food. These items are high-risk ingredients that can harbor harmful bacteria such as E. coli. Moreover, the growing incidences of contaminants hamper the sales of fast food, impacting its market growth.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Collaboration with Food Service Providers to Pave Growth Prospects

The rising collaboration of key players between restaurants, celebrities, and food service industry players has contributed to customizable meals and innovative product varieties. Further, it caters to diverse consumer dietary requirements and tastes. E-commerce platforms and delivery services are also making fast food more accessible to consumers, further expanding the market. The flexibility and convenience offered by these establishments cater to the busy lifestyles of modern consumers.

Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type

Fresh Sandwich Segment Dominated Due to Convenience and Customization

Based on product type, the market is bifurcated into fresh sandwich and pre-packaged sandwich. The fresh sandwich segment held the dominant sandwich market share in 2024, owing to its convenience, versatility, and customization options. This fast food caters to the needs of consumers seeking healthy food options, further propelling their demand in the market.

The pre-packaged sandwich category is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Quick-service restaurants and convenience stores are major drivers contributing to the market growth, offering ready-to-eat meals and pre-packaged sandwiches. Moreover, the rising demand for processed and packaged foods among millennials, owing to their busy lifestyles, further fuels the demand for pre-packaged sandwiches.

By Type

Non-Vegetarian Segment Led by Rise in Animal Protein Demand

Based on type, the market is bifurcated into non-vegetarian and vegetarian. The non-vegetarian segment held the dominant share in 2024. The demand for animal proteins such as chicken, sausage, and egg whites has significantly increased, further propelling the non-vegetarian segment. Moreover, the versatility of non-vegetarian proteins further offers a wider variety of flavor combinations and product differentiation, enhancing the segment's potential.

The vegetarian segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by a rising trend of plant-based diets and an increase in the adoption of flexitarian or vegetarian lifestyles.

By Service Type

Growth Trajectory of Quick Service Restaurant Chains Fueled On-Premise Segment Growth

Based on service type, the market is classified into on-premise and delivery & take away. The on-premise segment is expected to dominate the global market, attributed to the growth trajectory of quick service restaurants, which many consumers favor. Furthermore, these restaurants also offer a quick, convenient, and on-the-go meal experience to consumers with busy schedules.

The delivery & takeaway segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The rapid growth in smartphone usage and internet connectivity in major developing countries has been driving the segment’s growth.

Sandwich Market Regional Outlook

By geography, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America

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North America dominated the global market in 2024. The region’s growth is propelled by well-established infrastructure and a mature consumer base. The U.S. holds the major share, owing to busy lifestyles and a rising number of fast-food restaurants. Consumer dietary preferences have significantly influenced product offerings and menu development across the region. Premium bread, which is made with organic components, high-quality meat, and artisanal bread, maintains its popularity in several quick-service establishments. Therefore, prominent players in the market are focusing on innovating new products, particularly those intended for making, and further expanding their product lines. For instance, in January 2025, Schmidt Baking Co., part of the H&S Family of Bakeries, expanded its product line with a new artisan line of sliced bread. The new range is available in three variants, including Ancient Grains & Seeds bread, Italian Rustico, and Rustic Brioche.

Europe

The presence of fast-paced lifestyles and a rise in urbanization have been fueling the demand for quick and convenient meal options, such as fast food. The region has been witnessing the rapid expansion of local brands as well as international fast-food chains, owing to growing interest in international and ethnic flavors, further catering to diverse consumer preferences and positively impacting the growth of the market. Furthermore, the region has been witnessing an increase in demand for vegan products, and manufacturers in the industry are responding to this trend by launching new products. For instance, in November 2024, Heura Foods, a Spanish plant-based brand, launched a vegan “chicken” sandwich with the Rodilla restaurant chain. The new product is made from plant-based chicken and other vegan ingredients.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The region is experiencing an increase in demand for fresh and pre-packaged sandwiches owing to the rise in adoption of Western diets in India, China, and Japan. The market growth is further attributed to rapid urbanization, leading to a surge in demand for ready-to-eat and convenient food items such as fast food. The demand for fast food is expected to increase over the forecast period due to the growing number of international players expanding in the region, coupled with the increasing affluent population. For instance, in November 2024, the Fast food chain Subway planned to double its restaurant count in India over the next 10-20 years.

South America

South America is expected to witness significant growth in the global market. The growth of the market is majorly influenced by high urbanization across the region, coupled with the changing food consumption behavior of the consumers. Brazil is known to be the largest market in the region, owing to the expansion of quick-service restaurants and dining services. Moreover, as economies across the region rise, consumers tend to spend more beyond necessities. This translates to a rise in the popularity of eating out, with fast food such as sandwiches being a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Middle East & Africa

The food industry in the Middle East & Africa offers a strong potential for growth in the market, owing to the large youth population base, rapid population growth, increasing per capita income, a large expatriate population in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and high consumer expenditure on food. Moreover, the changing lifestyles, such as a growing number of women entering the workforce and increasing westernization, have been further accelerating the region’s demand for fast food and ready-to-eat food, propelling market growth in the region.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players 

Base Expansion Strategies by Key Players to Strengthen Their Market Positions and Brand Awareness

The global market is highly fragmented and competitive, with several small-scale manufacturers and startups competing against each other to expand their market share. Some of the major players in the market include the Subway Group, Jimmy John's Franchisor SPV LLC, Starbucks Corp., American Dairy Queen Corp., and others. New product launch and innovation remains a key driver of competition, with a growing focus on health-conscious and customizable options.

• For instance, in March 2025, the Subway Group declared a major expansion plan in the Chinese market, targeting 300 to 500 new stores annually for the period of over the next five to 10 years. The company’s plan of expansion is part of its brand revitalization.

LIST OF KEY SANDWICH COMPANIES PROFILED

• Focus Brands LLC (U.S.)
• Greencore Group Plc (Ireland)
• Greggs Plc (U.K.)
• Jimmy John's Franchisor SPV LLC (U.S.)
• American Dairy Queen Corp. (U.S.)
• Pret A Manger (U.K.)
• Starbucks Corp. (U.S.)
• The Subway Group (U.S.)
• The Wendy's Co. (U.S.)
• Tyson Foods Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• April 2025: Corner Bakery Café launched a new lineup of handcrafted sandwiches. The new range includes the pretzel sandwich, roast beef & blue sandwich, and ham or turkey & Swiss breakfast croissant.
• February 2025: Applegate Farms forayed into the breakfast segment by launching Applegate Naturals breakfast sandwiches. The new product is made with humanely raised and 100% natural meat, GAP certified, and free from antibiotics and GMO ingredients.
• October 2024: Popular Japanese restaurant chain operator “Watami Co.” acquired the Japanese arm of U.S. sandwich chain Subway. Subway operates 180 outlets in Japan, but Watami plans to expand that number to 3,000 over the next 25 years. In the Japanese market, Subway has a reputation for healthy sandwiches packed with tasty fillings and lots of salad.
• April 2024: La Vie, a French startup, launched a range of three 100% plant-based club sandwiches. The new range includes Le Suédois, Le British, and Le Parisien.
• April 2022: MAX Premium Burgers, a family-owned Swedish company, launched three chicken sandwiches in their all-new grand chicken menu. The new range includes the Grand Chicken Sandwich, Grand BBQ Chicken, and Grand Buffalo Chicken.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global sandwich market report analysis provides the global market size & forecast by all the segments included in the report. It includes details on the market dynamics and global sandwich market trends expected to drive the market in the forecast period. It offers information on the prevalence of sandwiches in key regions/countries, key industry developments, new product launches, and details on partnerships, mergers & acquisitions in key countries. The report covers the global sandwich market industry analysis, a detailed competitive landscape with information on the market share, and profiles of key players.

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Report Scope & Segmentation