Searching USC Databases
For general overviews and market research reports, search terms like: FOOD INDUSTRY, FOOD MARKET, FOOD PRODUCTS, GROCERY, SUPERMARKETS, FOOD RETAILING, RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD, FAST CASUAL, BEVERAGES (e.g.: Coffee, Beer, Soft Drinks, Water), PRODUCE or by specific types of groups within a product category: DAIRY, ICE CREAM, MILK, etc. Watch for variations on spelling: YOGURT, YOGHURT, JOGURT), etc.
USC Industry Information Databases
- TOP INDUSTRY DATABASES:
- IBISWorld This link opens in a new windowDetailed market research and analysis for U.S., China and Global markets
- Standard and Poor's NetAdvantage This link opens in a new windowDetailed data on specific companies and industries, including profiles, financial data, stock information, competitors and competition, and forecasts for future business.
- Passport This link opens in a new windowPassport/GMID by Euromonitor. International industry, company and market information
- MarketResearch.com Academic This link opens in a new windowDetailed reports from multiple publishers.
- BCC Research This link opens in a new windowIndustry coverage focuses on many technologies and sciences (Life Sciences, Materials, Environment and Sustainability).
- Mintel This link opens in a new windowMintel Oxygen provides detailed market research reports in the areas of Beauty & Personal Care, Drink, Food, Leisure & Entertainment, Lifestyles, and Retailing and Apparel.
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- Insider Intelligence (formerly known as eMarketer) This link opens in a new windowProvides analysis, market data, and statistics on the Internet, e-commerce, online marketing, social media, and emerging digital technologies around the world.
- EStatement Studies This link opens in a new windowProvides financial ratios and other information on many industries.
- Forrester This link opens in a new windowTechnology and market research from Forrester Research, Inc. focusing on the business implications of technology change.
- Gartner This link opens in a new windowUSC/netID/webmail password required for access. USC does not have full access to all reports.
- SBRnet (Sports Business Research Network) This link opens in a new windowSports Business Research Network provides market research and industry news for the sports industry.
- SRDS - Standard Rate and Data Service This link opens in a new windowStandard Rate and Data Service compiles contact information and ad rates for a variety of media sources
- WARC This link opens in a new windowPreviously known as the World Advertising Research Center, WARC provides a wide range of information on advertising and marketing trends around the world including expenditure data, case studies, industry trends and consumer insight.
- Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) This link opens in a new windowCompustat provides industry index information: Select Compustat - Monthly Updates - Select Region - Select Index Prices. Use 'Company Codes - Code Lookup to find industry specific codes
- Frost & Sullivan This link opens in a new windowIndustry and technology research from this global consulting firm covering US and international markets in areas such as information and communication technology, healthcare, automotive and transportation, measurement and instrumentation, chemicals, materials, energy, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, environment and buildings, electronics and security, metals, minerals and much more.
Trade Publications
These are links to the internet websites of these publications. Other publications not listed here are available full-text online in ProQuest, EBSCO, Factiva or Lexis/Nexis / Nexis Uni databases at USC.
- Amber WavesMonthly publication of the USDA Economic Research Service covering farming and food production in the United States.
- Beverage IndustryLink through USC Libraries
- Beverage Information GroupPublished Beverage Dynamics, Cheers and Stateways monthly magazines.
- BNP Media PublicationsProvides access to publications in Food & Packaging Industries
- Food Processing.comFood & Beverage Industry news, whitepapers and Top 100
- Food TechnologyMonthly magazine of the Institute of Food Technology
- Gourmet RetailerDiscontinued; content now included in Progressive Grocer
- Just DrinksA quarterly publication from NRI
- Just FoodA quarterly publication from NRI
- QSRPublication for the quick service restaurant industry
- The Tasting PanelMonthly magazine covering trends in the beverage industry. Only select content is free to view.
Buying Guides
Food Processing Suppliers Association
A directory of food manufacturers and food ingredient suppliers in the U.S.
IFT Directories
Issued by the Institute of Food Technologists. Find links to IFT Services Directory and IFT Food Expo Exhibitor Listings.
USC Books
Search USC Libraries Catalog for books and periodicals using the following words and phrases, or find full-text books online through ProQuest Ebook Central:
- Food industry and/or trade
- Food or Beverage and Retail
- Grocery or Supermarket
- Produce trade
- Restaurants
Future Foods: global trends, opportunities and sustainability challenges by Call Number: EBOOKPublication Date: 2021
Industrial Organization and Trade in the Food Industries by Call Number: EBOOKPublication Date: 2019
Organizing Organic: conflict and compromise in an emerging market by Call Number: EBOOKPublication Date: 2020
Adams Beer Handbook by Call Number: Business Circ. Desk HD9397.U5 A45- Adams Liquor Handbook by Call Number: Business Circ. Desk HD9352 .L6
- Adams Wine Handbook by Call Number: Business Circ. Desk HD9372 .W5
Search for More Books & Ebooks
Internet Resources and Reports
- Datassential - ReportsReports covering a wide range of foods, beverages and industry issues
- Food Industry Center, University of MinnesotaEducation and research on the Food Industry
- Consumer Brands Association - ResearchFormerly known as the Grocery Manufacturers Association
- Institute for Agriculture & Trade PolicyNews and reports related to agricultural policies and issues
- Roots of ChangeSustainable food issues in California
- FoodTech 2020Annual report from Thrive AgriFood listing the "top 50 growth stage companies disrupting the future of food and agriculture"
Additional Resources
See Industry Associations for additional listings and links to subindustry data
- FMI - Food Marketing InstituteNews and industry issues; basic information including Industry Glossary and Supermarket Facts can be found under the tab: Our Research
- Food InstituteExcellent source for news, publications and research. Most reports are not free, but abstracts provide some information.
Food Fraud
Food fraud is "the deliberate substitution, addition, tampering or misrepresentation of food, food ingredients or food packaging, or false or misleading statements made about a product for economic gain." (USPC)
- Food & Drug Law InstituteLook under 'Resources' for articles and other information
- Global Food Safety InitiativeFacilitated by the Consumer Goods Forum, GFSI "is an industry-driven initiative providing thought leadership and guidance on food safety management systems necessary for safety along the supply chain."
- INFOSAN/International Food Safety Authorities NetworkOperated by the World Health Organization
- Institute for Food Law & RegulationsResearch, education, and outreach activities sponsored by Michigan State University
- Institute for Global Food SecurityResearch from Queen's University Belfast address global food integrity
- The Future of Food FraudA 2020 whitepaper from BSI Group
- Tackling Food FraudA 2016 report from PWC, includes an assessment survey tool
- U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention - Food Safety & IntegrityUSC does not have subscription access.
Governement Statistics and Information
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Industries at a GlanceBeverage & Tobacco Manufacturing - NAICS 312
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Industries at a GlanceCrop Production - NAICS 111
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Industries at a GlanceFood Manufacturing - NAICS 311
- FAO - Food & Agricultural Organization of the United NationsSee 'Publications' for the latest reports and data
- U.S. Agricultural Service - Foreign Agricultural ServiceGAIN - Global Agricultural Information Network. Search for news and information by numerous categories, country or city.
- USDA - Economic Research ServiceSee DATA PRODUCTS, PUBLICATIONS, and NEWSROOM tabs for detailed information and statistics.
- USDA National Agricultural Statistics ServiceDetailed data on crops, plants, livestock, animals; economics & demographics. Information is available via customized tables or maps. Additional pubilcations are also found on this site.
- USDA - OrganicSee also - Organic Trade Association under Industry Associations below
- U.S. Census - Statistics of U.S. BusinessesFood Manufacturing - NAICS 311
Industry Associations
These are links to key industry associations. If your industry is not represented here, search Google with your industry name + "association". Not all content on these websites is free; you may need to be a member to access exclusive reports.
- American Beverage AssociationRepresenting America's non-alcoholic beverage industry
- Brewers AssociationCovers the world of craft beers.
- Consumer Brands AssociationFood, beverage and consumer products Formerly known as the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
- Dairy Management Inc.Maintained by Dairy Management Inc., this site provides links to the National Dairy Council, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the GotMilk campaign.
- Food LogisticsTracks transportation, warehousing and other factors in the food supply chain
- Food Navigator USAAssociation covering food ingredients: Yeasts, Sweeteners, Food Fibers, Flavors. For international sites, see 'Resources'
- Food Processing Suppliers AssociationSee Resources tab for recent reports.
- IFIC - International Food Information Council FoundationNutrition and food safety resource
- Food InsightInformation hub of the IFIC
- Local HarvestA source for news and locating sustainable food sources, (e.g. farmers markets) throughout the U.S.
- National Beer Wholesalers Association/NBWABeer distributors' association
- National Confectioners AssociationRepresents candy, chocolate and gum
- National Corn Growers AssociationPresentations, Reports and White Papers can be downloaded under the NEWS & RESOURCES tab.
- Specialty Food AssociationIncludes fancy prepared foods including snacks, sauces, cheese, crackers, teas, chocolate, seafood, etc.
- SugarOnline.comProvides information to all the different aspects of the sugar industry. Registration (free) is required to download reports
- The Tea Association of the USASee About Tea tab for industry data; see Tea Goods/Services tab Industry for additional sites.
- U.S. Poultry & Egg AssociationSee PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES for Statistics and Industry data; PEOPLE & GROUPS tab for links to related associations.
- USA PulsesRepresents USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council which also includes chickpeas and beans
- Wine InstituteSome limited statistics on California wine