In its 2010 Food and Beverage Global Report, IMAP Inc., a global merger and acquisition (M&A) organization, details M&A transaction activity by country and region during 2009, projections for 2010, and the factors and trends that are contributing to the industry's evolution and growth. A key finding of the report is that the food and beverage industry has shown resiliency during economic slowdowns. 

Cathy Jaros, an IMAP food and beverage advisor, comments, "Historically, developed countries such as the United States have been the largest producers of manufactured food products. However IMAP advisers have seen the longer-term trend, with China, Russia and India increasing their production capacities. Additionally, diets in developing countries are shifting from staple foods rich in carbohydrates to more expensive foods such as meat and dairy products. We are seeing rising health consciousness and the increased need for convenience, especially at home, driving growth in the developed countries."

IMAP advisers expect that rising populations, favorable demographics and increasing per capita income will support growth in developing countries. IMAP advisers also predict that recent droughts in some countries and rising fossil fuel prices are likely to cause food scarcity, which may force governments to intervene and acquire more farmland and subsidize agriculture.

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