Travel Snacking & Beverage Market

OnboardF&B™ provides a strategic lens on the evolving snacking and beverage landscape across the travel sector. With robust growth across air, rail, and cruise segments, branded and convenient onboard offerings are more important than ever. This report summarises key insights with supporting market data to inform our partners and clients.

✈️ Airline Onboard Catering & Snacks

The global in-flight catering market was valued at approximately USD 20.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 35 billion by 2034, growing at ~6% CAGR. Other sources report values of USD 16.5 billion in 2024, rising to USD 25.9 billion by 2033. North America alone accounts for USD 3.5 billion in 2024, expected to hit USD 6.4 billion by 2030. High load factors and changing dietary preferences are driving pre-order models and snack innovation on board.

🚢 Cruise Ship Catering & Beverages

The European cruise catering segment reached USD 2.5 billion in 2024 and is forecast to hit USD 4.1 billion by 2033. Globally, the broader cruise food and beverage spend is estimated between USD 8–10 billion as cruise volumes rebound post-COVID. The demographic shift toward Gen X and Millennial cruisers is accelerating demand for wellness-focused and high-quality snack and drink options.

🚄 Rail Travel Snacking

Rail catering lacks clear market-size data but tracks closely with airline models in convenience, packaged format, and consumer recognition. Operators are turning to branded snack and beverage offerings as passengers seek familiar, trusted products on short- and medium-haul routes.

Sources & Attribution

Figures compiled from public market reports including: IMARC Group, Precedence Research, Grand View Research, Allied Market Research, Hospitality Upgrade, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).