Circana has released its 14th annual U.S. CPG Growth Leaders report, identifying the top-performing consumer packaged goods companies across five revenue tiers.
The 2025 analysis found that private label and smaller manufacturers generating under $1 billion in annual sales are gaining market share, while retail food and beverage sales grew three percent and non-food sales slowed to two percent.
“Winning today means putting the consumer first and staying authentic,” said Sally Lyons Wyatt, global EVP and chief advisor at Circana. “Brands that build real trust and offer clear value are connecting deeply with shoppers and building lasting loyalty in a highly competitive space.”
The report identifies five strategies driving the top performers: rich consumer bonds, true authenticity, relentless value, rewritten occasions and continuous discovery. Companies that earned growth did so where trust, value and relevance intersected – a theme that cuts across all revenue tiers.
Technology is playing an increasingly central role in separating winners from the pack.
“When you look at this year’s biggest success stories, technology sits at the center,” said Cara Loeys, VP and industry advisor at Circana.
“We see top brands teaming up with AI partners to speed up how they research, create and sell, staying ahead of the rapidly evolving and increasingly informed wants of today’s consumer. Furthermore, leading companies are adopting social-first marketing and community-driven models to forge better relationships with younger households.”
The growth leaders by revenue tier:
- In the $8 billion-plus category, Red Bull North America, Unilever, Kimberly-Clark, L’Oreal and The Coca-Cola Co. led with exceptional market share and sales growth.
- The $2.5 billion-$8 billion tier was topped by Chobani, Celsius, BellRing Brands (Premier Protein), Georgia-Pacific and Driscoll’s.
- Among companies with $1 billion-$2.5 billion in revenue, Ornua (Kerrygold), Sazerac, Freshpet, Daisy and Pharmavite led the way.
- The $500 million-$1 billion group was headed by eos Products, Chomps and Milo’s Tea Company.
- In the $100 million-$500 million tier, Nurri, Snack Innovations (Drizzilicious) and Stateside Vodka (Surfside) topped the rankings.
Several of the winners carry particular relevance for grocery retailers. Chobani’s continued growth reinforces the strength of the yogurt and dairy innovation category. Freshpet’s presence signals sustained momentum in fresh pet food – a category driving incremental traffic in stores that carry it. Kerrygold’s performance under parent company Ornua highlights consumer willingness to pay a premium for perceived quality and authenticity in butter and dairy. And Driscoll’s ranking in the $2.5 billion-$8 billion tier reflects the ongoing strength of branded fresh produce.
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