2025 Food Restaurant Stocks to Watch: Top 8 Genuine Picks for Steady Portfolio Growth

During the fluctuations of the Thai and global stock markets, the food business sector has become a safe haven for prudent investors because of one simple understanding: restaurant stocks inherently tend to resist economic volatility better than other sectors. No matter when, people need to eat, and that forms the foundation of stable investment opportunities.

What are restaurant stocks and why are they interesting?

The food stock sector is broader than you might think. It includes not only food manufacturing companies but also beverage producers, sugar producers, and restaurant chains. This business structure creates stability and predictable cash flows.

Categorized by industry:

• Agriculture and food processing: Charoen Pokphand (CPF), Tyson Foods (TSN)
• Beverage producers: Carabao (CBG), Coca-Cola (KO)
• Sugar industry: Buriram Sugar (BRR), Khon Kaen Sugar (KSL)
• Restaurant and retail businesses: Minor International (MINOR), The Kroger (KR)

Why are investors looking at restaurant stocks in 2025?

Global food demand continues to rise, making the food industry an attractive target for international investors. The role of this industry in generating steady returns is no coincidence.

###Main advantages of investing in restaurant stocks

1. Defensive stocks during economic downturns
Food consumption is a basic need. Even in tough economic times, people still spend, providing companies in this sector with more stable revenue streams than others.

2. Reliable dividends
Many food companies are known for paying consistent dividends. High-profit and stable-structure companies often commit to dividend payments to shareholders.

3. Growth opportunities from increasing population
A growing global population means higher food demand. Large food companies are well-positioned to benefit from this trend, especially in developing markets.

4. Continuous innovation
From plant-based meats to health foods, this industry keeps itself fresh and innovative.

8 restaurant stocks to include in your portfolio for 2025

###High-performance Thai food stocks

1. Charoen Pokphand (CPF)

Founded in 1978, part of the CP Group, this company operates in three main sectors: animal feed, livestock, and food processing.
Currently, CPF operates in 17 countries and exports to 40, making it one of Southeast Asia’s largest food producers.

Data: Current Price 22.0 THB | P/E 11.9x | Target Price 30.00 THB | Dividend Yield 2.06%

(# 2. Thai Union )TU###
Starting from seafood processing, this company is now a global leader in seafood. Its expansion strategy focuses on key markets like America and Europe, with internationally recognized brands.

Data: Current Price 12.40 THB | Target Price 16.90 THB | Dividend Yield 4.51%

(# 3. Asian Sea )ASIAN###
A leading Thai producer and exporter of processed seafood, established in 1983. Asian Sea has developed into a symbol of quality in the seafood industry, with a marketing network across many countries.

Data: Current Price 7.85 THB | P/E 7.8x | Target Price 30.00 THB | Dividend Yield 9.29%

(# 4. Minor Food )MINT###
Starting from a French pizza restaurant, MINT expanded into a large food and beverage group, acquiring international brands like Burger King and Dairy Queen.

Data: Current Price 22.0 THB | P/E 42.7x | Target Price 30.00 THB | Dividend Yield 2.06%

(Global restaurant stocks to watch

)# 5. Nestlé ###NESN###
Founded in 1866 in Switzerland, Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company. Its brands are familiar worldwide, from Nescafé coffee to KitKat chocolates.
With operations in 190 countries, Nestlé has low risk of market volatility in any single region.

Data: Current Price 74.04 CHF | P/E 17.28x | Target Price 87.64 CHF | Dividend Yield 3.99%

(# 6. Coca-Cola )KO###
The oldest and most renowned beverage company, founded in 1886. Coca-Cola now has a portfolio of over 200 brands in more than 200 countries.
The Coca-Cola symbol represents more than just drinks; it’s a symbol of stability in investment.

Data: Current Price USD 25.37 | P/E 24.05x | Target Price USD 28.39 | Dividend Yield 3.14%

(# 7. Pepsi )PEP###
Not just a beverage producer, PepsiCo was formed in 1965 from the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay, with a wide range of popular brands.
PepsiCo covers both beverages and snack foods, diversifying its revenue streams.

Data: Current Price USD 142.64 | P/E 20.91x | Target Price USD 177.89 | Dividend Yield 3.70%

(# 8. Unilever )UL###
Born from a merger of margarine and soap companies in the past century, Unilever now operates in 190 countries, covering three main product groups: food, beverages, personal care, and cleaning products.

Data: Current Price USD 55.13 | P/E 21.56x | Target Price USD 64.08 | Dividend Yield 3.29%

Comparison table: 8 restaurant stocks for the 2025 portfolio

Health food restaurant stocks: rapidly growing sectors

As consumers increasingly prioritize health, health-focused food stocks have become attractive investment options.

Beyond Meat (BYND): Leader in plant-based meats, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Oatly (OTLY): Market leader in oat milk, making plant-based beverages mainstream.

Tattoed Chef (TTCF): Plant-based ready meals for busy modern lifestyles.

The Hain Celestial (HAIN): Producer of organic and health foods.

Danone (DANOY): Major player in dairy and plant-based beverages.

Nomad Foods (NOMD): Premium frozen foods for health-conscious consumers.

Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM): Supermarket chain focusing on health and organic foods.

Ingredion (INGR): Producer of health food ingredients, from natural sweeteners to plant-based flours.

Risks to watch out for

Although restaurant stocks are considered stable, risks still exist:

1. Economic slowdown and inflation
Reduced consumer spending impacts sales, though less severely than in other sectors. Rising costs of raw materials, energy, and labor also pose challenges.

2. Intense competition
Successful products attract new entrants, which can erode profit margins.

3. Changing consumer preferences
Trends shift rapidly; today’s popular product may fall out of favor soon.

4. Public health risks
Discovery of contaminated food or drinks can damage reputation and sales instantly.

How to find and track restaurant stocks

Use trading websites: Yahoo Finance, Google Finance, Bloomberg, CNBC offer industry-specific search tools.

Follow financial news: Financial newspapers, news programs, news websites.

Use analysis platforms: INVESTING.COM, MITRADE for searching and tracking by industry groups.

Consult investment advisors: Financial analysts can provide tailored advice on restaurant stocks.

How to invest in restaurant stocks

( 1. Buy stocks directly
Open a securities account with a broker (Thai or international) and trade restaurant stocks directly. Benefits include shareholder rights, dividends, and voting rights at shareholder meetings.

) 2. Invest through mutual funds
Many investors pool money into funds managed by experts who select stocks. This diversifies risk.

3. Invest via CFD ###Contract For Difference###

A derivative allowing short-term trading with leverage, suitable for both rising and falling markets. CFDs offer flexibility and profit opportunities from short-term price movements.

Summary: 6 reasons to include restaurant stocks in your portfolio

1. Defensive stocks (Defensive Stock)
Steady demand for food regardless of economic conditions.

2. Recovery during economic downturns
While other sectors decline, restaurant stocks often remain resilient.

3. Growth from global population
Population growth drives increased food demand, offering long-term expansion opportunities.

4. Consistent dividends
Food companies often pay regular dividends from stable cash flows.

5. Continuous innovation
From plant-based meats to health foods, the industry keeps itself fresh.

6. Global diversification
Large companies operate worldwide, reducing regional risks.

Investing in restaurant stocks is a smart choice for those seeking stable returns and protection from market volatility. Study each company’s business model and fundamentals, review financial ratios, and ensure your investments align with your strategic goals.