1 / 12There's one sector that recovered swiftly post the pandemic, which is the food and drinks industry. Although multiple outlets (read restaurants) had to shutter amid the COVID-19 induced lockdowns, but the upper echelons of the food and drinks industry continued to dominate and the net worth of those heading various top companies continued to soar. At the summit is China's Zhong Shanshan, with an astonishing net worth of $59.3 billion as per Forbes' real time Billionaires' list. Let's take a look at the top-10 wealthiest people in the food and beverages industry. No surprise, there's one Indian billionaire on the list.
2 / 12No 1. Zhong Shanshan | Networth: $58.8 billion | Country: China | With a staggering net worth of $59.3 billion, Zhong Shanshan is the wealthiest individual in the food and beverages industry. He is the founder of Nongfu Spring, a leading bottled water company in China, and also owns a major stake in vaccine producer Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 12No 2. Giovanni Ferrero | Networth: $39.6 billion | Country: Italy | Holding the second position, Giovanni Ferrero boasts a net worth of $39.6 billion. As the CEO of Ferrero Group, he oversees the renowned chocolate and confectionery company responsible for iconic brands like Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, and Kinder. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 12No 3. Mark Mateschitz: Networth: $39.2 billion | Country: Austria | Founder of Red Bull, Mark Mateschitz is the third-richest in the industry with a net worth of $39.1 billion. The Austrian entrepreneur has not only revolutionized the energy drink market but has also expanded Red Bull into a global lifestyle brand. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 12No 4. Jacqueline Mars: Networth: $38.5 billion | Country: United States | With a net worth of $38.4 billion, Jacqueline Mars is a co-owner of Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's largest candy, pet care, and food conglomerates. The Mars family fortune stems from iconic brands such as Mars, Snickers, and Pedigree. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 12No 4. John Mars: Networth: $38.5 billion | Country: United States | Sharing the same net worth of $38.4 billion as his sister Jacqueline, John Mars is another key figure in the Mars family. His contributions as a co-owner have played a vital role in the success of Mars, Incorporated. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 12No 5. Emmanuel Besnier: Networth: $25.9 billion | Country: France | Emmanuel Besnier, with a net worth of $25.9 billion, is the head of Lactalis, the world's largest dairy products group. Under his leadership, Lactalis has expanded globally, becoming a dominant force in the dairy industry. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 12No 6. Jorge Paulo Lemann & family: Networth: $16.4 billion | Country: Brazil | With a combined net worth of $16.5 billion, Jorge Paulo Lemann, along with his family, is a major player in the food and beverages sector. The Brazilian entrepreneur is best known for his involvement in Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 12No 7. Ravi Jaipuria: Networth: $14.7 billion | Country: India | Ravi Jaipuria, with a net worth of $14.7 billion, is a prominent figure in the Indian food and beverage industry. He is the founder of RJ Corp, a conglomerate with interests in beverages, fast food, and education. (Image: Reuters)
10 / 12No 8. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken & family: Networth: $14.1 billion | Country: The Netherlands | With a net worth of $14.1 billion, Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, along with her family, is associated with the Heineken brewing empire. As the owner of a significant stake in Heineken N.V., she continues the legacy of one of the world's most renowned beer brands. (Image: Reuters)
11 / 12No 9. Qin Yinglin: Networth: $14 billion | Country: China | Qin Yinglin, with a net worth of $14.3 billion, is the chairman of Muyuan Foodstuff, a leading Chinese pork producer. His wealth reflects the success of Muyuan in meeting the rising demand for pork in China. (Image: Reuters)
12 / 12No 10. Dan Cathy | Networth: 11.4 billion | Country: United States | Dan Cathy is the chairman and CEO of Chick-fil-A, a prominent fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches. With a commitment to conservative values, Cathy has navigated the company through growth and controversy. (Image: Reuters)
