The food industry in each country is a strategic industry that ensures its food security, environmentally friendly social aspects, safe products, health of the population and its economic security, as it is continuously operating even at times of economic and political crises. Therefore, the state of the industry and the efficiency of its operation require constant analysis and research. This publication analyses the performance of the food industry of Ukraine and in particular its very important region for its development and export advantages – Odessa. The paper considers also the aspects of effective development and competitiveness of the food industry in Ukraine.