Résumé: The food industries branch is one of the most important branches of industrial production in Algeria, It ranks second after hydrocarbons and considered as an important way of resuscitating the industrial sector and stimulating economic growth. The paper explores the potential of algeria’s food industry in contributing to the development of the economy. A number of factors are discussed which make it a viable sector to lead the economy towards sustainable growth. The paper documents the evolution of the food industry, in addition to its contribution to the economy through four indicators: gross domestic product, value added, employment and foreign trade. The most important procedures to promote this sector and mitigate the challenges that facing it, is also discussed.