Market summary
According to DataIntelo, in 2023, the global frozen fruits market size is estimated to be valued at approximately USD 5.7 billion and is projected to reach USD 9.8 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2 % from 2024 to 2032. The growth of this market is driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient and healthy food options, alongside advancements in freezing technology that preserve the nutritional content and taste of fruits.
The frozen fruits market has gained remarkable traction over the past decade, emerging as a convenient and nutritious alternative to fresh fruits. With changing consumer lifestyles, a growing preference for ready-to-use food products, and the increasing awareness of food wastage, frozen fruits have become a staple in many households and food service establishments worldwide. This market includes a wide variety of fruit products that are preserved through freezing techniques to maintain taste, texture, and nutritional value over time.
Market drivers
Several factors are contributing to the growth of the frozen fruits market. Chief among them is the rising demand for convenience food driven by urbanisation and hectic lifestyles. Consumers, particularly in developed and emerging economies, are leaning toward time-saving meal solutions that do not compromise on health. Frozen fruits offer year-round availability, consistent quality, and longer shelf life, making them highly desirable.
Moreover, the expanding popularity of smoothies, yogurts, desserts, and health-focused snacks has further propelled demand. Foodservice industries and fast-food chains increasingly rely on frozen fruits to streamline their operations without compromising flavour or freshness.
Technological advancements
The adoption of advanced freezing technologies, such as IQF (Individual Quick Freezing), has revolutionised the market by preserving fruit quality more effectively. These innovations ensure minimal nutrient loss and better texture retention, which appeal to health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, improved packaging solutions have enhanced product visibility and extended product shelf life, helping manufacturers minimise waste and improve logistics.
Regional insights
North America and Europe currently lead the global frozen fruits market, driven by high consumer awareness and well-established cold chain infrastructures. However, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for significant growth, thanks to increasing disposable incomes, changing dietary patterns, and growing urban populations in countries like China and India. Governments and private sectors in these regions are investing in better refrigeration and distribution networks, further supporting market expansion.
Challenges and constraints
Despite the optimistic outlook, the market faces challenges such as seasonal availability of raw materials, high storage and transportation costs, and consumer perception regarding preservatives and freshness. Additionally, fluctuations in agricultural yield due to climate change can impact the supply chain and pricing.
Future outlook
The frozen fruits market is expected to grow robustly in the coming years, driven by innovation, greater health awareness, and expanding retail distribution. Sustainable sourcing practices and eco-friendly packaging are anticipated to become more important, with companies focusing on reducing environmental impact while meeting consumer demand.
Competitive landscape
Major key players in the market are:
- Dole Food Company, Inc.
- Ardo NV
- Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
- Kerry Group plc
- SunOpta Inc.
- AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG
- Welch Foods, Inc.
- Del Monte Foods, Inc.
- SICOLY Cooperative
- Titan Frozen Fruits
- J.R. Simplot Company
- Wawona Frozen Foods
- Nature’s Touch Frozen Foods
International research into sustainable packaging carried out by global packaging, product, and material test and inspection company Industrial Physics has found that almost half of the 255 global packaging professionals (49 %) surveyed said meeting testing standards was one the biggest challenges they faced in wider adoption of sustainable packaging materials.
The research goes on to reveal that almost three quarters of those surveyed (71 %) reported that they found quality control processes ‘significantly’ or ‘somewhat more difficult’ with sustainable packaging materials.
69 % of respondents cited ‘cost’ as the main supply chain challenge they face in the move to sustainable packaging. Global supply obstacles caused by the pandemic made sourcing more difficult and legacy issues remain, meaning numerous suppliers are often needed rather than one trusted provider. This places additional pressure on quality control processes and greater need for packaging integrity testing.
Full results are revealed in the Industrial Physics Sustainable Packaging Research Report just released.
Jim Neville, CEO at Industrial Physics, said: “Insights from our global network of technical experts provide manufacturers guidance to create innovative and sustainable packaging while ensuring the integrity of their brands and products by proper testing and inspection.”
He added: “Our research highlighted manufacturers face a range of risks. However, these risks can be identified and mitigated by partnering with a packaging testing and integrity solutions partner.”
The Sustainable Packaging Research Survey also revealed that respondents think that new standards (52.5 %) and new legislation/regulatory requirements (41.6 %) will have the most impact on sustainable packaging innovation over the next five years.
These findings come as no surprise to Industrial Physics, as Greg Wright, Global Vice President of Sales & Marketing, explains: “Sustainable packaging involves using completely new materials where there may not be test methods already established. Processes are constantly evolving and our expertise in packaging, product and material integrity testing means we can guide manufacturers through the transition to more sustainable packaging.”
The Survey found that most companies are actively seeking sustainable packaging solutions but, in doing so, they experience a range of additional challenges. These include optimizing material performance to protect goods (53 %), passing increased material costs onto the consumer (50 %), and ability to meet safety and testing standards (49 %).
“Our customers are trying to find the right standards and how to test for those standards,” says Joshua Miller a Product Manager at Industrial Physics. “We can really help customers shape their testing, such as giving them a better way to test a product that gives them better data and still meets internal standards.”
The research offers an insight into the future of sustainable packaging and explores adaptations that manufacturers, and the industry as a whole, will need to make in order to deliver innovation and implementation around sustainable packaging materials.
Sean Kohl, Global Line Product Director for Industrial Physics, adds: “This is what testing is for and why manufacturers must test. It all centers around the idea of being able to confirm that the physical properties, whether it be strength, puncture resistance, life prediction, recyclability, or whatever can meet the performance and durability standards.”
Findings show that paper, paperboard and fiberboard plant-based biodegradable flexible packaging, along with synthetic biodegradable packaging, are the most common materials being used to replace less sustainable alternatives like plastic, paper and foil packaging.
“A lot of new materials mean that we are dealing with limited established test methods,” says Nico Frankhuizen, Manager of Product Management at Industrial Physics. “So, if a customer comes to us thinking they may need a certain type of equipment or test, we may end up advising them that a different tool might be better.”
Results of the in-depth research involved organizations around the world, ranging in size to over £1bn turnover, and follows on the back of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and other legislation in UK, Europe and USA that imposes a tax on plastic packaging items manufactured, imported or imported filled, containing less than 30 % recycled plastic.
Industrial Physics offers a range of packaging, product, and material integrity testing solutions to food and beverage, flexible packaging, medical, pharmaceutical, and coatings markets. The company adopts a collaborative approach with customers to help them work through the challenges of moving to sustainable packaging.
