Freeze-Dried Food Market

Freeze-Dried Food Market Size:

The global freeze-dried food market size reached USD 3.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 5.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% during 2025-2033. The increasing adoption of freeze-drying technology in food and beverage (F&B) and hospitality sectors, the rising demand for non-perishable, ready-to-eat (RTE) meals among the consumers, and extensive research and development (R&D) activities to improve the food texture, taste, and nutritional value are some of the key factors propelling the market.

Freeze-Dried Food Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Rising consumer demand for convenient and long-lasting food options drives the market. Also, increased awareness of the nutritional benefits of freeze-dried products are supporting market growth. Moreover, the increasing incorporation of freeze-dried ingredients in various food applications, including snacks and meals, is further creating a positive freeze-dried food market overview.
• Key Market Trends: Continual technological advancements in freeze-drying processes enhancing the product quality and shelf life are attracting more customers, which is a significant market trend. Additionally, the growing popularity of plant-based and clean-label products influencing new product developments in the freeze-dried food sector is another key trend in the market.
• Geographical Trends: North America dominates the market, which is attributed to the high consumer awareness and demand for convenient food products. Europe also holds a significant market share, driven by the emerging trend of healthy eating habits among consumers and the advent of advanced food processing technologies.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the key market players include Ajinomoto Co. Inc, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Crispy Green Inc., European Freeze Dry ApS, Freeze-Dry Foods Ltd., Harmony House Foods Inc., Kerry Group Plc, LYO FOOD Sp. z o.o., Mercer Foods LLC, Nestlé S.A., Nuts.com, SouthAm Freeze Dry S.A. (R. J. Van Drunen & Sons Inc.) and The Kraft Heinz Co., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: One major challenge in the market is the high cost associated with the freeze-drying process, which can impact product pricing and accessibility. However, the development of more cost-effective and efficient freeze-drying technologies are creating lucrative opportunities in the market.

Freeze-Dried Food Market Trends:

Increasing demand for clean-label products

The demand for freeze-dried edibles is highly prevalent in a few categories, such as bakery products, cereal products, fruit snacks, and vegetable snacks. In the bakery sector, freeze-dried fruits are widely used in whipped creams and frosting. Due to the increasing demand for clean-label products, market players are launching vegan and all-natural products. For instance, in June 2021, Texas-based Sow Good Inc. announced the launch of its first product line, which includes freeze-dried fruit and vegetable snacks and smoothies. Additionally, the trend towards clean-label products is being driven by increased consumer awareness of health and wellness, leading to a preference for minimally processed foods that retain their natural nutritional content. This has resulted in the considerable growth of product development and innovation within the freeze-dried food sector, with companies focusing on expanding their product portfolios to include organic and non-GMO options.

Rising consumer awareness and innovations

The increasing consumer awareness regarding the negative health impacts of artificial food additives used for food preservation is expected to fuel the demand for healthy food products. Freeze-dried products, which do not contain additional nutrients or preservatives, help retain the natural nutrients present in these foods, thus appealing to health-conscious consumers. In response to this demand, market players are increasingly adopting freeze-drying methods for products that are heat-sensitive and require longer preservation to ensure that the nutritional integrity and quality of the products are maintained over extended periods. For instance, in August 2021, Advik Foods expanded its portfolio by introducing a range of freeze-dried donkey milk powder, “Lac Jennius”. Such product innovations are creating a positive outlook for the market.

Growing demand for freeze-dried fruits

The rising adoption of these fruits in the daily diet of consumers to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders is projected to augment the market in coming years. This trend is supported by the rising health consciousness among consumers and the growing preference for convenient, nutritious food options. As a result, freeze-dried ingredient suppliers across regions are introducing various campaigns to inform manufacturers of the benefits of alternatives to fresh fruits. European freeze, a company located in the United Kingdom, launched a line of freeze-dried fruits named “Lio Licious” in June 2020, which includes strawberries, raspberries, and apples, featuring a longer shelf life. The product line includes entire fruit bits and powders that may be combined into baked goods or used as decorative toppings, thus broadening their application scope in the food industry.

Freeze-Dried Food Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, distribution channel, and end user.

Breakup by Type:

• Freeze-Dried Fruits
• Freeze-Dried Vegetables
• Freeze-Dried Beverages
• Freeze-Dried Dairy Products
• Freeze-Dried Meat and Seafood
• Others
   

Freeze-dried dairy products dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes freeze-dried fruits, freeze-dried vegetables, freeze-dried beverages, freeze-dried dairy products, freeze-dried meat and seafood, and others. According to the report, freeze-dried dairy products represented the largest segment.

The freeze-dried dairy products segment is greatly responsible for bolstering the overall growth of the market. This process enriches and increases the shelf of such products as milk, cheese, yoghurt making them appealingly convenient to health-conscious consumers. Such innovations in freeze drying dairy as camel, goat and donkey milk powders target specific consumer groups with specific dietary needs. For such individuals who are always on the move whether due to their jobs or other commitments, these products offer convenience without sacrificing nutritional value. The popularity of natural dairy products with no additives also pushes demand and contributes to the expanding market.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialist Retailers
• Convenience Stores
• Others
   

Supermarkets and hypermarkets hold the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel have also been provided in the report. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, specialist retailers, convenience stores, and others. According to the report, supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for the largest market share.

Supermarket and hypermarket chains play an important part in expanding the freeze-dried food industry. These retailers benefit from extensive distribution networks and substantial customer bases, thereby offering a broad platform for product exposure and availability. As more consumers want more convenient and healthier alternatives, these large suppliers continue to provide different options for customers seeking freeze-dried edibles. Besides this, promotional strategies such as in-store displays and attractive pricing among others also contribute towards the increased sales of these products. Moreover, presence of freeze-dried foods in established retail chains provide a boost to consumer confidence as well as encourage impulse buying.

Breakup by End User:

• Hotels and Restaurants
• Household
• Food and Beverage Industry
• Others
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user have also been provided in the report. This includes hotels and restaurants, household, food and beverage industry, and others.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest freeze-dried food market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for freeze-dried food.

The market in North America is rapidly expanding as individuals consume more processed foods and prefer ready-to-eat meals. Therefore, the leading manufacturers of this region are leveraging on this trend to reach a larger consumer base in the region. The region's expanding internet penetration, as well as the developing trend of purchasing goods through online distribution channels, are likely to drive up demand for the products. Additionally, the heightened focus on health and wellness among consumers is fostering demand for innovative freeze-dried edibles made with nutritious ingredients that cater to their busy lifestyles. This presents an ideal opportunity for manufacturers to expand their operations and introduce new offerings tailored to health-conscious consumers. The adoption of advanced food processing technologies in North America also supports market growth by enhancing the quality and shelf life of freeze-dried products.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include Ajinomoto Co. Inc, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Crispy Green Inc., European Freeze Dry ApS, Freeze-Dry Foods Ltd., Harmony House Foods Inc., Kerry Group Plc, LYO FOOD Sp. z o.o., Mercer Foods LLC, Nestlé S.A., Nuts.com, SouthAm Freeze Dry S.A. (R. J. Van Drunen & Sons Inc.) and The Kraft Heinz Co.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• The freeze-dried food industry is highly competitive due to the existence of numerous regional and multinational companies that offer a diverse range of products while focusing on preserving their market position. The leading freeze-dried food companies are focusing on product innovation and alliances to tighten their grasp on online and offline marketing, as well as mergers and acquisitions to increase their visibility and range of offerings. For instance, Tyson Foods Inc., for example, debuted a new line of plant-based goods under the brand First Pride in certain retail regions and e-commerce in 2021, introducing a range of frozen items such as Bites, Nuggets and Strips. The prominent players are also investing in extensive research and development (R&D) activities to improve the taste, texture, and nutritional value of their freeze-dried products.

Freeze-Dried Food Market News:

• April 10, 2024: Crispy Green Inc., the maker of Crispy Fruit, has unveiled Piña Picante Chili Chili, the latest addition to its line of dried pineapple snacks. This new flavor features premium Costa Rican pineapple infused with the bold, spicy flavors of cayenne and habanero chilies.
• May 31, 2024: Kelly & Co's innovative freeze-dried pet nutrition technology has been awarded the Silver Award for Innovation in Consumer Products & Services at the 11th Annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. This recognition solidifies the company's position at the forefront of pet nutrition, emphasizing their groundbreaking approach and commitment to quality.
• February 19, 2024: Petsource, a contract manufacturer of freeze-dried pet foods and subsidiary of Scoular, has completed a $75 million expansion of its Seward, Nebraska plant, tripling its production capacity. The expansion adds 70,000 sq. ft. of processing space and 75 new jobs, increasing the facility's workforce to over 150 employees.

Freeze-Dried Food Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the freeze-dried food market SWOT analysis from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global freeze-dried food market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the freeze-dried food industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.