Freeze-dried Food Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Fruits, Vegetables, Pet Food, Meat, Poultry & Sea Foods), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global freeze-dried food market size was valued at USD 66.4 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2022 to 2030. The rising demand for food products with long shelf-life is the major driver for the market. In addition, the growing demand for ready-to-eat products among consumers globally is further accelerating the market growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a substantial rise in customer demand for non-perishable food items, notably freeze-dried food that have a long shelf-life and may survive up to 30 years without deteriorating in quality, such as meat products or their counterparts, vegetables, fruits, and ready-to-eat meals.

Freeze-dried foods are growing in popularity among customers worldwide as the corresponding technology preserves the original flavor and taste of the food product while also giving a longer shelf life. As a result, adventurers who embark on adventures prefer freeze-dried meals to meet their nutritional needs throughout their journey.

The freeze-dried food items are available in a variety of categories such as meals, bread items, cereal products, fruit snacks, and vegetable snacks. Several firms have begun to sell freeze-dried food products through internet channels, with a concentration on adventure activities. For instance, Expedition Meals Limited organized freeze-dried foods by calorie content on its web platform to make it easier for purchasers to choose foods that meet their needs.

According to How Stuff Works, the primary principle of freeze-drying (Lyophilization) is to entirely eliminate water from an item, such as food, while preserving the material's core structure. Water removal stops food from rotting for an extended length of time. Microorganisms require water to exist, thus removing water from food prevents it from getting deteriorated. Enzymes require water to react with food, therefore drying food will also prevent it from ripening. This increases the shelf life of the products.

According to Vandrunen Farms, aside from the sheer diversity, the main advantage of freeze-drying is the capacity to manufacture clean, full, and nutritious food components with a significantly extended shelf life, making food items varied, accessible, and handy. According to Livestrong, the nutrients in freeze-dried fruit provide various health advantages, making it an excellent supplement to a balanced diet. These dried fruits are low in calories and high in fiber and other antioxidants and nutrients, which is healthy for the body. Health benefits associated with freeze-dried fruits are propelling the demand for this segment.

Product Insights

The fruits segment dominated the market and accounted for over 25.0% share of the global revenue in 2021. Freeze-dried fruit is shelf-stable fruit that had virtually all of its wetness removed while maintaining taste and nutrients. It has a dry, crunchy texture and a rich, concentrated taste. One of the most common freeze-dried fruits is strawberry. Several companies such as Cafune Foods, Saraf Foods Pvt. Ltd., and Urban Platter are offering freeze-dried strawberries.

The pet food segment is expected to expand at a lucrative CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. The growing demand for pet food owing to the rise in the number of pets globally is expected to propel the freeze-dried pet food demand. Freeze-dried pet meals do not contaminate or deteriorate and are popular among consumers. In July 2022, Nunn Milling Company, a pet dry-food manufacturer, launched a new dog food line under its brand Butcher’s Best. The new product line includes two stomach and sensitive skin varieties and two whole grain varieties.

According to Wellness Pet Food, a protein-rich meal is expected to always be a dog's first choice as high-quality meat components give a pleasant fragrance and flavor. Dietary protein provides the amino acids required by the body to form hair, skins, muscle, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Freeze-dried dog food offers little processed nourishment for dogs, making it appealing to pet owners looking for alternatives to plain kibble.

Distribution Channel Insights

The B2B segment dominated the market and accounted for over 55.0% share of the global revenue in 2021. Longer shelf-life, the convenience of stocking seasonal fruits and vegetables, price, and compatibility are the most important variables influencing the purchasing of freeze-dried foods by business organizations. The food processing industries such as bakeries, confectioneries, and dairies utilize various freeze-dried herbs, vegetables, and fruits in their product formation.

The B2C segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. The demand for freeze-dried foods is increasing among consumers owing to their several benefits such as longer shelf-life, the availability of seasonal foods throughout the year, and high nutritional profile compared to dehydrated and frozen foods. Several companies are expanding their freeze-drying operations owing to the growing consumer demand. For instance, in May 2021, Sow Good Inc., a freeze-dried food manufacturer, launched a new direct-to-customer (DTC) freeze-dried consumer packaged goods (CPG) food brand named Sow Good.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for over 35.0% share of the global revenue in 2021. Due to the hectic lifestyles of consumers, there has been a spike in the market for all types of preserved food. As a result, there is a greater need for quick meal options and convenience food. Because preserved foods are simple and quick to make, they are an ideal answer to this problem. According to Science Daily, over the last two decades, practically all sectors of the American population have increased their consumption of ultra-processed foods. Consumption of processed foods increased from 53.5 percent of calories at the start of the study period (2001-2002) to 57 percent at the conclusion (2017-2018).

The number of pet owners is increasing in North American countries. As per the American Pet Products Association's (APPA) 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, 70 percent of American households have a pet, which translates to around 90.5 million residences. According to the APPA, customers spent USD 103.6 billion on pets in 2020, and USD 42 billion of that was spent on pet food. The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to expand at a lucrative CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period in terms of revenue. The Asia Pacific market is rapidly expanding due to the availability of a wide variety of products and customer preference for ready-to-eat food as a result of hectic lifestyles.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The global market is competitive and is characterized by the presence of various players. Companies are focusing on developing new products to acquire a major market share. For instance, European Freeze Dry expanded its vegan freeze-dried meal line with couscous-based meals and a vegan Bolognese in March 2021, complementing its already extensive selection of freeze-dried pulses and vegetables. This follows the development of vegan mince and vegan chicken as 2 new meat alternatives and freeze-dried jackfruit was introduced earlier this year.

New product launches, geographical expansions, innovations, and mergers & acquisitions are some of the key strategies adopted by the players to strengthen their position in the market and capture a greater market share. For instance, European Freeze Dry announced an investment of more than USD 1.7 million in the development of its production facilities in the U.K. and Denmark in August 2020. The additional investment will enable the firm to fulfill the expanding demand for healthy long-life products, which also include ready meals, freeze-dried fruits, and commission drying services. Some prominent players in the global freeze-dried food market include:

• European Freeze Dry

• ASAHI GROUP HOLDINGS, LTD.

• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

• Harmony House Foods, Inc.

• Freeze-Dry Foods, Ltd.

• SouthAM

• The Hain Celestial Group Inc.

• Nuts.com

• Kerry Group plc

• Nestlé

Freeze-dried Food Market Report Scope

Global Freeze-dried Food Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global freeze-dried food market report based on product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Fruits

  • Vegetables

  • Meat, Poultry & Sea Foods

  • Pet Food

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • B2B

  • B2C

    • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

    • Convenience Stores

    • Online

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa