Food Irradiation Market Outlook

The food irradiation market is anticipated to have a valuation of USD 312 million in 2023. According to Future Market Insights, between 2023 and 2033, the market is forecast to expand at a 6% CAGR and reach a value of USD 540.9 million.

The rising incidences of food poisoning due to the consumption of adulterated foodstuffs have generated the need to implement proper food testing approaches and legislation, providing traction to the market. Hence, the market is likely to expand at a growth rate of 1.04x between 2022 and 2023.

Industry Benefiting From the Advanced Food Irradiation Technology

  • The high acceptance of food irradiation among contemporary consumers is a key factor promoting the growth of the global market.
  • Another factor anticipated to fuel market expansion is a rise in consumer awareness of the avoidance of food-borne illnesses.
  • The advantages offered by food irradiation technology, such as the removal of pathogenic microorganisms, less use of chemical disinfestation, increased shelf life, decontamination, and process safety, are other significant elements promoting growth.
  • Depending on the kinds of items that can be radioactively modified in various parts of the world, varying levels of irradiated food acceptance exist. Spices, herbs, and dry seasonings are among the food items that are most frequently irradiated globally.
  • Food preservatives can also lengthen the shelf life of foods. As a result, the global business is benefiting from the food preservative product market. Certain food preservatives, such as antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, have been proven to provide potential health advantages.
  • Due to the worries about their safety and potential negative consequences, the use of synthetic preservatives in healthcare is restricted. Thus, food preservatives may be employed in functional foods or dietary supplements in the healthcare industry to promote health.
Attributes Details
Food Irradiation Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) 6%
Food Irradiation Market Size (2023) USD 312 million
Food Irradiation Market Size (2033) USD 540.9 million

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Global Food Irradiation Industry Transformation (2018 to 2022 vs. 2023 to 2033)

The capacity of food irradiation technology to aid in the reduction of food spoiling due to bacteria, parasites, and insects is giving it increased momentum on a global scale. The market grew as a result, going from USD 263.2 million in 2018 to USD 300 million in 2022.

Particulars Details
Jan - Jun (H1), 2021 (A) 6%
Jan - Jun (H1), 2022 Projected (P) 5%
Jan - Jun (H1), 2022 Outlook (O) 5%
BPS: H1, 2021 - H1, 2022 (P) 4.7%
BPS: H1, 2021 (O) - H1, 2022 (P) 5%

The necessity for food items with longer shelf lives, an increase in the need for safe and hygienic food products, and increased public knowledge of the advantages of food irradiation all contribute to the food preservative irradiation market. As a result, due to surging demand and improved use of food radiation techniques, the market is expected to be worth USD 336 million by 2028.

Regulatory systems from all around the world are attempting to guarantee the effectiveness and safety of food irradiation. Food irradiation grows more popular as regulatory approvals spread and becomes more uniform. Due to this, the market is expected to be worth USD 398.66 million by 2030.

Customers are molding toward irradiated food products, as they become more aware of their advantages in terms of safety and quality, which may result in food producers using them more frequently.

Compared to more conventional preservation techniques like chemical preservatives, heat treatment, and refrigeration, using irradiation to preserve food has several benefits. Several international agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), have endorsed this method of food preservation as a secure and efficient one.

What are the Trends Changing the Pace of the Market?

Expansion of Irradiation Technologies:

The irradiation process is becoming more efficient and economical due to technological advancements, which are encouraging the food industry to adopt it. This entails creating new, stronger irradiation sources, as well as enhanced packing materials that can survive the procedure better.

Focus on Sustainability:

In the food business, sustainability is becoming increasingly important, and by prolonging the shelf life of food goods, irradiation can help reduce food waste. This can lessen the negative effects that food production and distribution have on the environment.

Regulatory Approvals:

International regulatory systems are working to guarantee the effectiveness and safety of food irradiation. Food irradiation may grow more popular as regulatory approvals spread and become more uniform.

Increasing use of Irradiation for Phytosanitary Purposes:

To stop the spread of plant pests and diseases, fruits and vegetables are treated with irradiation for phytosanitary purposes. By doing so, businesses could increase food safety and use fewer chemical pesticides.

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Category-wise Outlook

Gamma Radiation Remains Preferred in the Market by Source

By source, the gamma radiation segment is projected to lead the market. This technique is highly popular due to its enhanced safety, effectiveness, and reliability in detecting and eliminating contaminants in foodstuffs.

Although growth prospects seem sluggish in the short-run due to the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of limited testing, they are expected to pick up pace post-2022 with the resumption of on-premise working arrangements. The gamma irradiation technique is highly popular in treating exotic fruits and vegetables.

Ozone Treatment Considered Highly Effective in the Food Irradiation Industry

Food manufacturers are increasingly looking towards incorporating ozone treatment to treat a wide range of foodstuffs, ranging from fruits and vegetables to spices, herbs, and meat.

As an environmentally friendly disinfectant, ozone is considered an alternative to chlorine sanitizers.

Ozone-enriched water destroys microbes as effectively as chlorine and also eliminates the need for personnel to handle, mix or dispose of harsh chemicals for sanitization. Additionally, it leaves behind no residue upon contact, as ozone readily reverts to oxygen.

Region-wise Analysis

How Does Food Irradiation See Market Ups and Downs in the United States?

With a share of 5.6% in the global market, the United States market is growing, as per FMI. In the United States, the food irradiation sector is anticipated to expand over the next several years due to rising consumer demand for food items that are both safer and more durable.

To continue development and profitability, businesses in this industry must address customer perceptions and worries about the safety and naturalness of irradiation goods.
The belief among consumers that irradiated foods are unsafe to ingest or somehow ‘unnatural’ is one of the key obstacles. As a result, some people are reluctant to use irradiation when preparing food.

The Market in Germany is Backed up by Government Support

In 2022, Germany had a 3.4% market share worldwide. The desire for processed and packaged goods, as well as increased worries about food safety and shelf life, are a few causes that are fueling this growth.

Also, the German government has supported the use of irradiation to improve food safety and lessen food waste. Consumer acceptance of irradiated foods has increased as a result of the government's investments in research and development to advance the science and safety of food irradiation.

Consumer Awareness is a Key to High Food Irradiation Demand in Australia.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), which oversees food irradiation in Australia, mostly use it to sterilize herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, and some meat items.

Compared to other food processing methods like pasteurization and high-pressure processing, the market for food irradiation in Australia is quite modest and held a share of 0.3% in 2022. Yet, as customers become more knowledgeable about the advantages of food irradiation in terms of food safety and preservation, the market is expanding.

Food Safety: Primary Concern For Food Irradiation Industry Key Players in China

The desire to reduce food waste and the rising demand for high-quality food items are driving the growth of the food irradiation market in China. The government in China controls food irradiation, and the technology is widely used to preserve meat, poultry, and seafood goods.

Food irradiation has been recognized by the Chinese government as a crucial instrument for enhancing food safety, decreasing food waste, and extending the shelf life of food goods. Customers are seeking products that are free of hazardous bacteria and diseases, as they become more aware of difficulties with food safety. Due to all this, the market in China is expected to have a CAGR of 3.5% by 2033.

Recent Food Irradiation Initiatives in Japan

Japan held a share of 3.2% in the global food irradiation industry in 2022.

Construction of New Food Irradiation Facilities: To expand the accessibility and availability of food irradiation technology, Japan has been building new food irradiation facilities. For instance, a new food irradiation facility with a yearly capacity of 1,000 tonnes of food goods opened in Saitama Prefecture in 2020.

Research and Development of Irradiation Technology: To increase the technology's efficacy and efficiency, Japanese researchers are actively working on irradiation technology research and development. In order to create a method that can increase the shelf life of vegetables while preserving their nutritional value, a research team at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, for instance, has been investigating the effects of low-dose irradiation on vegetables.

Cooperation between Government and Industry: To encourage the use of food irradiation, the Japanese government has been collaborating closely with the food business. For instance, food producers who seek to adopt irradiation technology have received technical support and direction from the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare.

Surging Exports: Japan has been encouraging the use of food irradiation for export in an effort to increase the quality and safety of food products. For instance, Japan and Vietnam agreed to employ irradiation technology to preserve Vietnamese fruits and vegetables that were sent to Japan in 2020.

Collaboration Between Industries and Government Boosts the Demand for Food Irradiation in India

In order to increase food safety, decrease food waste, and promote the use of irradiation technology, India has been putting into action several food irradiation programs. By 2033, this is going to increase the market's CAGR by 4.6%.

Initiatives Include:

Construction of New Food Irradiation Facilities: In order to expand the accessibility and availability of food irradiation technology, India has been building new food irradiation facilities. For instance, a new food irradiation facility in Tamil Nadu was opened in 2020 and can irradiate up to 10,000 metric tonnes of food products annually.

Government and Industry Collaboration: To encourage the use of food irradiation, the Indian government has been collaborating closely with the food industry. For instance, food businesses that want to adopt irradiation technology have received financial help from the Ministry of the Food Processing Industry.

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Key Players Emphasis on Food and Packaging Irradiation for Better Profit Margins

Several key players in the food irradiation industry are engaged in the development and marketing of irradiation technology. Moreover, irradiation of food and packaging is done by manufacturers to lower the possibility of contamination and increase the shelf life of packaged food goods. Among these important players, some noteworthy developments include:

  • The leading provider of irradiation services to the food business is Sterigenics. The company announced the acquisition of Gammarad, a French company that offers irradiation services, in 2020 to boost its technological prowess and increase its global reach.
  • Food Technology Service Inc. (FTSI): FTSI is a well-known American company that offers irradiation services to the food sector. To satisfy the rising demand for irradiation services, the firm declared in 2021 that its irradiation facility in Mulberry, Florida, could be expanding.

Key players

  • Food Technology Service Inc.
  • Sterigenics International Inc.
  • Gray Star Inc.
  • Ionisos SA
  • Nordion Inc.
  • Reviss Services Ltd.
  • Sadex Corporation
  • Sterix Isomedix Services
  • Scantech Sciences Inc.
  • Phytosan SA De C
  • Tacleor LLC

Key segments

By Source:

  • Gamma Radiation
  • X-ray Radiation
  • Electron Beam Radiation

By Technology:

  • Ultra-high Pressure
  • Steam Pasteurization
  • Food Coating
  • Ozone Treatment
  • Others

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • South Asia
  • East Asia
  • Oceania
  • The Middle East & Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Market Size of Food Irradiation?

The market size of food irradiation is USD 312 million in 2023.

What is the Anticipated CAGR of the Market?

The market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6%.

Which Factors are Supporting Market Expansion?

Increasing acceptance of food irradiation and surging cognizance of its benefits.

What are the Recent Initiatives Undertaken by Japan Market?

The Japan market is driven by the emergence of new food irradiation facilities and surging exports.

Which Companies Offer Food Irradiation Technology?

Gray Star Inc., Ionisos SA, and Nordion Inc. offer food irradiation technology.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Source
		5.1. Gama Radiation
		5.2. X-Ray Radiation
		5.3. Electron Beam Radiation
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Technology
		6.1. Ultra-High Pressure
		6.2. Steam Pasteurization
		6.3. Food Coating
		6.4. Ozone Treatment
		6.5. Other Technologies
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		7.1. North America
		7.2. Latin America
		7.3. Europe
		7.4. South Asia
		7.5. East Asia
		7.6. Oceania
		7.7. MEA
	8. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	9. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	10. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	11. South Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. Oceania Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. Key Countries Market Analysis
	16. Market Structure Analysis
	17. Competition Analysis
		17.1. Food Technology Service Inc.
		17.2. Sterigenics International Inc.
		17.3. Gray Star Inc.
		17.4. Ionisos SA
		17.5. Nordion Inc.
		17.6. Reviss Services Ltd.
		17.7. Sadex Corporation
		17.8. Sterix Isomedix Services
		17.9. Scantech Sciences Inc.
		17.10. Phytosan SA De C
		17.11. Tacleor LLC.
	18. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	19. Research Methodology
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