Freeze-Dried Food Market

Freeze Dried Food Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global freeze-dried food market is estimated at USD 30.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 55.9 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2034.

Consumption of freeze-dried food as snacks, dressings, and soups has been noticed over the past few years. Rising demand for ready-to-eat food products among consumers and an expanding food-processing sector is expected to contribute well to the growth of the freeze-dried food industry. Additionally, the trend towards longer shelf life in food products is playing a significant role in this industry expansion.

Freeze-dried foods, known for their extended shelf life without the need for preservatives, appeal to consumers looking for convenience and long-term storage solutions. This durability makes them ideal for emergency supplies, travel, and reducing food waste, further fueling their popularity. Freeze-dried food has no moisture or water content in it, making it smaller and lighter, which aids in its prolonged preservation without the need for refrigeration.

Attribute	Details
Freeze-Dried Food Market Size (2024E)	USD 30.4 billion
Freeze-Dried Food Market Projected Size (2034F)	USD 55.9 billion
Value CAGR (2024 to 2034)	6.3%
Top 3 Countries Market Share	39.4%

Furthermore, these foods offer benefits such as being available at low prices, offering high nutritional value, and providing easy storage facilities. These advantages are expected to drive an impressive rise in the demand for freeze-dried food in the near future. Advances in packaging technology and improved freeze-drying processes are also enhancing the shelf life and quality of these products, making them more attractive to a broader range of consumers.

Semi Annual Market Update

Particular	Value CAGR
H1	6.8% (2023 to 2033)
H2	6.9% (2023 to 2033)
H1	6.5% (2024 to 2034)
H2	6.7% (2024 to 2034)

The above table presents the expected CAGR for the global freeze-dried food category over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 6.8%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 6.9% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.

Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to increase slightly to 6.5% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 6.7% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the category witnessed a decrease of 30 BPS while in the second half (H2), the category witnessed an increase of 20 BPS.

Key Industry Highlights

Culinary Tradition Integration in Freeze Dried Meats and Proteins

As the freeze-dried food category continues to evolve, a notable trend is the integration of culinary traditions into freeze-dried meats and proteins. Consumers are increasingly seeking authentic and flavorful options that align with their cultural preferences and gastronomic expectations.

Manufacturers are responding by incorporating traditional seasoning and marinating techniques into the freeze-drying process, ensuring that the end product not only boasts an extended shelf life but also delivers the rich taste and texture associated with home-cooked or traditional dishes. This fusion of tradition and convenience is reshaping the landscape of freeze-dried meats and proteins, providing consumers with a global culinary experience.

This not only meets the demand for exotic tastes but also enhances the overall dining experience. The industry is witnessing a surge in globally inspired freeze-dried meat products, including marinated beef strips, spiced chicken bites, and seasoned plant-based protein alternatives. As this trend gains momentum, it not only caters to diverse palates but also contributes to the globalization of freeze-dried food offerings.

Sustainability Initiatives and Eco-friendly Packaging

In the freeze-dried food industry, sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly packaging have emerged as critical drivers of consumer preference. With increasing awareness of environmental concerns, consumers are seeking products that not only meet their nutritional needs but also align with their values.

Manufacturers are responding by implementing sustainable practices in the production of freeze-dried foods, including energy-efficient freeze-drying technologies and responsible sourcing of raw materials. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly packaging solutions, such as compostable and recyclable materials, to minimize the environmental impact of packaging waste.

These sustainability initiatives are not only attracting environmentally conscious consumers but also positioning freeze-dried food brands as responsible contributors to a greener future. The emphasis on sustainability extends to packaging, with a growing shift toward eco-friendly materials such as compostable films and recyclable packaging. Some companies are even exploring innovative packaging solutions, such as edible packaging, to further reduce waste.

Innovations in Freeze-Drying Technology

The freeze-drying technology landscape is witnessing rapid advancements, driving innovation in the freeze-dried food industry. Manufacturers are investing in state-of-the-art equipment and processes to enhance the efficiency and quality of freeze-drying. Continuous advancements in technology, such as vacuum freeze-drying and controlled ice nucleation, are enabling better preservation of flavors, textures, and nutritional content.

These innovations are not only improving the overall quality of freeze-dried products but also expanding the range of foods that can be successfully freeze-dried. The relentless pursuit of technological excellence is positioning the freeze-dried food industry at the forefront of food preservation and innovation, offering consumers an ever-expanding array of high-quality and flavorful freeze-dried options.

Manufacturers are investing in research and development to enhance the efficiency, speed, and precision of freeze-drying processes. Advanced techniques such as vacuum freeze-drying, controlled ice nucleation, and innovative dehydration methods are enabling the preservation of flavors, textures, and nutritional content in unprecedented ways.

Fueling Demand from Bakeries and Confectioneries

Freeze-dried food production involves freezing the food and then placing it in a vacuum under very low pressure. Being nutrient-dense, tasty, available in various flavors, and with low calories, freeze-dried food such as dried fruits are increasingly used in bakery and confectionery products. Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables being a key ingredient used in breakfast cereals, snack mixes, bakery products, confectioneries, ice creams, pastries, and others, are expected to resulting in surging demand during the forecast period (2024 to 2034).

Various types of freeze-dried products such as freeze-dried pineapple, strawberries, raspberry, blackberry, cranberry, and others are increasingly used in ice creams, bakeries, and other ready-to-eat food products. Also, the escalating number of confectionaries is likely to fuel the demand for freeze-dried food such as freeze-dried fruits due to their long shelf lives and diverse applications in healthy diets.

2019 to 2023 Freeze-dried Food Market Outlook in Comparison to 2024 to 2034 Growth Forecast

The freeze-dried food category has experienced substantial growth over the past five years due to several key factors. Increased consumer demand for convenience foods, combined with the long shelf life of freeze-dried products, has driven this trend. Freeze-dried foods, which retain most of their nutritional value and do not require refrigeration, are particularly appealing for emergency supplies, travel, and reducing food waste.

Advancements in freeze-drying technology have improved product quality and efficiency, while the expansion of the food processing sector has led to greater variety and availability. The rise of e-commerce and online retail platforms has also made these products more accessible. Global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened awareness of the importance of storable food supplies, further boosting demand.

Currently, the industry is evolving with diverse product offerings, a growing focus on sustainability, and an emphasis on health and wellness. Technological innovations continue to enhance the process, making freeze-dried foods more cost-effective and accessible. The industry is also expanding globally, particularly in emerging countries, with increasing urbanization and disposable incomes. Strategic collaborations and partnerships are further enhancing product offerings and distribution networks, positioning the freeze-dried food sales for continued growth.

FMI projects the freeze-dried food industry to remain steady, exhibiting growth at 6.3% CAGR between 2024 and 2034 in comparison to the CAGR of 6.1% posted between 2019 and 2023.

Market Concentration

In the freeze-dried food industry, the industry is highly fragmented with a diverse range of players across all tiers. Tier 1 companies, like Augason Farms, dominate the category with revenues exceeding USD 100 million, capturing a significant company share of 15% to 20% globally.

These industry leaders are characterized by their extensive production capabilities, broad product portfolios, and advanced technological infrastructure. They excel in manufacturing and quality control, ensuring their products meet stringent regulatory standards. Their robust distribution networks and substantial consumer bases span multiple regions, allowing them to maintain a strong presence across various geographies.

Tier 2 companies in the freeze-dried food category are mid-size players with revenues ranging from USD 50 to 100 million. These companies, while not as globally pervasive as Tier 1 leaders, have a strong presence in specific regions and exert significant influence on local markets.

They boast considerable industry knowledge and adhere to regulatory standards, although they may lack the most cutting-edge technology and extensive global reach. Companies like Thrive Life and Emergency Essentials exemplify this tier, leveraging their regional expertise and strong consumer trust to maintain a competitive edge.

Tier 3 consists of small-scale companies and startups with revenues below USD 50 million. These players often cater to niche industries and focus on fulfilling localized demand. Their operations are typically less structured compared to their larger counterparts, reflecting an unorganized industry segment. Despite their limited geographical reach and smaller scale, these companies, such as Valley Food Storage and Backpacker's Pantry, play a crucial role in the industry by offering specialized products and catering to specific consumer needs.

The freeze-dried food market's diverse landscape is defined by this stratification, with Tier 1 companies setting industry standards through innovation and global presence, Tier 2 companies leveraging regional strengths, and Tier 3 companies meeting niche demands with agility and specialization. This structure ensures a dynamic and competitive industry, fostering innovation and catering to a wide array of consumer preferences and needs.

Country-wise Insights

The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top five countries. Japan and India are set to exhibit high freeze-dried food consumption, recording CAGRs of 11.2% and 12.5%, respectively, through 2034.

Countries	CAGR 2024 to 2034
United States	5.3%
Germany	8.9%
Japan	11.2%
China	9.4%
India	12.5%

USA to Uplift Demand for Freeze-dried Food

USA is expected to account for ~80% of the total revenue value shares of the North America freeze-dried food industry by the end of 2034. The presence of the well-established food & beverages industry, coupled with the increase in adoption of a healthy lifestyle by consumers within the region, is predicted to propel the growth in the regional industry.

India and Japan to fuel the industry Growth

Asian countries have also emerged as a lucrative geography for freeze-dried food and exhibits high potential to expand further in the coming years. The presence of natural resources in abundance, the expanding food & beverages industry, and other factors are favoring growth in Japan and India. Orchard & citrus fruits like freeze-dried lemon, freeze-dried orange, and others are expected to be in high demand during the forecast period.

Category-wise Insights

Freeze-Dried Fruits to Impact the Demand

Segment	Form (Whole)
Value Share (2024)	42.8%

Among products available in the market, whole freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are highly preferred. The segment is registering higher demand than snacks, breakfast cereals, and others. Since nutritional values remain intact the chances of contamination are lesser in this kind of fruit.

These are widely used in diverse applications starting from nutritional supplements to dairy products. With the rising adoption of a healthy lifestyle, whole freeze-dried fruits are gaining fast traction across the globe.

B2B Channel to Remain Dominant

Segment	Sales Channel (B2B)
Value Share (2024)	61.8%

B2B is a more volume-heavy sales channel than B2C in the freeze-dried food industry. In B2B sales channels, businesses are the purchasers of goods and services of the other businesses. With the expansion of the industry for snacks, powdered beverages, breakfast cereals, retail (household), and others, the B2B sales channel is gaining traction. It is expected to continue exhibiting high growth through the forecast period.

Competition Landscape

Top Companies in the Freeze-Dried Food Industry

The industry is fragmented, highly competitive without dominant players. Freeze-dried food manufacturers are focusing on launching a wide variety of products in order to increase their consumer base and gain a competitive advantage. Some of them are focusing on marketing upon various health benefits that are highly sought-after among consumers. For instance, ‘European Freeze Dry’ has launched their new complete meal solutions for weight control meals, special dietary meals, and others with an emphasis on food intolerance, sport nutrition, emergency preparedness, and others in the recent year.

Leading Weight Management Supplement Brands

• Kerry Group Plc
• European Freeze Dry
• Paradise fruits
• Chaucer freeze-dried
• SARAF foods
• Kenegrade Ltd.
• Nestle SA
• Ajinomoto Co. Inc.
• Asahi Group Holdings Ltd
• Harmony House Foods Inc.
• Lyofood Sp. z o.o.
• Mercer Foods LLC
• Nuts.com
• The Kraft Heinz Co.
• Freeze Dry Foods LLC
• Mondelez International Inc.
• SouthAm Freeze Dry
• The Hain Celestial Group Inc.
• Molda AG
• Unilever Group

Key Segments of the Report

By Product Type:

Global freeze-dried food category is segmented as Fruits (Strawberry, Raspberry, Pineapple, Apple, Mango, Other Fruits), Vegetables (Carrot, Potato, Corn, Pea, Mushroom, Other Vegetables), Freeze-Dried Dairy Product, Freeze-Dried Meat and Seafood, Freeze-Dried Pet Food, Prepared Meal

By Nature:

The industry is further segmented as Organic and Conventional

By Form:

The segment further includes as Powdered, Granules and Diced

By End Use:

This segment further includes Food & Beverages Products (Breakfast Cereals, Dairy Products, Bakery & Confectionery, Nutritional Bars & Supplements, Powdered Beverages, and Snacks) and Retail (household)

By Distribution Channel:

By distribution channel it is further segmented as B2B and B2C (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Store, Specialty Store, Food & Drinks Specialty Store, Independent Small Grocery Store, Online Retail)

By Region:

Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania and Middle East & Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the market scenario of freeze-dried food?

The freeze-dried food category is expected to reach a value of USD 30.4 Bn by 2024 end.

At what rate is the global freeze-dried food category expected to grow?

Freeze-dried food consumption is expected to increase at a CAGR of around 6.3% over the forecast period (2024 to 2034).

How are industry players reacting to the new developments in the freeze-dried food market?

Industry players are opting for partnership, mergers and acquisitions, product innovation and production capacity expansion.

How much share does the top 10 companies in the freeze-dried food category hold?

Top 10 producers of freeze-dried food including Nestle S.A., Kerry Group Plc, European Freeze Dry, OFD foods LLC, Molda AG, and others hold around 35-40% of the company share.

Which are the major countries driving demand for Freeze-dried Food?

USA, Germany, UK, China and India are the major countries driving demand for Freeze-dried Food.