Global IQF Vegetables Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033)

In 2022, the global market for IQF vegetables was estimated to have reached a sum close to USD 1.68 billion. The IQF vegetables industry is growing quickly due to changes in lifestyle, eating habits, and the expansion of many major retail chains. It is thus anticipated to have generated USD 2.81 billion by 2033, along with a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2033.

The IQF vegetable industry is anticipated to grow in response to the rising demand for frozen meals. The food's shelf life is extended by freezing since it prevents bacterial growth. IQF is a technique for improved and quicker food freezing, which keeps food items fresh.

When using the IQF freezing technique, rapid freezing creates smaller crystals of ice in the frozen meal, preserving its flavor and texture rather than the larger ice crystals which could form during slower freezing processes. People are drawn to the rapid freezing methods that use this technique.

For instance, the United States-based national trade organisation of the frozen food sector, the American Frozen Food Institute, estimates that in 2020, United States frozen food sales climbed by 13.3% in units along with 21% in dollars in order to reach $65.1 billion in sales at retail.

A crucial trend that is becoming more and more popular in the IQF vegetable industry is technological improvement. To improve their market position, major players in the IQF vegetable industry are concentrating on technical developments.

Report Attribute Details
Estimated Market Value (2022) USD 1.68 billion
Expected Market Value (2023) USD 1.76 billion
Projected Forecast Value (2033) USD 2.81 billion
Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 4.8% CAGR

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Global IQF Vegetables Market Historical Analysis (2018 to 2022) Vs. Forecast Outlook (2023 To 2033)

The global IQF vegetable market rose at a CAGR of 3.1% during 2018 and 2022 and is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2033.

Advances in technology to preserve food have allowed market players to make goods available to consumers around the globe. The convenience factor, which has become increasingly important in today's society has been aiding sales of IQF vegetables.

Customers are increasingly seeking simple and hygienic vegetable products such as IQF items that can rid them of conventional hassles of cleaning and slicing fresh vegetables, thereby avoiding the all-important time restrictions of traditional cooking. Their changing preferences have played a crucial role in fuelling the demand in the market.

What is Primarily Driving the Market for IQF Vegetables?

Longer Shelf Life of IQF Vegetables to Act as a Significant Growth Parameter for the Market

Frozen food is witnessing a rise in demand. Thanks to the technologies being used for their production, handling, and storage, frozen food market is forecast to expand in the coming years.

IQF and BQF (cold storage) technologies have influenced the ability to safely store fruits and vegetables for longer period of time when maintained in specific temperature conditions. Cold storage method control moisture, but IQF technology uses nitrogen to freeze each individual vegetable unit.

The shelf life of IQF vegetables ranges from a few weeks to months depending on the source, allowing storage, without spoilage concerns. In IQF procedures, the long shelf life of vegetables is achieved by fast freezing, which converts all liquid to a frozen form without damaging vegetable cells.

Approval from regulatory agencies has created opportunities for IQF vegetable manufacturers who identified the potential of this business and started the supply of new age products. Companies such as B&G Foods Holdings Corp., Dole Food Co., SunOpta Inc., and ConAgra Brands are producing IQF vegetables.

Nandini Roy Choudhury
Nandini Roy Choudhury

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Demand for Convenience Foods to Boost the Sales of IQF Vegetables

Consumers are exhibiting a growing preference for convenience foods that can help them save time in the kitchen. A busy lifestyle and an aging population are driving the need for convenience food. They prioritize ease of use, packaging, nutritional value, safety, variety, and product appeal, driven primarily by rising disposable incomes.

Some of the most favored vegetables in IQF format are broccoli, potatoes, and tomatoes, which have wide availability and easy-to-cook characteristics. Most vegetables can be processed with the help of IQF technology, which preserves nutritional contents, while maintaining the texture and taste of the vegetable for a longer period of time.

Manufacturers are focusing on production of IQF vegetables to gain a better market share in this segment due to the high demand. The rapid growth of the food service industry in various developing markets is also expected to fuel the demand for convenience foods, and IQF fruits and vegetables.

What are the Factors Restraining the IQF Vegetables Market?

Risk of Pathogens in IQF Vegetables Expected to Impact and Impede Growth

Japan and some countries in North America have been facing the issue of bacteria and viruses present in frozen fruits and vegetables. The listeria monocytogenes bacteria caught global attention due to the recall of IQF vegetable products. The United States and China, are facing bacteria contamination issues due to high pollution levels.

Most manufacturers in the United States recalled IQF vegetable products due to a listeria monocytogenes outbreak, and this phenomenon occurs every year. Listeria monocytogenes is a species of pathogenic bacteria which causes the infection listeriosis that kills an average of 300 people every year globally.

Most American companies are taking additional precautions, even as buyers are always worried about their health while purchasing vegetables, which will play a key role in market developments for the foreseeable future.

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Category-wise Insights

Which is the Top-selling IQF Vegetable Type?

Potatoes will gain Significance during the Forecast Period

Among vegetable types, potato is most preferred in the IQF sector and it held a dominant share of more than 26.2% in 2023. The segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period.

Potatoes are a popular staple, coming in fourth place behind wheat, rice, and maize in terms of global output. On a commercial basis, it is consumed as fresh potatoes or as processed potatoes.

IQF potatoes are one of the most common varieties of processed potatoes. They're quick to prepare and offer a variety of nutrients and vitamins in a naturally maintained form with a long shelf life. The demand for IQF potatoes is rapidly increasing owing to the increase in number of fast food restaurants and increased global food processing capacity.

Which is the Primary Application of IQF Vegetables?

IQF Vegetables can become a Convenient Option in the Food Products Segment

Food products using IQF vegetables are expected to hold a market value share of 76.4% in 2033, and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% throughout the forecast years 2023 to 2033.

Demanding work lifestyle and an increase in the working population, coupled with the expansion of the food processing sector has supported consumer demand for ready-to-eat or convenience food products. The demand for IQF vegetables for baking, confectionary, and snack foods has increased.

Region-wise Analysis

Will the United States Continue Leading IQF Vegetable Market?

Extensive Usage of these Products Will Enhance the Sales

The United States market for IQF vegetable totaled USD 479.5 million in 2022. Growing at a CAGR of 2.6%, the market is projected to reach USD 549.7 million by 2033.

IQF vegetable consumption in the United States is still the highest in the world. The demand for IQF vegetables is witnessing a surge as IQF vegetables are available round the year and are convenient to cook. Increase in consumption is influencing growth as IQF vegetables save cooking time, as they are available in ready-to-cook processed form. In the United States, IQF vegetables hold a wider market compared to IQF fruits due extensive usage, either as major part of meals or as complimentary food.

Will Germany Emerge as a Lucrative Market for IQF Vegetables?

Increasing Price Sensitivity to Affect the Market Positively

The Germany IQF vegetable market will account for a value share of 18.2% of Western Europe in 2023, and is expected to grow at an approximate CAGR of 2.7% from 2023 to 2033.

The growth of IQF vegetables market in Germany is attributable to the rising price sensitivity. The consumer demographic trend in Germany is clearly skewed towards an older population and single-person households. This has led to a decline of traditional family meals and has boosted the need for single-portion products such as IQF vegetables.

What are the Growth Prospects of IQF Vegetables in France?

Rising Demand for Frozen is Likely to Propel the Overall Market Growth

The France IQF vegetable market is estimated to hold a lion’s share in Europe through 2033. The market share of France is projected to reach 15.8% by 2033, at a compounded annual growth rate of 3.1%.

In France, IQF vegetables account for a significant part of the total production of frozen food. France’s retail distribution system is diverse and sophisticated, a network very similar to that of the United States, which will provide growth opportunities to manufacturers for the foreseeable future.

What is Japan’s Value Share in the Global IQF Vegetables Market?

Potatoes and Corn is Likely to Gain the Lion’s Share in this Market

According to FMI’s analysis, Japan is expected to hold a market value share of 15.5% in the year 2023. IQF vegetables that are in demand throughout the year in Japan include potatoes and corn. These vegetables are not subject to seasonal price changes owing to easy access for fresh options.

Private label brands - Green Giant, Birds Eye and Pictsweet are leading in the Japanese market. Potato products and corn products enjoy a very good market share among all the IQF vegetables.

What is driving the Growth of the IQF Vegetable Market in the United Kingdom?

Increasing Benefits of Including Vegetables in Regular Diet is Likely to Boost Sales

The United Kingdom is among the largest Europe markets for IQF vegetable with an approximate volume of around 878 MT in 2022. The market will clock a growth rate of around 2.89% in terms of value for 2023 to 2033 and is expected to contribute over 15% to the total IQF vegetable market in Europe in 2033.

Consumers in the United Kingdom are becoming interested in eating nutritious foods as part of a lifestyle change. There has been a significant shift, away from high-fat foods and towards high-protein vegetables. In the future, the IQF vegetable market in the United Kingdom is predicted to have the strongest growth prospects. With increasing awareness about the benefits of vegetables, this category is bound to show promising growth in the future.

Market Competition

Companies are developing technologies for introducing previously unexplored fruits and vegetables that can retain their nutritional value, while decreasing the cost of production. Companies such as Dole Food Co., Capricorn Food Products India Ltd, and J.R. Simplot Co. are investing increasingly in creating new products of IQF vegetable.

The key players in this market include:

  • B&G Foods Holdings Corp.
  • Capricorn Food Products India Ltd
  • ConAgra Foods, Inc.
  • Dole Food Co.
  • Greenyard NV
  • J.R. Simplot Co.
  • Kerry Group Plc.
  • Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
  • SunOpta Inc.
  • Uren Food Group Limited

Some of the products being launched by the key players are:

  • In 2022, Eden Prairie, Minnesota became home to the new 65,000 square foot headquarter and eco-powered creative center of SunOpta, a United States-based global pioneer driving the future of environmentally friendly, plant- and fruit-based foods and drinks. The new SunOpta offices was built with the goal of fostering cooperation, accelerating innovation, and replicating the company's long tradition of sustainability. The market for IQF fruits and vegetables now has more room to expand as a result of this creation.
  • Delektia is a producer of fully cooked, ready-to-eat, frozen prepared meals. The company's culinary items, that involve freshly frozen cuisine, give customers a variety of mouthwatering and inventive dinner options. Soup, vegetables, rice, non-vegetables, as well as other foods are among these dishes. For example, in June 2022, Delektia, a frozen food company located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Medicaa, a Mideast import and consultancy agency, reached a deal to join the Jordanian market.
  • In August 2020, Turkey-based Fine Food acquired Buhler’s SORTEX® FA series machines, which allows the company to expand production capacity, while improving on exports and distribution requirements.
  • REMS Frozen Foods was unveiled in March 2021. The company is set to import frozen food ingredients, while specializing in IQF products for operations in China, the United States, Spain, Egypt, and Eastern Europe.
  • Cardinal Foods LLC a leader in the IQF sector entered into a Joint Venture with Russet House to set up a processing facility for the production of sweet potato fry products.

Report Scope

Report Attribute Details
Growth Rate CAGR of 4.8% from 2022 to 2032
Market value in 2023 USD 1.76 billion
Market value in 2033 USD 2.81 billion
Base Year for Estimation 2022
Historical Data 2018 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units USD billion for value
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered

Type, Application, Region

Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Middle East and Africa
Key Countries Profiled United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Israel, GCC countries, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand
Key Companies Profiled B&G Foods Holdings Corp.; Capricorn Food Products India Ltd; ConAgra Foods, Inc.; Dole Food Co.; Greenyard NV; J.R. Simplot Co.; Kerry Group Plc.; Pinnacle Foods, Inc.; SunOpta Inc.; Uren Food Group Limited
Customization & Pricing Available on Request

Key Segments Profiled in the Global IQF Vegetables Market Survey

By Type:

  • Beans
  • Peas
  • Corn and Baby Corn
  • Broccoli and Cauliflower
  • Potato
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Carrot

By Application:

  • Food
    • Bakery, Confectionary & Snack Food
    • Dairy & Dessert
    • Cooking food
    • Ready to Eat Food
  • Beverage
    • Juice
    • Other Non-alcoholic Beverages
    • Concentrate

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the anticipated growth of the global IQF vegetables market from 2023 to 2033?

The global IQF vegetables market is expected to grow at a 4.8% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.

What is expected be the outlook of the market by 2023?

By 2023, the global IQF vegetables market is estimated to gain USD 1.76 billion.

What is anticipated be the total market valuation by 2033?

By 2033, the IQF vegetables market valuation can reach a sum of USD 2.81 billion.

Which region is expected to be the most lucrative for the IQF vegetables market?

In 2022, the United States market for IQF vegetables reached USD 479.5 million

By type, which segment gaining traction for the sales of IQF vegetables?

The most popular food in the IQF market is potato, which had a commanding share of more than 26.2% in 2023.

Which application of IQF vegetables is sought to be more popular in 2023?

In 2033, food items employing IQF veggies are anticipated to account for more than 76.4% of the market value.

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 Type
		5.1. Beans
		5.2. Peas
		5.3. Corn and Baby Corn
		5.4. Broccoli and Cauliflower
		5.5. Potato
		5.6. Onion
		5.7. Tomato
		5.8. Carrot
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		6.1. Food
			6.1.1. Bakery, Confectionary & Snack Food
			6.1.2. Dairy & Dessert
			6.1.3. Cooking food
			6.1.4. Ready to Eat Food
		6.2. Beverage
			6.2.1. Juice
			6.2.2. Other Non-alcoholic Beverages
		6.3. Concentrate
	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. Asia Pacific
		7.5. 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. Asia Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. Key Countries Market Analysis
	14. Market Structure Analysis
	15. Competition Analysis
		15.1. B&G Foods Holdings Corp.
		15.2. Capricorn Food Products India Ltd
		15.3. ConAgra Foods, Inc
		15.4. Dole Food Co.
		15.5. Greenyard NV
		15.6. J.R. Simplot Co.
		15.7. Kerry Group Plc.
		15.8. Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
		15.9. SunOpta Inc.
		15.10. Uren Food Group Limited
	16. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	17. Research Methodology
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