Air-Dried Food Global Market Report 2024

The air-dried food market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $109.75 billion in 2023 to $118.59 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The observed growth during the historical period can be attributed to factors such as traditional food preservation practices, increased consumer demand for convenience foods, the extended shelf life of air-dried products, the cost-effective nature of the preservation method, and a rise in awareness of food waste reduction.

The air-dried food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $157.35 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The forecasted increase in the upcoming period is due to the preservation of nutritional content in dehydrated foods, the rise in consumption of dehydrated snacks, the expansion of the snack and convenience food sector, the adoption of air drying for home food preservation, the demand for lightweight and easily portable food choices, the growth of urbanization and busy lifestyles, and the customization and personalization of air-dried food products, along with the incorporation of exotic and international flavors. Key trends anticipated in the forecast period encompass technological advancements in drying equipment, innovations in air drying technologies, the introduction of new varieties of air-dried foods, a heightened focus on sustainable food processing, and increased collaboration between food manufacturers and technology providers.

The air-dried food market is anticipated to experience growth due to the increasing consumption of convenience foods. Convenience foods, which include frozen, dried, or canned options that can be quickly and easily prepared, are driving the demand for air-dried foods. Air-drying serves as a convenient preservation technique, preventing bacterial development, extending shelf life, and reducing the growth of foodborne pathogens. The Malaysian convenience food sector witnessed a 3.0% increase in volume in 2023, reaching 7,829.2 kg by 2027, according to Food and Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Group. In 2022, the revenue from convenience food in Malaysia amounted to $31.84 billion, with an expected increase of 5.49% from 2022 to 2027. This rising demand for convenience foods is a key factor propelling the growth of the air-dried food market.

The air-dried food market is also set to benefit from the expansion of the e-commerce industry. The e-commerce sector, encompassing online platforms and digital channels for buying and selling goods and services, is contributing significantly to the market's growth. The rapid growth of e-commerce provides consumers with a convenient platform for accessing diverse products, easy discovery, purchase, and delivery. A report by the International Trade Administration in October 2021 indicates that e-commerce for consumer goods is expected to constitute approximately 22% of global retail sales by 2024, growing at an average rate of over 1%. This trend is indicative of the continuous, long-term increase in global retail e-commerce sales, projected to grow by 8% through 2024. Thus, the expanding e-commerce industry is a driving force behind the growth of the air-dried food market.

A prominent trend gaining traction is the focus on product innovations by major companies. These companies are dedicated to introducing new and inventive products as a strategy to maintain their market standing. An illustration of this trend is evident in the actions of Crispy Green, a US-based producer of freeze-dried fruit snacks. In January 2022, they unveiled Piña Picante, an innovative range of dried pineapple snacks featuring a distinctive twist in flavor. These air-dried snacks offer a chewy consistency, delivering a unique and delightful experience with every bite. Piña Picante starts with premium pineapples sourced from Costa Rica and undergoes air-drying after being infused with carefully crafted blends of spices.

Major companies operating in the air-dried food market are actively engaged in developing innovative products, particularly air-dried snacks. These snacks undergo the process of air drying or dehydration to eliminate moisture and thereby preserve the food. A case in point is Dirt Kitchen Snacks, a US-based manufacturer specializing in air-dried plant-based snacks. In November 2022, they introduced Air-Dried Carrot Crisps, distinguished by their coating of olive oil and smoky barbecue seasoning. With only 35 calories per serving, these carrot crisps offer a flavorful experience and are vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher, ensuring broad appeal. Noteworthy is their commitment to being free of artificial flavors or preservatives.

In June 2023 saw Thrive Foods, a US-based food manufacturing company, acquire Groneweg Group for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is designed to integrate Groneweg's freeze-dried product offerings with the existing product portfolio of Thrive Foods. The goal is to provide customers with a diverse selection of goods from various regions. Groneweg Group, a Germany-based manufacturer and producer specializing in air-dried herbs and vegetables, brings regional diversity to Thrive Foods' product range through this strategic alliance.

Major companies operating in the air-dried food market report are Nestle S.A., PepsiCo. Inc., Unilever Group, Mars Incorporated, Mondelez International Inc., Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., General Mills Inc., Kellogg Company, Hormel Foods Corporation, Conagra Brands Inc., Ajinomoto Co. Inc., The J.M. Smucker Company, Silva International Inc., Milne MicroDried, Saraf Foods Pvt. Ltd., Royal Ridge Coffee Beans, European Freeze Dry Limited, Dehydrates Inc., Chelmer Foods Limited, Berrifine A/S, B-B Products Pvt. Ltd., BC Foods Inc., Harmony House, Howenia Enterprise Co. Ltd., DMH Ingredients Inc., Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH, La Frubense.

North America was the largest region in the air-dried food market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the air-dried food market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the air-dried food market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The main types of air-dried food include fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, meat and seafood, and others. Fruits and vegetables encompass edible plant-based foods consumed for their nutritional value and health benefits, available in forms such as powder, granules, and flakes. The techniques employed for air-drying food include hot-air drying and freeze-drying. These products are distributed through various channels, such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers, catering to end users such as the processed food industry, the HoReCa sector, households, and others.

The air-dried food market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides air-dried food market statistics, including air-dried food industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a air-dried food market share, detailed air-dried food market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the air-dried food industry. This air-dried food market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The air-dried food market consists of sales of air-dried nuts, air-dried seeds, air-dried spices, and air-drained gains. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).


The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.