The global frozen food market size reached around USD 4.80 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.80% between 2025 and 2034 to reach nearly USD 9.27 Billion by 2034.
Moreover, the proliferation of fast-food chains has led to the emergence of convenience culture, where younger generations of consumers have shifted towards quick and efficient meal solutions. This has increased the demand for frozen foods in South Africa. As per industry reports, South Africa’s population is expected to reach 74 million people by 2050, and the rate of urbanisation is expected to rise to 85%. This is expected to increase the overall demand for frozen food products in the Middle East and Africa region substantially, thereby leading to growth of the frozen food market.
Other players included in the frozen food market report are Nestlé S.A., Tyson Foods Inc., General Mills, Inc, Nomad Foods Ltd., Wawona Frozen Foods, Inc., and Grupo Nutresa S. A., among others.
Global Frozen Food Market Growth
As per the German Frozen Food Institute, the per capita frozen food consumption in Germany is 46.3 kg. This category continues to gain market traction, as consumers perceive them as an essential part of fulfilling their daily nutritional intake. In Europe, per capita consumption of frozen bakery products is the highest (11kg), followed by vegetables (6.2 kg), meat and potatoes (5.5 kg each), ready meals (5.7 kg), frozen pizza (4.2 kg), fishes (3.7 kg), and snacks (3.3 kg). The rising consumption of frozen food items has increased frozen food market value in Europe.Moreover, the proliferation of fast-food chains has led to the emergence of convenience culture, where younger generations of consumers have shifted towards quick and efficient meal solutions. This has increased the demand for frozen foods in South Africa. As per industry reports, South Africa’s population is expected to reach 74 million people by 2050, and the rate of urbanisation is expected to rise to 85%. This is expected to increase the overall demand for frozen food products in the Middle East and Africa region substantially, thereby leading to growth of the frozen food market.
Key Trends and Developments
Rising focus on reducing food waste; growing popularity of air fryers; growth of snacking culture; and soaring appeal for global flavours are factors favouring the frozen food market growth.October 2024
To meet the growing demand for Asian and Mexican flavours among the Gen Z, Nestle expanded its range of frozen food brands with the launch of Mings and Tapatío ready-to-eat meals.August 2022
Kraft Heinz Company rebranded Delimex, a Mexican frozen food brand providing frozen and rolled tacos by changing its packaging and enhancing its flavour. This has influenced frozen food market dynamics.June 2023
Frosta AG, a German manufacturer of plant-based frozen foods launched Vegan Fish Fingers in 350-gram retail packs. It is a snack prepared with beans, jackfruits, and cauliflowers without relying on thickening agents.November 2021
Frizata, a D2C frozen food company, launched its range of high-quality frozen food snacks in the United States, which also increased frozen food market development. The range includes frozen appetizers, pizzas, fruits and vegetables, and different snacks prepared without any preservatives.Rising focus on reducing food waste
The increasing consumer focus on reducing food waste is facilitating frozen food market expansion. As per the market analysis, an average American household wastes EUR 1397.32 worth of food products annually, leading to shift towards frozen food items.Growing popularity of air fryers
Since 2020, the adoption of air fryers in the United States has increased by 27 points. This has led to a 90% increase in the introduction of frozen foods with air-frying instructions during 2020-24.Growth of snacking culture
In 2023, around 3 million total internet searches included recipes of bite sized food, indicating the growing consumer preference for portion controlled, quick to prepare, and healthy snacking solutions.Soaring appeal for global flavours
The growing popularity of cooking shows and artisanal bakers on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram has increased the demand for frozen foods with global flavours, such as Korean BBQ and Indian cuisines.Global Frozen Food Market Trends
To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, the European Commission has revised its Waste Framework Directive and made it binding for member states to achieve food waste reduction targets by 2030. This includes 10% reduction in food production and processing waste, and a 30% per capita reduction in consumption waste at restaurants, households, and food service providers. As around 80 billion tons of food waste worth EUR 413.61 billion is generated annually across the world, these measures are expected to favourably shape the frozen food market outlook.Global Frozen Food Industry Segmentation
The report titled “Global Frozen Food Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:Market Breakup by Product Type:
- Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
- Frozen Meat and Fish
- Frozen-cooked Ready Meals
- Frozen Desserts
- Frozen Snacks
- Others
Market Breakup by Type:
- Raw Material
- Half-cooked
- Ready-to-Eat
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel:
- Food Service
- Retail
Market Breakup by Region:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Global Frozen Food Market Share
Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Over the forecast period of 2024-32, the Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% due to the growth of fast-food chains leading to an increase in the demand for quick and efficient meal options. Moreover, the revenue of the market is expected to be bolster due to the increasing demand for frozen snacking products and the shift towards healthier foods.Leading Companies in the Global Frozen Food Market
Major players are introducing plant-based food products, such as frozen meat and milk to gain a larger frozen food market share.Unilever PLC
Unilever PLC was founded in 1872 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It produces FMCG products such as soaps, household cleaning products, razors, creams, and food items. It is renowned for brands like Lipton, Dove, Knor, and Axe, among others worldwide.Conagra Brands Inc.
Conagra Brands Inc. was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Illinois, United States. It is engaged in providing numerous services related to food and beverage industry, including marketing, distribution, and supply chain management.McCain Foods Limited
McCain Foods Limited was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Ontario, Canada. It is engaged in sustainable manufacturing of food and beverage products for global consumers. As per frozen food market analysis, the company operates in over 160 countries.Ajinomoto Co. Inc.
Ajinomoto Co. Inc. was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Guided by the principle of “Eat Well, Live Well”, the company is engaged in manufacturing nutritious food products and beverages for global consumers.Other players included in the frozen food market report are Nestlé S.A., Tyson Foods Inc., General Mills, Inc, Nomad Foods Ltd., Wawona Frozen Foods, Inc., and Grupo Nutresa S. A., among others.
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Market Overview and Stakeholder Insights
3 Economic Summary
4 Country Risk Profiles
5 Global Frozen Food Market Analysis
6 North America Frozen Food Market Analysis
7 Europe Frozen Food Market Analysis
8 Asia Pacific Frozen Food Market Analysis
9 Latin America Frozen Food Market Analysis
10 Middle East and Africa Frozen Food Market Analysis
11 Market Dynamics
12 Competitive Landscape
Companies Mentioned
- Nestlé S.A.
- Unilever PLC
- Tyson Foods Inc.
- Conagra Brands Inc.
- General Mills, Inc
- McCain Foods Limited
- Nomad Foods Ltd.
- Ajinomoto Co. Inc.
- Wawona Frozen Foods, Inc.
- Grupo Nutresa S. A.