IQF Vegetables Market

Demand for Convenience Foods Backed by Benefits of IQF Technology to Influence Growth of IQF Vegetables Market

The IQF Vegetables Market  is valued at USD 1.84 Bn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 2.5 Bn,  growing at a CAGR of 4% by 2033.Busy lifestyle of individuals coupled with growing ageing population, especially in emerging economies such as China and India, have driven the demand for convenience food products. Growing priority of consumers for RTA (Ready to Eat) foods is likely to drive the growth of the IQF vegetables market. With RTA label on packaging of IQF vegetables, consumers can use it directly in their cooking by merely defrosting the product, in turn considerably saving preparation time. Apart from convenience in usage, consumers are also inclined towards efficient packaging, safety, nutrition details, product appeal and variety, which can be achieved by using IQF technology, as it significantly reduces processing costs. Moreover IQF technology facilitates nutrition preservation while maintaining taste and texture of vegetables for a longer duration. Moreover, short time of freezing in IQF technology avoids development of large crystals of ice around vegetable cells, in turn maintaining color, shape, taste and smell of the vegetable after defrost to a great extent. This factor continues to influence the consumption of IQF vegetables, consequently fuelling its market growth worldwide.

Risk Associated with Developing Listeriosis to Impede Growth of IQF Vegetables Market

Frozen food, especially vegetables had been associated with listeriosis outbreaks caused by the presence of listeria monocytogenes, a pathogenic bacteria that causes meningitis and paralysis, sometimes death. For instance, according to CDC, a major listeriosis outbreak was witnessed berween 2013 and 2015 wherein 9 cases were recorded with 3 fatalities in the US. Additionally, according to AFFI (American Frozen Food Institute), with a mortality rate of 15%, around 250 deaths have been observed every year in the United States. Likewise, another outbreak was witnessed across 6 European countries through 2015 and 2018 timeline, according to ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control). As per ECDC report, 2549 cases were recorded in 2018 and the trend is likely to grow in the coming years. This has resulted in product recalls by food companies that are now focusing on taking extra precaution during processing of IQF vegetables. This aspect continues to hinder the growth of the global IQF vegetables market.

Stringent Regulations to Impact the Global IQF Vegetables Market

Given the presence of bacteria and outbreak of chronic diseases such as listeriosis, food regulating authorities have laid down stringent regulations on the use of IQF vegetables. For instance, in November 2020, European Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industries s – PROFEL – announced hygiene guidelines in a bid to control listeria monocytogenes in IQF vegetables that covered clear cooking, storage and defrosting instructions. Likewise, EFSA (European Food and Safety Authority) has also made regulations on the use of IQF vegetables at home to reduce fear among buyers of IQF vegetables. Similarly, R727 regulations were laid regarding frozen vegetables sale in South Africa to limit the spread of listeriosis. Regulations circling phytosanitary inspection, packaging requirements and border control on imported food is likely to cause friction in the growth of IQF vegetables import and export scenario. That said, strict regulatory environment is likely to impact the processing of frozen vegetables, consequently questioning the sales and distribution of IQF vegetables.

COVID 19 Impacts on Consumer Reluctance and Prices to Question IQF Vegetables Market Growth

Outbreak of COVID 19 and its re-emergence has impacted several industries, and food and beverage sector is no exception. On the back of rising COVID cases worldwide, consumption of IQF vegetables is expected to witness a slowdown. This can be attributed towards reluctance of people towards consumption of processed food questioning the safety measures involved in their production. Moreover, pandemic has also impacted prices of IQF vegetables, given the fluctuating costs associated with processing and transporting of these products.

North America to Cement Dominance in the Global IQF vegetables Market

Demand for IQF vegetables in developed economies in North America is expected to witness significant boost on the back of growing inclination towards nutrition consumption and diet to reduce lifestyle related diseases. Moreover, AFFI has applauded the US administration for supporting consumption of IQF vegetables by promoting its health benefits. Additionally, IQF vegetables market is expected to benefit from the immaculate vegetable supply chains in Canada and United States, backed with a growing GDP per capita of the countries. According to AFFI, in 2018, 99% American households consumed frozen food, which is likely to influence IQF vegetables market growth in North America.

Likewise, emerging economies are also expected to showcase high growth potential for IQF vegetables market in the coming years. For instance, according to FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), in 2019, the Indian frozen food market stood at US$ 85 billion, which is likely to touch US$193 billion by end of 2024, on the back of various aspects such as growing refrigerated warehouses, rising inclination towards consumption of frozen food and growing number of retail stores and supermarkets in the country.

IQF vegetables Market Competition Analysis

Few of the major players in the IQF vegetables market include 

• Greenyard NV
• Loblaw Companies Ltd.
• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• Dole Food Company, Inc.
• Birds Eye (Nomad Foods)
• Bonduelle S.A.
• Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.
• McCain Foods Limited
• Ardo Group
• Clearwater Seafoods (IQF segment)
• Pictsweet Company
• ORE IDA (Inspired Organics / Lamb Weston)
• Perdido Fresh LLC
• Earthbound Farm (Taylor Farms)
• Viterra Inc.

 Global IQF Vegetables Market Segmentation

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