Frozen vegetables have become an integral part of modern consumer diets, driven by several key trends in the food industry.
The flash freezing process used in manufacturing preserves the vegetables at their peak freshness, locking in essential vitamins and minerals. As a result, frozen vegetables have become a staple in households, providing a reliable source of nutrients year-round. Consumer trends also reflect a growing preference for sustainable and eco-friendly food choices. Frozen vegetables play a role in reducing food waste, and this aligns with the broader movement towards reducing environmental impact and adopting more sustainable consumption patterns.
The consumption patterns of frozen vegetables have diversified over time, reflecting a shift in culinary preferences and lifestyle choices. Beyond being traditional side dishes, frozen vegetables are now used as versatile ingredients in a wide range of dishes. They serve as key components in smoothies, stir-fries, soups, and even as pizza toppings. Plus, manufacturing processes for frozen vegetables have evolved to meet the demands of the modern consumer.
The flash freezing technique, in particular, is pivotal in preserving the texture, flavor, and nutritional content of the vegetables. Advanced sorting and grading systems equipped with AI technology ensure that only the highest-quality vegetables make their way into the freezing process. This level of precision in manufacturing guarantees that consumers receive a premium product every time.
Manufacturers are themselves investing in sustainable practices throughout the production cycle of frozen vegetables. From responsible sourcing of produce to energy-efficient freezing methods, the industry is making strides towards minimizing its environmental footprint. This commitment to sustainability resonates with consumers, who are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s eco-friendly initiatives. By aligning with these values, manufacturers of frozen vegetables are not only meeting consumer expectations but also contributing to a more sustainable food industry.
Attention to Health Drives the Market Forward
The primary causes propelling this industry, according to The Netherlands’ Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), are consumers’ need for affordable, delicious, and easily prepared healthy food. Frozen vegetables are a cost-effective and adaptable choice. Frozen berries are often used in smoothies, whereas frozen kale is used to make kale crisps. Rising consumer affluence and changing eating habits are also driving market expansion.
As consumers in Europe move from consuming animal-based foods to plant-based alternatives, the market for frozen veggies is growing. Vegetable suppliers have significant opportunities in countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands. It is known that frozen vegetables contain more vitamins and minerals than fresh vegetables that are bought and then refrigerated. The fact that the younger generation is now more conscious of this fact is increasing demand for frozen vegetables.
Europe was estimated to have the largest demand for frozen vegetables worldwide in 2021, accounting for 38% of the market, followed by North America. In 2021, 2.8 million tons of frozen veggies were imported into Europe, with a value of EUR3 billion. Over the preceding five years, the value of imports into Europe increased by 1.7%, but the volume decreased by 0.6%, suggesting an increase in import prices. Only 9% of all imports into Europe come from emerging countries; 91% of all imports come from within the continent. Europe is the world’s greatest producer of frozen vegetables, which explains why domestic trade makes up such a major share of total imports. The number of imports from emerging countries into Europe decreased by 1.1% during the preceding five years, reaching 2,537,929 tons in 2021. Germany has the biggest market share (20%) of all imports into Europe, followed by France (18%) and Belgium (14%).
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