The world market for frozen fruit continues to expand, and is currently worth over $1.8bn by value. Red fruits and berries account for over half (53%) of global market value, ahead of citrus and tropical fruits.
“Frozen fruit tends to be either individually quick frozen (IQF) or freeze-dried, with the former method leading growth at present since it is considered especially suitable for a variety of applications. Although the industrial sector accounts for the bulk of sales, consumers are now showing more interest in frozen fruit at the retail level,” says market analyst Jonathan Thomas.
The market has also benefited from increased demand for frozen fruit as an ingredient in other sectors of the food industry. Notable examples have included bakery goods and dairy products, where demand for berry fruits remains as high as ever, whilst food manufacturers are also showing an interest in more exotic varieties such as kiwifruit. In late 2016, the Country Range foodservice brand was extended in the UK with new frozen fruits marketed as ideal for applications such as smoothies, breakfast juices and cakes and desserts. The new varieties were strawberries, raspberries and a summer berry mix.
