IQF fruits vegetables

• Increased Employment of Women to Drive IQF Fruits & Vegetables Market Growth

Women's employment rates have significantly increased in recent years. For the growing number of working women, it has become more challenging for them to prepare or cook healthy meals every day. This has led to the purchase of frozen fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Department of Labor predicted that the employment rate for women in China was 43.7% in 2019. Similarly, the employment rate for women in South Africa is 45%, while it is 46% in the United States. These are some of the main factors enhancing the IQF fruits & vegetables market CAGR ly in recent years.

Online buying is a popular trend among consumers right now. One of the key aspects driving this industry's expansion is online retail. Over 2.14 billion people are anticipated to make online purchases in 2023. The rise of the frozen fruits and vegetables industry is anticipated to be fueled by the increasing use of smartphones and the internet, which will also present chances for new players. Additionally, AFFI said most online shoppers added frozen items to their virtual shopping carts.

Chemical pesticides and fertilizers have a negative impact on the ecosystem. Therefore, governments worldwide support organic farming to decrease the use of dangerous chemicals in agriculture. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that in 2023, 187 nations conducted organic agriculture, covering about 72.3 million hectares of agricultural land—an increase of nearly 1.1 million hectares from the previous year. The availability and cost of the commodity have grown due to the  movement toward organic farming. This is one of the factors driving the growth of the IQF fruits & vegetables market revenue.

The Global IQF Fruits and Vegetables Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market value of 5.36 USD Billion in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 8.16 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory suggests a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% from 2025 to 2035. Such figures reflect the increasing consumer demand for frozen fruits and vegetables, driven by health trends, convenience, and technological advancements. The market's expansion is likely to be supported by ongoing innovations and the development of new products that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

The expansion of distribution channels significantly influences the Global IQF Fruits and Vegetables Market Industry. Retailers are increasingly recognizing the value of IQF products, leading to their broader availability in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online platforms. This accessibility allows consumers to purchase IQF fruits and vegetables conveniently, thus enhancing market penetration. The rise of e-commerce has further facilitated this trend, enabling consumers to order these products from the comfort of their homes. As distribution networks continue to grow and evolve, the market is likely to witness sustained growth, aligning with the projected increase in market value to 8.16 USD Billion by 2035.

The Global IQF Fruits and Vegetables Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand for convenience foods, driven by changing consumer lifestyles and preferences. As more individuals seek quick meal solutions, the appeal of IQF products, which retain nutritional value and flavor, becomes increasingly apparent. In 2024, the market is projected to reach 5.36 USD Billion, reflecting a growing inclination towards ready-to-eat meals. This trend is particularly pronounced in urban areas, where busy schedules limit cooking time. Consequently, manufacturers are expanding their IQF product lines to cater to this evolving consumer behavior, thereby enhancing market growth.

A growing preference for sustainable and environmentally friendly products is emerging as a key driver in the Global IQF Fruits and Vegetables Market Industry. Consumers are increasingly inclined to choose products that align with their values regarding sustainability and ethical sourcing. This trend encourages manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices in their production processes, from sourcing raw materials to packaging. As a result, IQF products that emphasize sustainability are likely to attract a more conscientious consumer base. This shift in consumer behavior may contribute to the overall growth of the market, as companies that prioritize sustainability could see enhanced brand loyalty and increased sales.

An increasing awareness of health and nutrition among consumers significantly propels the Global IQF Fruits and Vegetables Market Industry. As individuals become more health-conscious, the demand for frozen fruits and vegetables, which offer a convenient way to incorporate essential nutrients into diets, rises. IQF products are perceived as healthier alternatives to processed foods, as they retain vitamins and minerals. This trend is expected to contribute to the market's growth, with projections indicating a rise to 8.16 USD Billion by 2035. The emphasis on healthy eating habits encourages consumers to choose IQF options, thereby driving sales and expanding market reach.

Technological innovations in freezing methods play a crucial role in shaping the Global IQF Fruits and Vegetables Market Industry. Advances in cryogenic freezing and improved IQF processes enhance product quality, texture, and shelf life, making these products more appealing to consumers. As manufacturers adopt state-of-the-art freezing technologies, they can better preserve the freshness and nutritional content of fruits and vegetables. This trend not only boosts consumer confidence but also encourages retailers to stock a wider variety of IQF products. The anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% from 2025 to 2035 underscores the importance of these technological advancements in driving market expansion.

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. North America IQF's fruits & vegetables market accounted for USD 2351.6 million in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR of 45.80 percent growth during the study period. The FDA has implemented several restrictions that reduce the use of dangerous compounds like trans fats. These elements are promoting market for IQF fruits & vegetables expansion in the area.

As a result of vegetables' high nutritional value and low-calorie content, Americans and Canadians are increasingly consuming packaged food items, which has fueled the regional market for IQF fruits & vegetables expansion.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 3:  IQF FRUITS & VEGETABLES MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2023 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe IQF fruits & vegetables market accounts for the second-largest market. High consumer spending power, economic stability, and changes in food preferences are some of the key growth factors in the area. In addition, Sales of frozen foods soared in the early months of COVID-19's unexpected breakout, but they sharply declined in the following months. Germany, the largest European food market, sold more than 3.66 million tonnes of frozen food products in 2020.

Further, the German IQF fruits & vegetables market held the largest share, and the UK IQF fruits & vegetables market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific IQF fruits & vegetables market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2032. The rising number of cold chain facilities in various emerging nations also aids regional market for IQF fruits & vegetables expansion. According to information currently available, in 2021, India had 8186 cold storage facilities with a total capacity of 374.25 lakh MT. Additionally, developing nations like India, Japan, and China are benefiting from an increase in refrigeration facilities in retail stores and an increase in the availability of frozen food through online retailers.

Moreover, China's IQF fruits & vegetables market held the largest share, and the Indian IQF fruits & vegetables market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

As a result of major market participants investing a lot of money in R&D to expand their product lines, the market for IQF fruits & vegetables will keep growing. In combination with key market developments, including new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants for IQF fruits & vegetables are engaging in various strategic initiatives to expand their worldwide footprint. If they want to grow and thrive in a market that is becoming increasingly cutthroat, competitors in the IQF fruits & vegetables industry must provide reasonably priced goods.

Local production to cut operating costs is one of the main business methods used by the IQF fruits & vegetables industry to serve customers and grow the market for IQF fruits & vegetables. The IQF fruits & vegetables industry has recently provided some of the most important advantages to medicine. IQF fruits & vegetable market major players, such as Abbott Laboratories (US), Stryker Corporation (US), Medtronic Inc. (Ireland), and others, are funding R&D initiatives to increase consumer demand.

Delektia is a manufacturer of prepared meals that are fully cooked, frozen, and ready to eat. Customers can choose from various delicious and original meals thanks to the company's food products, which include freshly frozen food. These dishes include soup, rice, vegetables, non-vegetables, and other goods. For instance, in June 2022, Delektia, a frozen food firm based in Dubai, UAE, struck an agreement to enter the Jordanian market with Medicaa, a Jordan-based Mideast import and advisory agency.

Also, Aussie Frozen Fruit was established in 2020 to provide fresh and nutritious 100% Australian-sourced frozen fruit to Australian consumers. Aussie Frozen Fruit is 100% delectable, genuine Australian fruit with no added sugar, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. For instance, in April 2021, an Australian company called Aussie Frozen Fruit introduced frozen pineapples as their fifth product, coming in 400g boxes of 100% Australian-grown fruit. The new frozen pineapple from Aussie Frozen Fruit is picked at maturity to preserve ripeness and flavor, then washed, peeled, and chopped before being snap-frozen and packaged.