IQF Fruits Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global IQF Fruits Market Is Segmented By Fruit (Berries, Tropical Fruits, Citrus Fruits), By End Use(Food Industry, Households, Food Service Providers), By Region (North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

IQF Fruits Market Overview

Global IQF Fruits market to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2024- 2031. The market is expected to grow due to increasing demand from Food Industry, Households, Food Service. The competitive rivalry intensifies with Alasko Foods Inc, SunOpta Inc., Nimeks Organics, and others operating in the market.

IQF (individually quick freezing) is a non-thermal food preservation method that does not require any chemicals. There are several benefits associated with the use of IQF in food preservation. Some of its benefits include; extension of shelf-life, maintenance of taste and quality of food products, and many more. IQF fruits are fruits prepared by using IQF method technology where individual fruits are sent to the blast-freezers process for fast freezing to enhance the fruit’s shelf-life and preserve it for a longer time. This technology preserves the fruit without changing its structure and flavor.  There are a variety of non-thermal preservation techniques available, but the most efficient of them is the individual quick freezing (IQF) technique. The lucrative growth of the market can be attributed to the surging demand for frozen and convenience food products and beverages.

IQF Fruits Market Scope

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IQF Fruits Market Trends

Increasing demand for food with longer shelf life

The shelf life of food product is a vital parameter in consumer purchasing decision making in the food and beverage industry. Consumers are looking for the quality, hygiene and taste of the food products they consume. The food and beverage industry often uses the IQF technique to preserve food products and prevent them from losing taste and quality before consuming them. In addition to this, the need to preserve fruits is very important. These food items need to be stored or preserved in a low-temperature atmosphere to prevent them from denaturing or spoiling before they are consumed. Advantages such as preventing the lumping of frozen fruits, especially pulpy fruits are expected to augment the market growth of the IQF fruits.

Moreover, the growing demand for convenience food due to the busy lifestyle and the rising number of working women is projected to fuel the market growth of IQF fruits. IQF fruits do not require further preparation, and a portion of the fruits can be consumed, and the rest can be repacked using the same packaging for later consumption. This also minimizes wastage and ensures the optimal usage of fruit.

Growth in the logistic sector across developing regions and the rising per capita income of the populations is expected to serve major growth opportunities. Rising demand for frozen fruits from the dairy industry for preparing flavored-based yogurt and beverages such as milkshakes, smoothies, energy drinks is fueling the market growth. Also, the growing demand for healthy candies and jellies is further expected to augment the market growth of IQF fruits.

However, lack of proper infrastructures, such as shortage of power and lack of warehouses across developing countries, is a major challenge for the market growth of IQF fruits. High power and freight cost associated with frozen food technology as it requires special condition such as equipment is expected to hinder the market growth of IQF fruits. Moreover, the lack of cold chain retails outlets across developing countries is further expected to restrict the market growth of IQF fruits

IQF Fruits Market Segmentation

Berries segment is expected to dominate the global market in 2020

Berries will be a popular product segment in the global fruit industry of IQF. Berries are further classified as raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, cherries and blueberries among others. Red tart cherries, also produced as an IQF fruit, are grown in the U.S. are also known as sour cherries, and are bright red when harvested. They have a sour-sweet flavor, which is attracting more and more consumers across many countries. Major manufacturers are observing an increased interest in red tart cherries in IQF fruits. In domestic and in overseas markets, demand is on the rise, as consumers are recognizing that not only do red tart cherries taste great while having a unique blend of tart and sweet flavor, they also look great with their attractive bright red color, besides the fact that they are very good for health. The growing application spectrum of frozen beer in wide range of food products such as desserts, confectionary and bakery is expected to support the market growth over forecast period.

Global IQF Fruits Market Geographical Share

North America is expected to dominate the global IQF fruits market in 2020

North America is expected to be the largest market for the global IQF fruits market during the forecast period in terms of market value. The dominant position is due to the immaculacy of vegetable supply chains in the U.S. and Canada. The market in this region is expected to expand further owing to the availability of farm-fresh fruits across numerous retail outlets in these countries. The United States is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue, followed by Canada and Mexico. Growing demand for exotic fruit juices is projected to be the major factor fostering the industry's growth in North America. Asia Pacific is expected to grow with the highest CAGR of XX% during the forecast period due to the rising disposable income of consumers and growing consumers demand for convenience food and packaged food products.

IQF Fruits Companies and Competitive Landscape

The global IQF fruits market is fragmented and the global players are competing intensely with local players and private labels. Some of the key players operating in the global market are Capricorn Food Products India Ltd., SunOpta Inc, Alasko Foods Inc, and Nimeks Organics among others. Partnership and agreements by the key manufacturers is a major strategy in the global IQF fruits market. For instance, in May 2019, Greenyard Frozen UK has entered into a new partnership agreement with supermarket chain Tesco to supply its full assortment of frozen fruits, vegetables, and herbs to the retail giant. The partnership will also allow the supermarket giant to offer its customers the widest frozen fruit portfolio with around 25 premium quality frozen fruit stock-keeping units.

COVID-19 Impact on  IQF Fruits market

Eating healthy and staying fit has become a common trend in recent times, and this trend is expected to only progress over the coming years. Demand for healthy fruits has seen a major shift, and since it is not possible to get seasonal fruits all year long, demand for IQF fruits has risen. Imports and exports of frozen fruits rose and companies increased their production and manufacturing capacities. For instance, in August 2021, for the very first time, Vietnam shipped a large batch of 22 tons of frozen fruits of Indochina Dragonplum. The Vietnam Trade Office in Australia has stated that this is the first time such a volume has been shipped from Vietnam to Australia. Dole, an agricultural multinational company, expanded its manufacturing footprint by extending a new frozen fruit facility in McDonough, Ga. The new 60,000-sq.-ft. plant opened on 28 January 2021, and is fully automated with four manufacturing lines that can put out 60 million pounds of frozen fruits every year.