Frozen preserved vegetables market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The African frozen preserved vegetables market expanded significantly from 40.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 91.4 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was driven by increasing urbanization and demand for convenient food options, which attracted new local SMEs to the market. The development of modern retail channels such as supermarkets in major cities further improved product accessibility. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, consumers turned to frozen vegetables for long-term storage, boosting demand despite temporary supply chain disruptions. By 2021, investment in cold chain infrastructure and the launch of new product ranges tailored to local preferences supported continued market expansion.

After peaking in 2021, the market volume contracted to 77.2 thousand tons in 2022 and 74.2 thousand tons in 2023. During this period, the African market saw the adoption of harmonized food safety regulations, including the Model Law on Food Security and Nutrition enacted in November 2022 in Midrand, South Africa, aimed at enhancing food safety standards. The growth of e-commerce platforms and investments in innovative packaging also contributed to market development, although overall consumption eased from its pandemic highs.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

Africa's production of frozen preserved vegetables declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, the continent produced 8,120 tonnes, representing a significant 21.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 6.8%, with an average annual decline of 2.3%. The peak production volume was recorded in 2019 at 10,320 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a growth of 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, the value of frozen preserved vegetables production in Africa dropped. In 2020, output was valued at 10,207 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial 10.6% decline from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, however, production value increased by 19.6%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The highest value was achieved in 2019 at 11,413 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase also occurring that year at 21.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Africa exported 47.7 thousand tonnes of frozen preserved vegetables in 2020, showing a dramatic 34.7% reduction compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 30.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 11.3%. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 73.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase also occurring that year at 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates (25.6% of exports in volume), Saudi Arabia (13.7%), and Kuwait (11.0%) led Africa's export structure for frozen preserved vegetables. Together, these three countries accounted for 50.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Africa's frozen preserved vegetables exports amounted to 60.0 million US dollars in 2020, marking a sharp 25.8% year-over-year decline. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 10.5%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%. The peak export value was recorded in 2019 at 80.8 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase also occurred that year at 33.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Africa exported frozen preserved vegetables to numerous countries. Even the top three destinations—the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait—collectively represented only 47.4% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports frozen preserved vegetables to Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Africa's imports of frozen preserved vegetables declined. In 2020, import volume reached 105.8 thousand tonnes, down 7.4% from the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 27.7%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 114.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase also occurring that year at 21.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, Belgium (46.5% of imports in volume), the Netherlands (14.2%), and France (9.3%) remained the key sources for Africa's frozen preserved vegetables imports. Together, these three countries accounted for 70.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year rise, Africa's imports of frozen preserved vegetables declined in value. In 2020, imports totaled 100.1 million US dollars, indicating a solid 11.5% reduction from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, import value increased by 15.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 113.1 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—Belgium, the Netherlands, and France—together absorbed 64.0% of the total import value for frozen preserved vegetables into Africa.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020