Frozen preserved vegetables market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Market volume and value rose through 2019, supported by growing consumer interest in organic frozen and preserved vegetables and expanded processing for foodservice channels. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, however, led to a sharp decline in market volume as foodservice demand collapsed, outweighing a temporary surge in retail sales during lockdowns.

A rebound occurred in 2021, with household purchases of frozen vegetables rising and organic canned varieties gaining significant popularity. The following year, market volume stabilized while value jumped markedly due to high inflation specifically affecting preserved and frozen vegetables, coupled with supply constraints from lower harvests of key crops.

In 2023, value growth continued, propelled by a broader consumer shift toward plant-based eating and demand for affordable, convenient options, although premium segments like organic vegetables faced headwinds from increased price sensitivity. Industry players focused on adapting to evolving quality and sustainability standards.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

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

In Asia, production of frozen preserved vegetables reached 389.1 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 4.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 2.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 372.4 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 393.3 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline was observed in 2019, when production fell by 5.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of frozen preserved vegetables production in Asia stood at 766.0 million US dollars in 2020, showing a moderate 7.0% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 11.3%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 821.4 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 12.8% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, when production value surged by 19.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Asia's exports of frozen preserved vegetables by volume grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 267 thousand tonnes, representing a 1.1% increase from 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 243 thousand tonnes. That year also saw the largest decline of 8.3%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019 with an 8.6% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Asia's export portfolio for frozen preserved vegetables by volume was quite diverse. The United States accounted for 7.8% of exports, Brazil for 4.1%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, for 3.2%. Together, these three partners represented just 15.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Asia's frozen preserved vegetables exports by value amounted to 526 million US dollars, which is 3.5% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.0%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 5.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Asia's frozen preserved vegetables exports by value were not highly concentrated. The United States represented 8.0% of export value, Asia, not elsewhere specified accounted for 3.6%, and Belgium contributed 2.2%. Combined, these three partners captured only 13.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports frozen preserved vegetables to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Asia's imports of frozen preserved vegetables by volume declined. In 2020, import volume was recorded at 1 651 thousand tonnes, reflecting a substantial 10.5% contraction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 0.8%. The peak import volume was reached in 2019 at 1 845 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 8.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Belgium, and the Netherlands remained the top suppliers of frozen preserved vegetables to Asia by volume. The United States accounted for 38.6% of imports, Belgium for 17.9%, and the Netherlands for 17.6%. Together, these three countries represented 74.1% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, Asia's imports of frozen preserved vegetables by value declined. In 2020, import value totaled 2 062 million US dollars, down by 13.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 4.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 2 385 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Belgium continued to dominate Asia's import structure for frozen preserved vegetables by value. The United States represented 39.3% of import value, the Netherlands accounted for 14.9%, and Belgium contributed 13.6%. Collectively, these three partners held a 67.9% share of total import flows.

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

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