Frozen preserved vegetables market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen preserved vegetables market in Southern Europe experienced significant volume fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Market size fell from 682 thousand tons in 2018 to 502 thousand tons in 2020, primarily due to the temporary closure of the HoReCa channel during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which outweighed a concurrent rise in household consumption. A strong recovery followed, lifting the market to 764 thousand tons in 2022, supported by the channel's reopening and sustained consumer interest in convenient, healthy options. While volume dipped slightly to 754 thousand tons in 2023, the market's value surged to $1.1 billion, indicating a shift towards higher-value segments.

The adoption of Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) technology was a consistent driver, helping preserve taste and nutritional value and boosting product appeal. Expanding middle-class demographics and a shift towards plant-based, healthy eating further stimulated demand, alongside improvements in cold chain logistics. Major industry players like Orogel and Fruttagel actively developed their product ranges, focusing on quality, organic offerings, and recipes that reduce food waste, aligning with evolving consumer preferences.

Market consumption in Italy, a key regional player, set consecutive records, surpassing 1 million tons of frozen products consumed in both 2021 and 2023. This milestone underscored the category's entrenched role in daily nutrition. Demand for natural, non-GMO, and organic frozen vegetables continued its upward trajectory, prompting innovations in packaging and product quality from manufacturers. The trend towards premiumization culminated in collaborations between major brands and chefs to launch high-quality product lines featuring advanced freezing techniques.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

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

In Southern Europe, production of frozen preserved vegetables reached 51 837 tonnes in 2020, marking a modest 7.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 48 300 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 65 683 tonnes. The most significant drop was observed in 2019 at 26.5%, whereas the largest growth was seen in 2018 with a 20.2% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of frozen preserved vegetables production in Southern Europe stood at 101.6 million US dollars in 2020, showing a strong 12.9% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 7.3%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 90.0 million US dollars, while the maximum was reached in 2018 at 129.3 million US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 with a 30.4% decrease, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 36.5% rise.

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

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Frozen preserved vegetables exports from Southern Europe grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 125.4 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 0.6% year-on-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 111.8 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline was recorded in 2018 with a 5.5% drop, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with an 11.5% growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, the United States, and Belgium were notable but not dominant buyers of frozen preserved vegetables from Southern Europe. France accounted for 24.9% of exports in kind, the United States for 11.9%, and Belgium for 11.6%. Together, these three countries represented 48.4% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Southern Europe's frozen preserved vegetables export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 245.9 million US dollars, showing a gradual 5.9% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 19.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, France, the United States, and Belgium were the main destinations for frozen preserved vegetables exports from Southern Europe in value terms. France held a 22.3% share, the United States 18.2%, and Belgium 10.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 50.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports frozen preserved vegetables to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, frozen preserved vegetables imports into Southern Europe declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 575.8 thousand tonnes, indicating a substantial 21.2% fall compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 15.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.3%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 730.4 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 7.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France were the primary sources for frozen preserved vegetables imports into Southern Europe in kind. Belgium accounted for 37.8% of imports, the Netherlands for 25.0%, and France for 17.5%. Together, these three countries represented 80.3% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of gains, frozen preserved vegetables imports into Southern Europe fell. In 2020, imports reached 630.5 million US dollars, which is 21.3% less year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 801.3 million US dollars. The largest increase was in 2018 with a 7.9% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France led the structure of frozen preserved vegetables imports into Southern Europe in value terms. Belgium held a 30.0% share, the Netherlands 24.5%, and France 23.0%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 77.5% of total import flows.

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

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