Frozen preserved vegetables market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for frozen preserved vegetables in Sub-Saharan Africa expanded from 53.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 74.8 thousand tons in 2020. This initial growth was fueled by rising disposable income and busier lifestyles, which increased demand for convenient frozen options. The entry of new players in 2019 introduced more healthy and vegan frozen vegetable products, aligning with shifting consumer preferences. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated demand as consumers sought long-shelf-life food items during lockdowns and health concerns.

A significant leap occurred in 2021, with market volume jumping to 108.0 thousand tons. This surge was supported by investments in cold-chain infrastructure, which improved the availability and quality of frozen vegetables across the region. Simultaneously, manufacturers launched new product lines featuring organic certifications and no preservatives, catering to health-conscious buyers. Regulatory changes emphasizing clear labeling and food safety also helped build consumer trust. In 2022, the market grew modestly to 110.6 thousand tons, as tighter quality controls and continued consumer preference for convenient, nutritious options maintained momentum.

The market continued to grow in 2023, reaching 117.0 thousand tons.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

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

Sub-Saharan Africa's production of frozen preserved vegetables has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 987 tonnes, marking an 8.8% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 22.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.0%.

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

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020, at 1 179 tonnes, which was 6.2% lower than the previous year. In contrast, exports peaked in 2018 at 11 921 tonnes, representing an 18.4% increase from the prior year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 89.5%. Overall, exports fluctuated by a factor of 10.1 times between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the United States, and France were notable buyers of frozen preserved vegetables from Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 3.4%, 3.3%, and 2.9% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was only 9.6% of total exports, with the remaining 90.4% spread across numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of exported frozen preserved vegetables from Sub-Saharan Africa was 13 690 thousand US dollars, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports in value terms grew by 16.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 14 907 thousand US dollars, which was a 26.5% increase from the year before. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.5% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of frozen preserved vegetable exports from Sub-Saharan Africa was widely distributed among partner countries. Australia, France, and the United States accounted for 3.0%, 1.2%, and 1.1% of exports in value terms, respectively, but together they represented just 5.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports frozen preserved vegetables to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of frozen preserved vegetables into Sub-Saharan Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 72 964 tonnes, up 7.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 44.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top destinations for imports in kind of frozen preserved vegetables to Sub-Saharan Africa were Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, which accounted for 47.7%, 10.0%, and 5.8% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 63.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, imports of frozen preserved vegetables into Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms declined in 2020. Imports registered 67 949 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 2.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports in value terms increased by 17.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 69 315 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 19.8% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France remained the primary markets for imports in value terms of frozen preserved vegetables to Sub-Saharan Africa. They accounted for 39.5%, 9.7%, and 6.8% of imports, respectively, jointly representing 55.9% of total import flows.

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

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