Frozen preserved vegetables market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

The market for frozen preserved vegetables in the Philippines grew from 184.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 199.0 thousand tons in 2019. This expansion coincided with the increased market access provided by the expansion of retail chain stores into key cities and provincial areas, which made frozen vegetables more available to consumers. In 2020, the market volume contracted to 166.9 thousand tons. During this period, the Department of Agriculture implemented price monitoring and supply chain data collection through government-supervised Kadiwa Stores and Agri-Pinoy Trading Centers to manage the market, while a lack of food standards enforcement was noted as a constraint on industry growth.

Market volume recovered to 178.3 thousand tons in 2021, driven by a strategic partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Farm Fresh Inc. This initiative processed surplus fresh vegetables into frozen, semi-cooked products to prevent spoilage, making them available year-round in Kadiwa and convenience stores and supporting farmer incomes. A concurrent shift in consumer preference toward convenient, ready-to-cook options further stimulated demand. Growth continued into 2022, with the market reaching 207.5 thousand tons. This was supported by the ongoing Adopt-A-Town Adopt-A-Farmer Program, tighter labeling and packaging regulations for product safety, and sustained consumer demand for healthy frozen options, despite inflationary pressures from global supply chain disruptions.

The market expanded further to 212.1 thousand tons in 2023, with imports remaining a major supply source, reflecting stable consumer demand for frozen vegetable products.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in the Philippines

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines ranked second globally in the production of frozen preserved vegetables.

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, the Philippines produced 44 848 tonnes of frozen preserved vegetables, marking a slight year-over-year increase of 0.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 2.1%, which translates to an annualized decline of 0.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 44 429 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 46 639 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 4.7% decrease, whereas the largest rise was in 2018 with a 1.8% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from the Philippines

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020, while the highest was in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 7.9 times. In 2020, exports of frozen preserved vegetables from the Philippines stood at 0.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp decline of 84.2% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was reached in 2018 at 0.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 45.7% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong, China, and the United States were the primary destinations for frozen preserved vegetable exports from the Philippines, collectively absorbing 53.4% of total exports in kind. Hong Kong accounted for 19.6%, China for 17.2%, and the United States for 16.6%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest export value was recorded in 2020, while the highest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 8.8 times. In 2020, exports of frozen preserved vegetables from the Philippines amounted to 0.0 million US dollars, representing a sharp decrease of 88.6% from the previous year. The maximum value was achieved in 2019 at 0.1 million US dollars, and the largest increase of 141.3% occurred in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and China remained the main markets for frozen preserved vegetable exports from the Philippines in value terms, jointly accounting for 60.3% of total flows. Vietnam contributed 25.7%, Hong Kong 18.7%, and China 16.0%.

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

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

Imports frozen preserved vegetables to the Philippines

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the Philippines imported 122.1 thousand tonnes of frozen preserved vegetables, indicating a decrease of 21.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.3%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 154.6 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase of 12.1% also took place that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the largest contributors to imports in kind, together accounting for 81.5% of total flows. The United States made up 41.9%, Belgium 22.1%, and the Netherlands 17.5%.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, imports of frozen preserved vegetables into the Philippines declined. In 2020, the Philippines imported 119.0 million US dollars worth of frozen preserved vegetables, which is 28.0% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 165.3 million US dollars, and the largest increase of 15.1% also occurred that year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Belgium, and the Netherlands remained the key partners for imports in value terms, collectively accounting for 81.6% of total flows. The United States contributed 45.4%, Belgium 19.9%, and the Netherlands 16.3%.

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

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