Frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize market in Madagascar

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the production of frozen vegetables in Madagascar increased from 4 176 t to 6 149 t, while the market volume grew from 4 156 t to 6 129 t. This expansion was supported by the implementation of the 2018 food safety law, which mandated HACCP systems and raised hygiene standards for processors. Simultaneously, the launch of the 'Traditional African vegetables' project (DAR26015) in 2019 encouraged the cultivation of local vegetable varieties for processing into frozen products. By 2020, industry emphasis on building processing units to reduce waste, coupled with the Ministry of Agriculture's push for private-sector supply of organic fertilizers, further strengthened the supply chain for frozen vegetable production.

In 2022, production declined to 5 651 t and market volume fell to 5 633 t. This drop coincided with a record-high export volume of fresh fruits and vegetables that year, which diverted raw materials away from the freezing industry and tightened domestic supply. The market recovered in 2023, with production reaching 5 983 t and market volume matching that level. This rebound was fueled by transportation difficulties on the RN7 road, which drove up fresh vegetable prices in regions like Toliara and made frozen alternatives more attractive. Additionally, a sharp spike in fresh vegetable prices during the 2023 Easter holidays pushed households toward longer-lasting frozen options.

Ongoing regulatory measures continued to shape the market. Price controls on essential goods, including vegetables, were reinforced by the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade, affecting producer margins. Rising fertilizer costs in 2024 increased production expenses for fresh vegetables, potentially boosting demand for frozen substitutes. The organic fertilizer project in Ambohijanaka commune supported the emergence of organic raw materials for frozen processing, while the enduring food safety framework required processors to maintain HACCP compliance.

Production frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize in Madagascar

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2017-2020

Madagascar's production of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5 827 tonnes, marking a 12.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 28%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 4 176 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 8.3%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a significant jump of 24.1%.

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

Exports frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize from Madagascar

Exports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports varied significantly, dropping to their lowest point in 2019 and peaking in 2017, with a 3.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Madagascar exported 26 041 kg of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, representing a sharp increase of 141.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 768 kg, which also saw the largest decline of 52.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Madagascar in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, France played a dominant role in Madagascar's exports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, consistently accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Volumes reached their maximum in 2017 and dropped to a minimum in 2019, showing a 2.9-fold shift. In 2020, the exported value of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, from Madagascar amounted to 53 433 US dollars, equivalent to a 151.9% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 21 212 US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 60.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France was the key and almost sole market for Madagascar's exports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, in value terms, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize to Madagascar

Imports in kind, kg

After a two-year improvement, Madagascar's imports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 961 kg, representing a 51.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 4.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 040 kg, which followed the largest increase of 60.5% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Madagascar in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, France remained the dominant partner for Madagascar's imports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, with a share of 80.4% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

After a two-year improvement, Madagascar's imports of frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, declined in value. In 2020, imports reached 2 973 US dollars, representing a sharp decrease of 53.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 11.4%, with an average annual decline of 3.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 429 US dollars, which followed the largest increase of 65.9% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France remained the main outlet for frozen vegetables, excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, to Madagascar, taking 77.3% of total imports in value terms, while the remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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