Frozen vegetables market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The African frozen vegetables market volume increased from 314 thousand tons in 2018 to 355 thousand tons in 2019, supported by ongoing urbanization and the expansion of modern retail channels such as supermarkets and online platforms. Consumer preferences shifted towards convenient and nutritious options, reinforcing demand growth.

In 2020, market volume dipped to 338 thousand tons as COVID-19 disrupted global supply chains, while market value rose to $460 million due to heightened consumer demand for safe and long-lasting food. Recovery followed in 2021, with volume reaching 384 thousand tons, aided by improving logistics and a greater focus on product quality and traceability.

Accelerated growth from 2022 onward pushed the market to 548 thousand tons by 2023. This expansion was driven by deeper penetration of organized retail and e-commerce, alongside regional developments such as the 8% value growth in Algeria's processed frozen fruit and vegetable segment, reflecting broader consumer adoption for convenience and nutritional benefits.

Production frozen vegetables in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

Africa's frozen vegetable production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 447.2 thousand tonnes of frozen vegetables, marking a 4.0% year-on-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 25.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Africa's frozen vegetable production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 655.0 million US dollars, showing a steady gain of 10.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 25.5%, averaging an annual rate of 7.9%.

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

Exports frozen vegetables from Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Frozen vegetable exports from Africa have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 199.4 thousand tonnes, up 6.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 23.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom were notable buyers of frozen vegetables from Africa, but their combined share was not dominant. Saudi Arabia accounted for 10.9% of exports in volume, the United States for 8.0%, and the United Kingdom for 7.7%, totaling just 26.5% of all exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Africa's frozen vegetable exports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 292.0 million US dollars, reflecting a 12.7% increase over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 24%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, frozen vegetables from Africa were sold to a wide range of markets. The United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and the United States were key destinations, but together they accounted for only 33.1% of total export value: the United Kingdom made up 15.3%, Saudi Arabia 10.3%, and the United States 7.5%. The remaining 66.9% went to numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables to Africa

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Africa imported 90.4 thousand tonnes of frozen vegetables, a significant decrease of 19.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 11.5%, averaging an annual decline of 4.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 90.3 thousand tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 112.5 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 24.6% also occurring in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, frozen vegetable imports to Africa were distributed across many countries. Belgium, Spain, and China were the top suppliers, but their combined share was limited: Belgium accounted for 19.6% of imports in volume, Spain for 17.9%, and China for 4.3%, totaling 41.7% of all imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Africa imported 96.7 million US dollars worth of frozen vegetables in 2020, a substantial decrease of 14.4% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 5.8%, with an average annual decline of 2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 112.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 12.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, frozen vegetables were imported to Africa from many different markets. Even the largest suppliers—Belgium, Spain, and Portugal—together represented only 45.3% of total import value, highlighting the diversity of sources.

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

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