Frozen vegetables market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Following a contraction in market volume during 2019, linked to a surge in export activity and a reduction in imports, the sector demonstrated resilience in 2020. The market stabilized as frozen vegetables proved less vulnerable to pandemic disruptions due to their long shelf life, while broader health and wellness trends continued to support underlying demand.

A period of consistent growth in market volume began in 2021, propelled by significant industry-wide technological upgrades. Advancements such as vacuum freeze-drying and improved low-oxygen packaging better preserved product quality and taste. This coincided with a clear shift in consumer preferences towards convenient and healthy options, leading to a notable expansion in products like frozen seasoned vegetables and semi-finished meal components. Major players reinforced this trend by investing in new production capacity and research and development.

Market expansion continued through 2022 and 2023 despite external pressures. Extreme weather events in 2022 affected raw material costs, but domestic sales growth and stable export channels supported overall volume. The following year, the market was further bolstered by supportive industry policies and standardization efforts, which encouraged the emergence of new product segments, including plant-based prepared dishes.

Production frozen vegetables in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's frozen vegetable production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 387 K t of frozen vegetables, marking a 2.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.9%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 498 K t. That year also saw the largest increase of 1.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant drop, with production falling by 5.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Asia's frozen vegetable production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 689 M $ US, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.9%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 1 857 M $ US. That year also saw a modest increase of 0.7%. However, 2019 recorded the largest decline, with the value dropping by 8.9%.

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

Exports frozen vegetables from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Eastern Asia's frozen vegetable export volume declined. In 2020, exports totaled 949 K t, representing a modest 3.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 7.8%, with a CAGR of 2.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 985 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 7.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for frozen vegetables in kind was highly diversified. The United States accounted for 11.4% of exports, the United Kingdom for 4.2%, and Canada for 2.2%. Together, these three countries made up just 17.8% of total exports, with the remaining 82.2% distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of frozen vegetable exports from Eastern Asia declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 155 M $ US, down 1.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 4.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 175 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 3.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, frozen vegetable exports in value terms were spread across a wide range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 10.7% of export value, Italy for 3.1%, and the United Kingdom for 2.9%. Combined, these three countries represented only 16.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's frozen vegetable imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 697 K t of frozen vegetables, reflecting a modest 4.0% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 18.1%, with an annualized decline rate of 6.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 877 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 3.1%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant drop, with imports declining by 17.3%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, frozen vegetable imports in kind to Eastern Asia were sourced from a large number of markets. The United States accounted for 9.5% of imports, Thailand for 4.4%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, for 3.3%. Together, these three sources made up only 17.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of frozen vegetable imports to Eastern Asia declined. In 2020, import value was recorded at 1 305 M $ US, showing a slight drop of 1.5% compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 4.3%, with a CAGR of 1.4%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 1 325 M $ US. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a rise of 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of frozen vegetable imports in value terms was highly diversified. The United States accounted for 10.7% of import value, Thailand for 6.5%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, for 5.7%. Together, these three sources represented only 22.9% of total import flows, while the remaining 77.1% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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