Frozen vegetables market in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen vegetables market in Latin America and the Caribbean showed variable dynamics from 2018 to 2021. Market volume remained stable at around 545 thousand tons in 2018 and 2019, supported by growing consumer demand for convenient and healthy foods, expansion of the foodservice sector, and increased digitalization of retail. In 2020, market volume fell to 474 thousand tons, a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic which altered consumer behavior toward frozen products. Recovery followed in 2021, with volume reaching 540 thousand tons, driven by the entry of new players, expansion of production capacity, and regulatory changes in labeling and certifications.

Market volume declined to 495 thousand tons in 2022 despite continued investments in cold chain infrastructure and innovations in packaging. However, a sharp increase to 584 thousand tons occurred in 2023, fueled by a 14% rise in foodservice consumption in Brazil, the launch of new products and brands, and further digitalization of sales channels. In 2024, significant developments included a 50% production capacity expansion by state-owned Grano Alimentos in Brazil and McCain Foods' acquisition of Strong Roots, alongside regulatory policies supporting cold storage infrastructure.

Production frozen vegetables in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

In Latin America and the Caribbean, frozen vegetable production remained stable in 2020, with 911 thousand tons produced, showing no change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 7.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 909 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 1 024 thousand tons. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, falling by 11.3%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Frozen vegetable production in Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 245 million US dollars, marking a 3.3% reduction compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 14.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports frozen vegetables from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean exported 574.2 thousand tons of frozen vegetables, representing a 15.9% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 45%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 597.3 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 17.0%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, surging by 50.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for frozen vegetables in kind was heavily concentrated on the United States, which accounted for 82.3% of total flows. Other markets played a less prominent role in this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Latin America and the Caribbean exported 784.2 million US dollars worth of frozen vegetables in 2020, corresponding to an 11.7% gain compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 33.9%, with an annualized growth rate of 10.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 797.5 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, falling by 12.0%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 36.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, the United States dominated frozen vegetable exports in value terms, accounting for 75.9% of the total. The remaining exports were distributed among a diverse group of smaller countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports frozen vegetables to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

Frozen vegetable imports into Latin America and the Caribbean increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 136.7 thousand tons, which is 3.6% higher than the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 17.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 115.8 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, decreasing by 0.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, growing by 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States, Belgium, and Spain were the leading sources of frozen vegetable imports in kind to Latin America and the Caribbean. The United States accounted for 35.8% of imports, Belgium for 26.1%, and Spain for 10.3%, together representing 72.2% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Frozen vegetable deliveries to Latin America and the Caribbean increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 169.2 million US dollars, indicating a modest uptick of 4.2% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 17.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Belgium, and Spain formed the core of frozen vegetable imports in value terms for Latin America and the Caribbean. The United States held a 39.5% share, Belgium 22.4%, and Spain 9.5%, collectively accounting for 71.4% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020