Frozen vegetables market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the frozen vegetables market in MERCOSUR expanded steadily, with total volume rising from 229.2 thousand tons to 286.4 thousand tons. This growth was initially driven by broader regional trends, including modern lifestyles with tighter schedules, a growing preference for healthy food, the convenience of easy preparation, and technological improvements that extended product shelf life.

After peaking in 2021, the market volume stabilized in 2022 at 284.1 thousand tons before contracting significantly to 242.6 thousand tons in 2023. Production followed a similar pattern, declining to 207.7 thousand tons that year.

The market landscape in 2024 was characterized by several evolving trends. These included the launch of new products featuring QR codes for recipes, the introduction of steam-blanched and pre-portioned vegetables that require no further cooking, and strategic brand alliances. Investments in cold-chain infrastructure and a shift toward more convenient and eco-friendly packaging also progressed, aligning with rising consumer demand for nutritious and ready-to-eat options.

Production frozen vegetables in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

MERCOSUR's frozen vegetable production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 251.5 thousand tons of frozen vegetables, marking a solid 11.3% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 19.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 197.7 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 6.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 14.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year downturn, frozen vegetable production in MERCOSUR rebounded in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 415.9 million US dollars, up 9.9% year-over-year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value fell by 25.2%, translating to an average annual decline of 9.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 378.3 million US dollars, while 2018 saw the steepest drop of 24.8%.

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

Exports frozen vegetables from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

Frozen vegetable exports from MERCOSUR have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 355 tons, a 5.8% rise compared to 2019. Despite this recent growth, exports declined by 61% between 2017 and 2020, averaging a 27.0% annual decrease. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 308 tons, which also recorded the largest decline of 66.3%. In 2019, exports saw the biggest increase at 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of frozen vegetable exports in kind was highly diversified. Canada accounted for 8.5% of exports, the United States for 7.3%, and Chile for 3.6%, together making up only 19.4% of total flows. The remaining 80.6% was distributed among a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports in value terms dropped from a high in 2017 to a low in 2018, with a 3.9-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, frozen vegetable exports from MERCOSUR totaled 517 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decline of 2.8% compared to the prior year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 342 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 74.4%. In 2019, exports rebounded with the largest increase of 55.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, frozen vegetable exports in value terms from MERCOSUR were spread across a broad range of markets. Canada held 15.0% of exports, the United States 12.0%, and the Marshall Islands 5.6%, together accounting for just 32.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year upward trend, foreign frozen vegetable supplies to MERCOSUR declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 30,729 tons, representing a 4.6% reduction compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 32,205 tons, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 5.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Spain, and France formed the main cluster of markets for frozen vegetable imports in kind. Belgium accounted for 39.3% of imports, Spain for 17.5%, and France for 15.0%, together making up 71.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

MERCOSUR's frozen vegetable import volume has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 32,971 thousand US dollars, down 2.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 34,219 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 7.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Spain, and France were the principal destinations for frozen vegetable imports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 35.5% of imports, Spain for 18.4%, and France for 17.3%, jointly representing 71.3% of total flows.

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

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