Fruits are a staple for a healthy diet, providing important vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Frozen fruit refers to the fruits picked and frozen at their peak ripeness to preserve their taste and nutrients. The global frozen fruit market is a rapidly evolving sector of the food industry, which was valued at around USD 3.77 billion[1] in 2021 and is expected to grow to USD 6.82 billion by 2030. Showing a historic growth in a significant period.
The Rise in Frozen Fruit Demand
The massive rise in demand for frozen fruits is driven by multiple factors, such as:
1. Health Awareness
The rising awareness among people about healthy eating and the nutritional benefits of fruits, especially citrus fruits, and berries.
2. Technological Advancements
Food freezing techniques, preservations, and packaging have continuously evolved and provided better nutritional value.
3. Digital Channels
Expansion of E-commerce platforms such as online supermarkets and frozen food stores.
4. Various Frozen Fruit
The frozen fruit market is mostly segmented into raisins, tropical fruits, and a huge berry section, including strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, cherry, and others. These fruits are preserved using IQF ( Individual quick freezing) technology by keeping them at a temperature below -9.5 degrees Celsius to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Most frozen fruits are frozen right after they are harvested and fully ripe. This means they are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and freezing locks the nutrients as-it-is in them, making them a healthier choice than many fresh fruits.
Consumer’s Preferences in Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruits and vegetables represent $ 7 billion[2] in the frozen food industry. According to a survey conducted by the American Frozen Food Institute in 2022, 94%[3] of American households purchased frozen fruits and vegetables, which shows promising growth potential. This massive share comes from the diverse uses of frozen fruits, such as:
● Plant-based/Vegan Diet
The rise of plant-based diets and veganism has increased the demand for frozen fruits. People, especially young adults, and millennials are adding more healthy options to their diet such as salads, smoothies, and vegan yogurt.
● Food Industry
Frozen fruit chunks, purees, and juices, including smoothies, milkshakes, desserts, and baked goods, are widely used in the culinary industry.
● Lifestyles
Lack of time and busy lifestyles of the modern world need ease and convenience. People are looking for affordable, healthy, and less time-consuming eating options.
Fresh V.S. Frozen Fruit: What is More Convenient for the Food Industry
The high nutrition retention, long shelf-life, and cost-effectiveness of frozen fruits make perfect business sense for them to be preferred over fresh fruits in the food industry. Here is how:
✔ Nutrition Retention
Fruits frozen through IQF，or similar freezing methods hold their nutrients better and longer than fresh fruits. This helps eateries provide a tempting menu without compromising their customers’ health. On the other hand, fresh fruits may lose a chunk of their taste and nutrients during transportation.
✔ Long Shelf Life
Many fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries, only grow in certain environments and are not available fresh during the whole year. Frozen fruits have a longer shelf life, almost 6 to 9 months[4] if stored properly. It’s important for restaurants to provide a consistent menu; by using frozen fruits, they don’t have to wait for expensive shipments, and customers can enjoy their cakes, tarts, pies, and smoothies with the same great taste.
✔ Cost-Effective
Frozen fruits are full of nutrients when freezing, which means they can be stored in bulk to use later. Also, they have a longer shelf life with fewer chances of damage and spoilage and fewer transportation charges. Hence, it is a cost-effective choice for hotels and hospitality industries.
Boost Your Food Business with Jooever Foods: Gain the Best Frozen Fruit
Do you own a food business? Collaboration with a reliable frozen food supplier such as Jooever Foods could give it the much-needed boost it needs. You can order various frozen fruits for your eatery and expect high-quality and speedy service.
Frozen strawberries are always in popular demand by food businesses. However, the strawberry season is relatively short. Jooever Foods provides frozen strawberries, healthy and fresh, with their IQF Freezing technology. Different options, such as diced, sliced, whole, and puree, have a shelf life of 24 months. Every single berry goes through a rigorous quality control process before reaching into the customer’s hands.
Conclusion
The frozen fruit market is only growing and will offer endless possibilities in the future. With high nutrition retention, long shelf life, and low purchase cost, frozen fruit is the best choice for businesses and regular clients who want to enjoy their favorite delicacies throughout the year. Jooever Foods is one of the leading frozen food manufacturing companies based in China. They have strong food safety and quality control to provide the best-frozen fruits around the world. If you are interested, please visit Jooever Foods’ official website to learn more information.
Reference
[1] Available at: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/frozen-fruits-market#:~:text=Global%20Frozen%20Fruits%20Market%20Insights,period%20(2023%2D2030)
[2] Available at: https://produceprocessing.net/article/convenience-affordability-driving-frozen-food-popularity/
[3] Available at: https://produceprocessing.net/article/convenience-affordability-driving-frozen-food-popularity/
[4] Available at: https://www.stasherbag.com/blogs/stasher-life/how-to-freeze-fruit#:~:text=How%20long%20can%20you%20store,that%20calls%20for%20frozen%20fruit.