The frozen berries market has emerged as a dynamic and resilient segment within Europe’s food industry. With increasing consumer demand driven by health consciousness, sustainability concerns, and economic factors, this market offers significant opportunities for stakeholders ranging from producers to exporters.
Market Overview
Europe accounts for 56% of global frozen berry imports, making it the largest importing region worldwide. In 2022, Germany led the market with imports of approximately 213,000 tonnes, followed by France (110,700 tonnes) and the United Kingdom. These countries are key players in shaping the market trends due to their diverse consumer preferences and robust food industries.
Frozen berries are prized for their year-round availability, extended shelf life, and versatility in culinary applications such as smoothies, breakfast bowls, desserts, and baked goods. These attributes have made them increasingly popular among households and professional food establishments.
Demand growth opportunities
As mentioned above, Germany is Europe’s largest importer of frozen berries. The country’s organic food market presents significant opportunities for exporters offering certified organic products in the sector of frozen. While energy costs have impacted overall frozen fruit sales, the out-of-home consumption of frozen berries is growing steadily. In addition, France's jam industry drives substantial demand for frozen berries, particularly strawberries and raspberries. Smoothies are also gaining popularity, with retailers introducing ready-to-blend mixtures to cater to consumer interest.
In the UK market, value-seeking consumers increasingly choose frozen berries amid ongoing cost-of-living challenges. Smoothies remain a key driver of growth in this market. Belgium and the Netherlands are strategic trade hubs for frozen berry imports and re-exports. Belgium's imports grew by 1.2% annually between 2018 and 2022, while the Netherlands focuses on export-driven growth supported by plant-based eating trends.
Who supplies the frozen berries market in Europe?
Poland dominates EU frozen fruit production, supplying 45% of total production. It is also the world's leading exporter of frozen berries and the largest frozen strawberry producer. Italy occupies the second position with a 22% share of the market. Spain produces approximately 35K tonnes, one of the highest growth rates at 14.6% annually. Poland, Belgium, Spain, and Germany supply almost 300,000 tonnes of frozen berries to Europe.
What drives the success in the sector?
Several factors are fueling the growth of the frozen berries market. Consumers' consciousness regarding health drives them to prioritize nutritious foods that support healthy lifestyles. Frozen berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them ideal for smoothies, yogurts, and breakfast cereals. On the other hand, inflation has prompted many consumers to opt for frozen berries as a cost-effective alternative to fresh produce. Their longer shelf life reduces food waste and provides better value for money. Another aspect of long shelf life is minimizing spoilage and reducing food waste. Additionally, efforts to adopt eco-friendly packaging are gaining traction within the industry.
Future Outlook
The European frozen berry market is projected to grow at 1–2% annually over the next five years. Stabilizing energy prices and declining inflation will likely support increased consumption. Additionally, the enduring popularity of plant-based diets and convenience foods ensures sustained demand for frozen berries across retail and industrial sectors.
Focusing on consumer trends such as health consciousness, sustainability, and affordability will be crucial for stakeholders aiming to thrive in this evolving market. By leveraging these insights, businesses can position themselves strategically in Europe’s thriving frozen berry industry.
Sources
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5649198/frozen-fruit-market-forecasts-from-2025-to-2030
https://usetorg.com/blog/frozen-fruits-veg-poland
