Market Trends of Dehydrated Food Industry
Growing Demand for Freeze-dried Food Products
The surge in demand for convenient food products, driven by a desire for enhanced taste, safety, and consistency, is a key driver for the thriving freeze-dried food market. With modern lifestyles becoming increasingly fast-paced, consumers are turning to ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat options. Data from the British United Provident Association in 2022 revealed that 2 out of 5 adults in the UK opt for ready-to-eat meals. Freeze-drying, as a preservation method, stands out for its ability to preserve nutritional value, flavor, and texture, making it an attractive choice for health-conscious consumers. In response, market players are diversifying their offerings, introducing a range of healthy freeze-dried products spanning fruits, dairy, and beverages. For instance, in March 2024, Brother’s All Natural introduced infused freeze-dried fruit crisps, featuring flavors like raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry, all kosher and non-GMO.
Europe Holds a Significant Market Share
The dehydrated food market in the UK thrives on significant imports of dehydrated fruits and vegetables. In 2023, the UK imported dried vegetables worth EUR 82,975, reflecting a consumer preference for nutritious, longer-lasting ingredients. These imports cater to the growing health-conscious demographic. Additionally, the surge in demand for dehydrated fruit-based snacks, like tangy pineapple chips or air-dried pineapple pieces, underscores this trend. Notably, 70% of imported dried pineapple in 2024 is retailed as snacks, appealing to health-conscious UK shoppers.
Germany stands out as a key market for dehydrated fruit products, driven by its health-conscious consumer base. In 2023, Germany led the European continent in vegetable imports, ranked second in fruit imports, and emerged as the second-largest consumer of dried tropical fruits, following the UK. Notably, dried natural mangoes and sugar-free dried bananas have seen remarkable growth, transitioning from specialized stores to major discount retailers like Aldi and Lidl. Brands like Seeberger, Farmer's Snack, Kluth, and MorgenLand are prominent in the dried tropical fruit market.
In Italy, the growing interest in outdoor activities, including hiking and trekking, has spurred demand for portable, easy to prepare food options. In 2022, over a third of Italy's population, roughly 19.9 million individuals, participated in sports activities, as per an Italian sports activity report. Given scenic hiking trails in the Dolomites, Alps, and Apennines, dehydrated foods, from meals to snacks and ingredients like dried fruits and instant soups, perfectly cater to the needs of hikers and trekkers.
