The South America Freeze Dried Products Market size is estimated at USD 6.86 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 9.90 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.58% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
South America is witnessing a surge in demand for freeze-dried food, driven by factors like urbanization, an expanding expat community, and rising workforce participation. Responding to this demand, companies are diversifying their freeze-dried offerings, introducing innovative flavors, especially in categories like meat, dairy, and prepared meals. Freeze-dried vegetables, a staple in South American and Mediterranean cuisines, are widely used to enhance the taste of dishes, from sauces to pasta. As the retail landscape evolves, consumers are increasingly seeking seamless shopping experiences tailored to their preferences. In 2023, the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (ABRAS) announced plans to launch a nationwide shopping app, set to roll out in the latter half of the year. This app, serving around 94,000 stores associated with 27 state supermarket entities, is poised to offer delivery services, further fueling the demand for freeze-dried foods. The rise in trekking, hiking, and camping tourism, particularly in Brazil, is bolstering the market for emergency and prepared meals. In 2022, Brazil's Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation noted that Tijua National Park welcomed 3.5 million tourists, while Jericoacoara National Park saw 1.6 million visitors. These numbers underscore the rising popularity of outdoor activities, further propelling the demand for ready-to-eat meals. With such trends on the rise, companies in this sector are poised for significant growth as they cater to the evolving needs of adventure-seeking tourists.
Freeze-dried fruits are gaining popularity among consumers due to their convenience, extended shelf life, and easy storage. The market offers a diverse selection of freeze-dried fruits, ranging from bananas and papayas to oranges. These fruits are a staple in various recipes, enhancing everything from household baking to dessert creations with their natural flavors. The surge in demand for healthy, natural food choices is a key driver propelling the growth of the freeze-dried fruit market, meeting the needs of consumers seeking nutritious, shelf-stable options. Furthermore, the trend of using freeze-dried fruits as snacks and meal replacements is rising in the region. These fruits, rich in nutrients and low in calories, retain a significant portion of their vitamins, minerals, and fiber, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Common choices like strawberries, bananas, mangoes, and apples offer a natural sweetness and a diverse flavor profile.
With busy lifestyles and increasing disposable income, the demand for high-quality, convenient, ready-to-eat food is on the rise. Freeze-dried foods have emerged as quick, on-the-go snacks, highlighting their convenience. Compared to other preservation techniques, freeze-drying stands out for its ability to better retain the nutritional value of foods. With a surge in health awareness among Brazilian consumers, the nutritional profile of freeze-dried foods becomes a compelling selling point. Freeze-dried foods provide a convenient and cost-effective avenue for exploring these flavors. Consequently, companies are focusing on expanding production capacities and rolling out innovative product lines to stay competitive. For instance, in June 2022, Olam Group collaborated with GEA Group to bolster its coffee bean processing facility. This facility, located in Espírito Santo, Brazil, specializes in freeze-dried instant coffee products tailored to meet the rising local demand. Notably, Espírito Santo is renowned for its conilon beans, akin to robusta beans.
The South American freeze-dried market is highly competitive with several regional and global players. The major players in the market inclue Nestle SA, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Asahi Group Holdings, Thrive Life LLC, and OFD Foods LLC. Major players are actively engaging in strategies such as product launches, mergers, acquisitions, expansions, and partnerships to solidify their consumer base and market standing. key players predominantly focus on product innovations, introducing convenient and portable meal options. Additionally, expansion emerges as the common tactic for broadening their customer base.
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