U.S. Frozen Fruits Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast for 2024 - 2031

U.S. Frozen Fruits Market Size and Share Analysis

The U.S. frozen fruits market is estimated to increase from US$ 3.1 Bn in 2024 to US$ 4.2 Bn by 2031. The market is projected to record a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.

Increasing shift of millennials in the U.S. toward vegan diets is anticipated to augment frozen fruit sales in the near future. As per the Vegan Society, a third of shoppers are eliminating or cutting down on animal products with the high cost of living. The ease and accessibility of frozen fruit options are becoming increasingly alluring as more customers choose plant-based diets for ethical, environmental, or health-related reasons.

Key Highlights of the Market

• By zone, Southeast U.S. is expected to account for a share of 28.5% in 2024 amid availability of an ideal climate for fruit cultivation.
• In terms of fruit type, berries and grapes are likely to dominate with a share of 53.7% in 2024 backed by growing use in functional beverages.
• Based on end use, the food and beverage segment is anticipated to lead with a share of 41.2% in 2024 owing to the increasing need to reduce production waste in companies.
• Frozen fruits are easy to store and require no preparation, which is likely to make these a convenient option for busy consumers.
• Increasing utilization of frozen fruits in baked goods, desserts, and smoothies is anticipated to create new growth opportunities.
• Booming quick commerce sector in the U.S. is expected to boost frozen fruit demand in the next ten years.

Market Attributes	Key Insights
U.S. Frozen Fruits Market Size (2024E)	US$ 3.1 Bn
Projected Market Value (2031F)	US$ 4.2 Bn
U.S. Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2024 to 2031)	4.6%
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023)	3.9%

Southeast U.S. Frozen Fruits Market Leads as Cold Storage Facilities Innovate

Zone	Market Share in 2024
Southeast U.S.	28.5%

Southeast U.S. is poised to maintain a significant share in the U.S. frozen fruits market due to its favorable agricultural conditions, robust infrastructure, and strategic export capabilities. The zone benefits from a warm climate that supports the cultivation of key fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and blackberries, which are staples in the industry.

States like Florida and Georgia are leading producers ensuring a steady supply to meet rising demand for frozen, nutrient-dense foods. Additionally, the presence of advanced cold storage facilities and proximity to key distribution hubs, including ports in Miami and Savannah, enhances the efficiency of both domestic and international shipments.

Berries and Grapes Gain Traction as Off-season Consumption Skyrockets

Category	Market Share in 2024
Fruit Type - Berries and Grapes	53.7%

Berries and grapes are expected to lead the U.S. frozen fruits industry with a share of 53.7% in 2024. This is due to high consumer demand, versatility, and health benefits. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. These often align with the growing consumer focus on functional foods that promote immunity and wellness.

Grapes, particularly seedless varieties, are increasingly sought after for their convenience and use in smoothies, desserts, and snack packs. Additionally, the freezing process helps preserve their nutritional value, flavor, and texture, making them ideal for off-season consumption.

Food and Beverage Industry Dominates as it Needs Year-round Availability

Category	Market Share in 2024
End Use – Food and Beverage Industry	41.2%

The food and beverage industry is likely to dominate the frozen fruits business in the U.S. through 2031. It is due to the rising use of these fruits across multiple product categories, including smoothies, juices, yogurts, and baked goods.

Growing consumer preference for healthy, natural ingredients is also likely to propel demand for fruit-based offerings. It is projected to encourage food brands to incorporate frozen fruits into their product lines. Additionally, these fruits offer year-round availability, consistent quality, and reduced waste, which align with the operational efficiency sought by large-scale food and beverage companies.

Market Introduction and Trend Analysis

The U.S. frozen fruits market is undergoing a significant transformation with the rising demand for exotic and specialty frozen fruits. It is creating lucrative opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers.

As consumers increasingly seek unique flavors and health benefits, demand for exotic fruits such as dragon fruit, passion fruit, and mangosteen is on the rise. This trend is fueled by a growing desire for products that offer distinctive taste experiences and nutritional advantages.

An exemplary player in this space is Frutifera USA, which specializes in a variety of frozen fruit pulps, including exotic offerings such as Lulo and passion fruit. These products cater to health-conscious consumers looking for flavorful and nutritious ingredients. However, these often appeal to chefs and food manufacturers seeking unique ingredients for beverages, desserts, and culinary creations.

By providing ready-to-use frozen pulps, Frutifera enables its customers to create innovative recipes while simplifying food preparation. The expansion of exotic and specialty frozen fruits segments allows brands to differentiate their product offerings. They are likely to appeal to niche markets while tapping into the broad health and wellness movement.

Historical Growth and Course Ahead

The U.S. frozen fruits industry witnessed steady growth at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2019 to 2023. It was driven by shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and health-focused foods. Historically, the market elevated as more consumers embraced frozen fruits for their nutritional value and extended shelf life compared to fresh alternatives.

From 2019 to 2023, the market benefited from trends like smoothie culture, plant-based diets, and increased demand for at-home cooking. Home cooking was particularly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic when frozen fruits saw a surge in retail sales due to stockpiling behavior.

The market is expected to maintain a positive trajectory, supported by rising awareness of clean-label foods and organic frozen fruit options. The forecast period points to continued innovation in product offerings, including exotic fruit varieties, mixed fruit packs, and value-added options like pre-cut or sweetened fruits.

Market Growth Drivers

Rising Preference for Natural and Organic Frozen Fruits to Boost Sales

Organic food sales have seen steady growth over the past decade with U.S. retail sales reaching over US$ 52 Bn in 2021, an average increase of 8% per year. Fresh fruits and vegetables, which accounted for 40% of these sales were the top category of organic food products.

Organic fresh fruits and vegetables generated around US$ 19.2 Bn in retail sales in 2021. This rising demand for green and organic products extends to frozen fruits as consumers increasingly seek convenient, healthy, and pesticide-free food options.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported a 79% increase in certified organic cropland acres between 2011 and 2021, reflecting the growing supply base for organic farming. Despite this rise, organic price premiums remain high due to the demand outpacing domestic supply, with imports playing a key role in meeting consumer needs.

The shift of health and environmentally conscious consumers toward organic frozen blueberries, strawberries, and cranberries continues to push the U.S. frozen fruits market. It will likely benefit from a combination of consumer preference for clean-label products and booming retail outlets, including conventional grocery stores and online platforms.

Bakery and Confectionery Sector Seeks Frozen Fruits to Maintain Food Quality

The bakery and confectionery sector is experiencing a significant surge in demand for frozen fruits, particularly berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These fruits are prized for their ability to retain flavor, texture, and nutritional value even after freezing. Hence, these are ideal for use in a wide range of baked goods such as tarts, muffins, pies, and cheesecakes.

Unlike fresh fruits, frozen alternatives allow bakers to maintain consistent quality and availability throughout the year, minimizing seasonal fluctuations. Additionally, the controlled freezing process helps reduce wastage by extending the shelf life of fruits that would otherwise spoil quickly.

Market Restricting Factors

Added Sugar Content and Nutrient Loss May Hamper Sales

While frozen fruits offer several benefits, potential consumers should exercise caution when selecting these products, particularly regarding added sugars and nutritional content. Many frozen fruit varieties contain refined sugars, which can significantly increase calorie counts. For instance,

• One cup of sweetened frozen blueberries can contain 186 calories and 45 grams of sugar, of which 32 grams are added sugars. In contrast, a cup of unsweetened frozen blueberries has only 79 calories and 13 grams of natural sugars.

Consumers are advised to read packaging labels carefully for terms like ‘sweetened’ or ‘lightly sweetened’ to avoid unnecessary added sugars. Although frozen fruits retain most of their nutrients, there may be some loss of vitamin C during the freezing process. For example,

• While a cup of fresh strawberries contains 84 mg of vitamin C, its frozen counterpart has only 61 mg.

Manufacturers also face challenges during the processing stages, where they must act swiftly to maintain flavor, texture, and nutrition. This process involves washing the fruit, applying chemical compounds like ascorbic acid to halt ripening, and employing flash freezing to preserve quality. These factors can influence consumer perceptions and preferences, thereby restraining the U.S. frozen fruits market growth.

High Production Cost and Energy Expenses May Restrict Growth

According to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the production costs for organic products are generally higher. It is due to labor-intensive farming practices, strict certification processes, and the use of organic inputs. These rising costs directly influence the pricing of organic frozen fruits, leading to a substantial premium in the marketplace.

In addition to raw material costs, energy expenses, particularly for storage and transportation, also play a critical role in the market for frozen fruits. Energy-intensive refrigeration systems are required to maintain the quality and safety of frozen products throughout the supply chain, right from farm to consumer.

Key Market Opportunities

Emergence of Isochoric Freezing Method to Create Fresh Growth Prospects

The introduction of isochoric freezing presents a significant opportunity for the U.S. frozen fruit snacks market by improving food quality, enhancing safety, and reducing energy consumption. Developed by researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service and the University of California-Berkeley, this innovative method involves storing foods in sealed containers filled with liquid. It prevents ice crystallization, a common issue that compromises the texture and taste of frozen fruits.

Isochoric freezing requires no significant investment in new equipment, making it a feasible option for producers at every stage of the food supply chain- from growers to retailers. As this revolutionary freezing technique gains traction, it is set to redefine standards in the market. It will likely promote high quality products that meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable and safe food options.

Rising Demand for Smoothie Packs to Transform the Market

Rising demand for smoothie packs is transforming the market for frozen fruits in the U.S., as health-conscious consumers seek convenient and nutritious meal options. These pre-portioned packs are tailored for busy lifestyles. These allow consumers to blend their favorite fruits quickly without the hassle of measuring and preparing ingredients. Typically featuring a mix of berries, bananas, mangoes, and other fruits, these packs offer a diverse range of flavors and textures, catering to various dietary preferences and taste profiles.

Competitive Landscape for the U.S. Frozen Fruits Market

The competitive landscape of the U.S. frozen fruits industry is characterized by a dynamic mix of established players and emerging brands, each vying for shares through innovation and strategic positioning. Companies, such as Dole Food Company, Ardo, and Wyman’s of Maine dominate the market. They have extensive distribution networks and a wide range of product offerings. These companies leverage their strong brand recognition to maintain customer loyalty. At the same time, they are continuously extending their product lines to include organic, non-GMO, and exotic frozen fruits that appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Recent Industry Developments

• In November 2023, Golden West Food Group, based in Vernon, joined hands with The Hershey Co. to launch a unique range of chocolate-covered fruit products. It aims to cater to the trend for mindful snacking with the launch of frozen fruits and candy coatings from Hershey.
• In October 2023, U.S.-based Nature's Touch successfully acquired key assets from Sunrise Growers, the frozen fruit operations of SunOpta Inc. This strategic acquisition marked a significant milestone in the former’s expansion. It reinforced the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable, and diverse frozen food products to consumers across Canada and the U.S.

U.S. Frozen Fruits Market Report Scope

Attributes	Details
Forecast Period	2024 to 2031
Historical Data Available for	2019 to 2023
Market Analysis	US$ Billion for Value
Key Zones Covered	West U.S. Midwest U.S. Southwest U.S. Southeast U.S. Northeast U.S.
Key Market Segments Covered	Fruit Type   Nature Form End Use Distribution Channel Zone
Key Companies Profiled	AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG (Dirafrost) Kerry Group plc. (Ravifruit) Dole Plc Chiquita Group  Milne Fruit Products Inc. ShimlaHills Nature's Touch Meel Corporation SAS SICA SICODIS
Report Coverage	Market Forecast Company Share Analysis Competition Intelligence DROT Analysis Market Dynamics and Challenges Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization and Pricing	Available upon request

Market Segmentation

By Fruit Type

• Tropical Fruits
  • Banana
  • Mango
  • Pineapple
  • Papaya
  • Others
• Berries and Grapes 
  • Strawberry
  • Blueberry
  • Raspberry
  • Grapes
  • Others
• Pome Fruits
  • Apple
  • Cherries
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Plum
  • Quince
• Blends

By Nature

• Organic
• Conventional

By Form

• Whole Fruit
• Slices and Dices
• Pulp and Puree

By End Use

• Food and Beverage Industry
  • Bakery and Confectionary
  • Dairy and Desserts
  • Beverages
  • Others 
• Food Service Industry
• Retail/Household

By Distribution Channel

• Business to Business
• Business to Consumer
  • Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialty Stores
  • Online Retail

By Zone

• West U.S.
• Midwest U.S.
• Southwest U.S.
• Southeast U.S.
• Northeast U.S.

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