North America frozen food market size reached US$ 119.95 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 168.21 billion in 2032 growing at a CAGR of 4.40% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The North American frozen food market has experienced notable growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and industry dynamics. In Canada, the number of frozen food production businesses increased by 2.0% from 2023 to 2024, totaling 308 establishments. This expansion reflects a rising demand for convenient and diverse food options.
Additionally, as of January 1, 2025, stocks of frozen and chilled meats in Canadian cold storage facilities reached 134,689 tonnes, a 6.2% increase from the previous quarter and a 5.2% rise compared to the same period in 2024. These figures underscore the growing reliance on frozen meat products to meet consumer needs.
North America Frozen food Market Trend
A unique trend in the North American frozen food market is the increasing consumer demand for premium frozen products. Factors such as busy lifestyles and a desire for high-quality, convenient meal solutions have led to a surge in offerings that include globally inspired flavors, restaurant-quality dishes, and organic ingredients. This shift reflects a broader movement towards healthier and more diverse dietary options within the frozen food sector.
Dynamics
Rising Demand for Convenient and Ready-to-Eat Meal Solutions
The increasing demand for convenient and ready-to-eat meal solutions is significantly propelling the growth of the North American frozen food market. This surge is primarily attributed to the busy lifestyles of consumers who seek quick and nutritious meal options. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), as of April 2021, 72% of Americans purchased ready-to-eat food from full-service restaurants due to their hectic schedules. This trend underscores a broader shift towards convenience foods, including frozen meals, which require minimal preparation time.
Consumer Perception of Lower Nutritional Value in Frozen Foods
Consumer perceptions regarding the nutritional value of frozen foods have influenced purchasing decisions in North America, presenting challenges for the frozen food market. A 2023 survey conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) revealed that 54% of Canadian respondents consider nutritional value among the top factors influencing their food and beverage purchase decisions. This emphasis on nutrition indicates that any negative perceptions about the nutritional content of frozen foods could deter consumers from selecting these products.
Furthermore, public interest in healthy eating remains high in Canada, with ongoing concerns about nutrition-related health problems. Health Canada emphasizes the need for continuous surveillance of dietary intakes and the factors influencing diet, such as nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes. This underscores the importance of addressing consumer perceptions and providing accurate information about the nutritional value of frozen foods to support informed choices.
Segment Analysis
The North America frozen food market is segmented based on product type, distribution channel and country.
B2C Segment Driving North America Frozen Food Market
The B2C segment is predominantly driven by supermarkets and hypermarkets, which serve as the primary retail outlets for frozen food products in Canada. These large-scale stores offer consumers a wide variety of frozen items, ranging from ready-to-eat meals to frozen desserts, catering to the growing preference for convenience. Convenience stores also play a significant role in the distribution of frozen foods, providing quick and accessible options for consumers seeking on-the-go meal solutions.
Online retail has emerged as a rapidly growing distribution channel for frozen foods. The convenience of online shopping, coupled with the expansion of e-commerce platforms, has led to increased consumer adoption. In Canada, the online share of the frozen food market was 2.5% and is projected to grow to 3.3% by 2029, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 7.2%. This trend is driven by factors such as the proliferation of online grocery platforms and delivery services, which offer consumers the ease of purchasing frozen food products from their homes.
Geographical Penetration
Rising Consumer Wellness Trends and Regulatory Support in North America
The increasing demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) frozen meals is driven by hectic work schedules and time constraints. Subscription-based meal services like Daily Harvest, Freshly and Mosaic Foods are gaining popularity, offering personalized frozen meal plans tailored to individual dietary preferences.
Retail partnerships and product innovation are expanding frozen food options. For instance, in February 2022, frozen food brand Genuine Good Foods introduced a new stuffed chicken bits platform through an agreement with Kroger Banners to enhance distribution across the US. Conagra Brands, Inc. launched 50 new frozen food products in July 2023, covering various categories such as frozen meals, snacks and supermarket offerings. Similarly, Nestle, in April 2023, introduced a new range of frozen meals designed specifically for blood sugar management, aligning with American Diabetes Association Better Choices for Life Program criteria.
Applegate Farms, in July 2023, launched the first Certified Humane frozen egg pieces, targeting health-conscious consumers seeking protein-rich breakfast options. With expanding retail partnerships, fast-food reliance on frozen ingredients and evolving dietary needs, the North American frozen food market is poised for continued growth, driven by innovation, convenience and strategic product launches.
Sustainability Analysis
The North American frozen food market is increasingly focusing on sustainability, with significant efforts directed toward reducing food waste and enhancing environmental responsibility. In the United States, the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has highlighted that frozen foods play a crucial role in minimizing food waste, as their extended shelf life allows consumers to manage portions effectively and decrease spoilage. This aligns with broader national strategies aimed at reducing food loss and promoting sustainable consumption patterns.
In Canada, governmental agencies are implementing measures to address climate change within the food sector. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has prioritized the integration of climate change considerations into its risk assessments and business continuity planning. Initiatives include the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and the commitment to utilizing 100% clean electricity by 2025, reflecting a dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability within the food industry.
Competitive Landscape
The major players in the market include Nestle SA, Tyson Foods, Inc., Conagra Brands, Inc., Unilever PLC, The Kraft Heinz Company, General Mills, Inc., Nomad Foods Ltd., Kellanova, and Ajinomoto Co., Inc., McCain Foods.
Key Developments
- In May 2024, Nestle launched a new frozen food brand designed for individuals taking GLP-1 medications, which are commonly used for weight management and diabetes treatment. While experts acknowledge that processed foods cannot fully replace whole, natural foods, this product line can serve as a supplemental option rather than a sole dietary source. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle alongside consuming these products.
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Target Audience 2024
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