Europe Frozen Food Market - 2025-2032

Europe frozen food market size reached US$ 150.18 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 219.36 billion in 2032 growing at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period (2025-2032).

The Europe frozen food market is expanding steadily, supported by demand for convenience, reduced food waste, and extended shelf-life products. According to DMI analysis, the frozen food segment across the EU reached over US$ 150 billion in 2024, with bakery products and snacks being the highest revenue generators at US$ 35.88 billion.

Government-backed sustainability goals, such as those under the EU Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, are accelerating shifts toward energy-efficient refrigeration and recyclable packaging. Leading economies like Germany, France, and the UK are witnessing continued growth in both B2B and B2C frozen food consumption due to strong retail networks and evolving dietary habits.

Europe Frozen food Market Trend

A unique trend in the Europe frozen food market is the integration of circular packaging solutions driven by EU regulatory frameworks. According to the European Commission, from 2024 onward, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation mandates minimum recyclability thresholds, which is prompting manufacturers like Nomad Foods and Unilever to innovate with biodegradable and reusable packaging formats.

The shift of reusable packaging formats is not only reducing environmental impact but also appealing to sustainability-conscious consumers. Additionally, frozen plant-based meals are gaining traction as demand for vegetarian and flexitarian diets rises across the region, as noted in the 2023 BMEL consumer report.

Dynamics

Technological Advancements in Freezing and Packaging Methods

Technological advancements in freezing and packaging methods are significantly propelling the growth of the European frozen food market. Innovations such as quick freezing and cryogenic freezing not only preserve the taste and texture of frozen goods but also allow for faster production cycles, enabling manufacturers to meet high market demands. These methods enhance the quality of frozen goods, ensuring year-round availability of perishable and seasonal products.

For instance, the implementation of advanced freezing methods, such as individually quick frozen (IQF) technology, not only preserves the nutritional content of food but also minimizes food waste both at the manufacturing level and among consumers. Additionally, incorporating smart technologies for data collection and analysis, as seen in systems like JBT's OmniBlu platform, enables manufacturers to optimize their operations, reduce downtime, and make informed decisions for continuous improvement.

High Energy Consumption in Frozen Food Storage and Transport

High energy consumption in frozen food storage and transport presents a significant challenge to the growth and sustainability of the European frozen food market. The cold chain, encompassing refrigeration during processing, storage, and transportation, is one of the most energy-intensive components of the food supply chain. According to the European Commission, cooling and freezing account for approximately 30% of electricity consumption in the food industry, highlighting the substantial energy demands of maintaining the cold chain.

The energy requirements for frozen storage are considerable. Data from the Global Life Cycle Data Access network indicates that the average energy consumption for frozen storage is 1.62 megajoules per kilogram. This high energy usage not only increases operational costs for businesses but also contributes to environmental concerns due to the associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Segment Analysis

The Europe frozen food market is segmented based on product type, distribution channel and country.

B2B Segment Driving Europe Frozen Food Market

The B2B (Business-to-Business) channel remains dominant, accounting for USD 117.34 billion in 2024. This includes bulk frozen food supply to hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and institutional buyers. The consistent growth of foodservice establishments across Europe-documented by Eurostat's "Tourism Industries" data-shows that accommodation and food services employed over 11 million people in the EU in 2023.

The institutions in the region rely heavily on frozen products for menu stability, food safety, and extended shelf life. Government procurement for hospitals and public schools also sustains demand in this segment. For example, France's Ministry of Agriculture supports local and seasonal food purchases for public catering, often complemented by frozen food for logistical feasibility.

Geographical Penetration

Rising Consumer Preference and Retail Expansion Driving Frozen Food Demand in Germany

Germany holds a significant position in the European frozen food market, driven by changing consumer habits and a growing preference for convenience. According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), in 2023, over 55% of German households reported regularly purchasing frozen foods, with ready meals and frozen vegetables being among the top categories. The rising number of dual-income households and aging populations has contributed to increased demand for time-saving meal solutions.

Data from the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in its 2023 nutrition report highlighted that nearly 70% of consumers valued long shelf-life and ease of preparation, making frozen food a preferred choice. Additionally, the push for healthier eating habits has driven demand for additive-free and organic frozen options, with the German organic food segment-where frozen products play a role-reaching over US$ 17.02 billion in sales in 2023.

Germany is also a leader in retail distribution efficiency. The German Trade Association (HDE) noted in 2024 that frozen food sales in supermarkets and discount chains like Edeka, Lidl, and Aldi continued to rise, particularly for frozen bakery and meat products. These factors combined illustrate a strong and growing demand for frozen foods in Germany, supported by both consumer trends and retail infrastructure.

Sustainability Analysis

The Europe frozen food market is aligning with EU sustainability goals through initiatives aimed at reducing food waste and improving packaging. According to the European Commission, the Farm to Fork Strategy encourages frozen food use due to its ability to extend shelf life and minimize spoilage-critical in addressing the over 58 million tons of food waste reported by Eurostat in 2023. Retailers and institutional kitchens across France, Germany, and the UK are increasingly turning to frozen options for portion control and waste reduction.

Simultaneously, energy and packaging regulations are reshaping operations. The European Environment Agency (EEA) highlights the high energy consumption of cold chains and advocates for renewable-powered refrigeration. Germany's Energy Efficiency Strategy for Industry supports low-emission cooling systems, while the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) enforces recyclable and reusable packaging standards from 2024 onward. Companies like Nomad Foods and Unilever are already shifting toward fully recyclable frozen packaging, aligning with these requirements and improving environmental performance.

Competitive Landscape

The major players in the market include Nestle SA, Tyson Foods, Inc., Unilever PLC, The Kraft Heinz Company, General Mills, Inc., Nomad Foods Ltd., Kellanova, and Ajinomoto Co., Inc., FRoSTA AG.

Key Developments

• In October 2024, Central Foods partnered with Tyson Foods' UK division to expand the distribution of Tyson's frozen food products to independent wholesalers across the UK This collaboration aims to enhance Tyson's reach in the market by leveraging Central Foods' established distribution network, making its frozen poultry and other food products more accessible to independent foodservice operators. The partnership is expected to strengthen Tyson's presence in the UK while providing wholesalers with a wider range of high-quality frozen food options.
• In October 2024, The Kraft Heinz Company Company has extended its licensing agreement with TGI Fridays to continue producing and distributing the brand's frozen appetizers. This deal allows The The Kraft Heinz Company Company to expand its range of frozen snacks, including popular items like mozzarella sticks and loaded potato skins, leveraging TGI Fridays' well-known restaurant flavors for the retail market.

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