The India Frozen Food Market will reach US$ 4.28 Billion in 2028, according to researchandmarket.com. Frozen foods are convenient with long storage periods and quick cooking, reducing grocery shopping and meal prep. They preserve nutritional value, taste, and texture, minimizing food waste and saving money. Freezing maintains peak freshness and nutrient content. In addition, they provide year-round access to seasonal produce and prevent food spoilage.
Frozen foods offer diverse options for different diets, cost less than fresh produce, and require minimal preparation, benefiting those with limited cooking skills or time.
In India, frozen foods overcome limited access to fresh produce by extending shelf life and ensuring availability year-round. As a result, they contribute to food security, minimize waste, and save time on shopping and cooking. In addition, frozen foods prioritize hygiene, meet safety standards, and offer affordability. They also enhance culinary diversity by providing access to regional and international ingredients, enriching culinary experiences nationwide.
India’s Frozen Food Market will experience a CAGR of 17.46% in the coming years, from 2022 to 2028
Rapid urbanization and busy lifestyles have increased the demand for convenient and time-saving food options, making frozen foods popular among active individuals and families. Rising disposable income levels have also contributed to market growth as consumers are willing to invest in suitable and high-quality food products.
The expansion of modern retail formats, improved cold chain infrastructure, and storage facilities have made frozen food products more accessible and visible to consumers. The demand for diverse food options, influenced by globalization and exposure to international cuisines, has further fuelled the growth of frozen foods, offering a variety of global and regional choices.
Product quality, packaging, and technological advancements have enhanced frozen foods’ nutritional value, taste, and texture, establishing consumer trust. Increasing awareness about food safety and the strict quality checks on frozen foods have shifted consumer preferences towards them. The wide range of frozen food products, including fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and bakery items, caters to different dietary preferences, expanding the consumer base. Lastly, the convenience of long-term storage of frozen foods and the reduced need for immediate consumption address the challenges of fresh produce storage and reduce food waste. Hence, the market value for India’s Frozen Food Market was US$ 1.63 Billion in 2022.
Staple Foods will continue its hegemony in Indian frozen food market
Staple Foods, Dairy Products and Alternatives, Snacks, Cooking Ingredients, and Meals are categories in India’s frozen food market. Frozen staple foods dominate the Indian frozen food market for several reasons. Firstly, they hold immense cultural significance in Indian cuisine as essential components of traditional meals, maintaining familiarity and convenience for consumers.
Additionally, staple foods appeal to a broad consumer base, form the foundation of daily meals, and offer convenience and time efficiency in meal preparation. Furthermore, the long shelf life of frozen staple foods, their cost-effectiveness, and their accessibility through various retail outlets make them a practical and attractive option for consumers. Finally, frozen staple foods can retain nutritional value when properly frozen, making them a preferred choice for health-conscious individuals seeking convenient and nutritious meal options.
Ready meals are estimated to grow fastest in the Indian frozen food market
Fruit & Vegetables (Peas, Mushrooms, Carrots, Beans, Corn, & Others), Non-Veg (Meat & Fish/Seafood) Products (Chicken, Fish, Mutton, Beef, Pork, and Others), Potatoes (French Fries, Tikki, Potato Wedges, Potato Bites, Smileys, and Others), Frozen Bakery Products (Biscuits & Cookies, Bread & Pizza Dough, Rolls & Pastry, and Others), Ready Meals, Soup, and Others are the product types prevalent in the Indian frozen food market.
The demand for convenient food options has risen due to urbanization and busy lifestyles. Ready meals offer an easy solution for individuals and families with limited time for cooking, with various options catering to dietary preferences. Improved quality and taste, driven by advancements in technology and packaging, contribute to their popularity. Increasing disposable income and current retail availability has further fuelled the market. In addition, changing eating habits favours quick and portable meals. Ready meals also provide a reliable and safe food option due to growing awareness of food safety.
By 2028, Fish will have the highest share in the Indian frozen food market
By Non-vegetarian Products, the Indian frozen food market consists of Chicken, Fish, Mutton, Beef, Pork, and Others. The Fish frozen foods market shall grow in the future due to factors such as the growing awareness of the health benefits of consuming Fish, the convenience and longer shelf life of frozen fish products, their wide availability and accessibility through various retail channels, the expanding seafood industry, the diverse culinary options they offer, their adherence to strict quality control measures, and the adoption of responsible fishing practises for sustainability.
Peas shall thrive in India’s frozen food market
Vegetable Products, India’s frozen food market comprises peas, mushrooms, Carrots, Beans, corn, and others. The growth of the frozen pea market in India is due to several factors. Firstly, peas are a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine, increasing demand for frozen peas. Second, frozen peas offer convenience, time-saving benefits, and an extended shelf life. Thirdly, freezing helps to retain the nutritional value of peas, making them a healthy choice. Additionally, frozen peas offer versatility in cooking and are widely available and accessible through various retail channels, reducing food waste and providing seasonal independence to consumers.
18–30 age groups dominate India’s frozen food market due to their busy lifestyles and preference for convenient meal options
Under 18, 18–30, 30-45, and 45 and above are the age groups that comprise India’s frozen food market. The 18–30 age group has leadership in India’s frozen food market due to their busy lifestyles and preference for convenient, time-saving options. Moreover, they are more inclined to explore diverse cuisines and experiment with new food products, making the varied choices offered by frozen foods highly appealing. Additionally, frozen foods are often budget-friendly and easily accessible to this age group, which may prioritize affordability due to limited financial resources.
The online retail channel in India’s frozen food market has grown due to convenience, seamless shopping, discounts, and smartphone accessibility.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets, Online Retail channels, convenience Stores, and Other Distribution Channels are frequent in India’s frozen food market. The online retail channel has gained prominence in India’s frozen food market due to the convenience of browsing and purchasing frozen food products from home or office, the wide variety of options available, the seamless shopping experience with user reviews and easy payment options, the attractive discounts offered by online retailers, and the increasing accessibility of online shopping through smartphones and internet connectivity.