The freeze-dried food market - France (2023)

The French market for freeze-dried foods can be estimated at over $2 billion.

In 2020, the global market for freeze-dried foods experienced strong growth. It is expected to reach a value of $58 billion in 2021, with an annual growth rate of around 7%.

Europe holds the largest market share, at around 30%, while the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by changing lifestyles in emerging economies.

The French market, calculated on the basis of the value of the global market and France's proportion of Europe's GDP, was valued at just over $2 billion.

Demand drivers include the superior quality and extended shelf life of freeze-dried products, as well as growing consumer interest in healthy snacks and convenient meal solutions. Outdoor activities, in particular hiking - one of the most popular sports in France - and the rise of survivalism are also fuelling demand.

The market is competitive, with a few major players such as OFD Foods and Nestlé, alongside specialist companies like Lyophilisé & Co.

Despite the advantages of the nutritional quality preserved after rehydration, the high energy requirements of freeze-drying represent a cost constraint compared to rehydration.despite the advantages of retaining nutritional quality after rehydration, the high energy requirements of freeze-drying represent a cost constraint compared with other drying technologies such as spray drying or simple dehydration.

The dynamics of the freeze-dried food market in France

The French market for freeze-dried foods is experiencing strong demand, fuelled mainly by consumer segments looking for high-quality preserved foods. These demanding consumers show a preference for freeze-dried products because of their long shelf life and preservation of original food qualities.

A significant proportion of demand comes from people who take part in outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking - sports that are among the most popular in France, along with swimming. The 15 and 20 million people who take part in these activities every year are looking for portable, convenient food options such as freeze-dried products.

The freeze-dried food market in France is benefiting from the growth of the survivalist movement in the country. Between 100,000 and 150,000 people in France adhere to the survivalist ideology, which emphasizes self-sufficiency and emergency preparedness, which involves stocking up on long-life foods.

The space sector has a unique demand for freeze-dried foods due to the specific conditions and limitations of space travel. The freeze-drying technique is the main sustenance option during space missions. This very specific use has contributed to the popularization of freeze-dried foods.

This market comes up against constraints such as high energy consumption and costs associated with the freeze-drying process, making the products generally more expensive than other products.generally more expensive than other preservation methods such as spray drying or conventional dehydration.

However, the superior quality of freeze-dried products in terms of nutrient and flavor retention makes them a preferred option.

Freeze-dried foods are distributed by supermarkets, sporting goods distributors and manufacturers' or specialist distributors' online sales platforms. Smaller specialist manufacturers prefer direct online sales or retailers specializing in outdoor sports.

Key companies shaping the freeze-dried foods market

Key players in the freeze-dried foods market

The giants of the global food industry

• Nestlé and Unilever lead the way. Nestlé supplies an assortment of freeze-dried products, from coffee to culinary ingredients. Unilever follows suit, offering branded freeze-dried options.

The specialists

• European Freeze Dry and Heat Freeze Dried bring a touch of expertise to the market. These companies have carved out a niche for themselves by focusing primarily on the production of a variety of high-quality freeze-dried foods.

The vanguard of outdoor adventure and specialty foods

• OFD Foods and smaller niche players such as Lyophilisés & Co and Falières Nutrition. OFD Foods, with its impressive range, has become a staple for hikers and military personnel. Lyophilisés & Co and Falières Nutrition address a demanding market that favors tailor-made freeze-dried products, adapted to the needs of hikers and survivalists.

Innovators in freeze-dried culinary delights

• Chaucer Freeze Dried adds a gastronomic touch by focusing on preserving the flavor and nutritional integrity of its freeze-dried fruits and ingredients.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 09/05/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Trends in the value of the freeze-dried foods market
• Market share of freeze-dried foods by distribution channel
• Freeze-dried food market share in Europe
• Market share of freeze-dried foods by product type
• Answers to the question: Over the last three years, what outdoor activity(ies) have you enjoyed at least once?
• Share of regular practitioners among all practitioners
• Answers to the question: Do you pay attention to food waste or not?
• Percentage of people who waste this type of food at least once a month