Frozen Food Packaging Market Size - Global Industry, Share, Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2024 - 2032

Frozen Food Packaging Market Highlights

• The global frozen food packaging market is projected to reach USD 64.5 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2032
• In 2023, the Europe frozen food packaging market held a value of approximately USD 15.47 billion
• The North America region is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5.8% from 2024 to 2032
• The plastic material type accounted for 59% of the market share in 2023
• The bags and pouches sub-segment captured 34% of the market share in 2023
• Meat and seafood application holds 36% of market share in frozen food packaging market
• Growing use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum-sealed technology for extended shelf life is a frozen food packaging market trend that fuels the industry demand

The packaging of frozen food ensures its quality from manufacturing to consumption. It keeps the original color, flavor, texture, and nutrients more effectively than other storage methods. Containers, tubs, bottles, pouches, trays, cups, wrappers, and sackcloth are common packaging materials for frozen fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat, frozen desserts, and ice creams. It helps to preserve the original color, flavor, and texture while reducing freezer burn and contamination. Frozen fruits, vegetables, dairy goods, meat, and sweets are stored in a variety of packaging materials, including containers, pouches, trays, and wrappers, to provide an extended shelf life and convenience.

Global Frozen Food Packaging Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Growing demand for convenience foods and ready-to-eat meals
• Advancements in packaging technologies, including sustainable and smart packaging
• Increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles boosting frozen food consumption

Market Restraints

• Environmental concerns and regulations regarding plastic packaging waste
• High costs associated with advanced packaging materials and technologies
• Supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability and packaging production

Market Opportunities

• Rising demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable frozen food packaging solutions
• Expansion of e-commerce and online grocery delivery services driving packaging innovation
• Growing adoption of modified atmosphere and vacuum packaging for extended shelf life

Frozen Food Packaging Market Report Coverage

Frozen Food Packaging Market Insights

The growing demand for ready-to-eat and nutritious food as a result of hectic lifestyles and flexible work schedules is predicted to propel expansion in the frozen food packaging business. In August 2022, General Mills Inc. introduced prepared meal kits under the Betty Crocker, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, and Annie's Organic brands. It offers users completely prepared, ready-to-eat meal options for basic handmade cuisine. This rising product introduction in ready-to-eat food continues to dominate the frozen food packaging business.

Furthermore, the growing popularity of frozen food, owing to its extended shelf life and convenience, is expected to increase the market. For example, in October 2024, Nestlé S.A. introduced Mexican and Asian frozen dinners in the United States. It will market frozen food under the Mings and Tapatío brands. Celebrity chef Ming Tsai designed the Mings brand, which has a "fusion of East-West flavors," while Tapatío will offer Mexican frozen meals. This introduction is likely to boost demand for frozen food in the United States, as customers seek more variety and convenient meal options.

Changing eating habits, higher disposable incomes, and a growing population all contribute to increased frozen food consumption, which boosts packaging demand. For example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that frozen foods can be an inexpensive option to consume more fruits and vegetables. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, frozen berries are equally as nutritious as fresh berries while being significantly less expensive. In addition, frozen foods help you reduce food waste.

Furthermore, demographic developments such as changing lifestyles and the rise of smaller households are driving up demand for fast food, which benefits industry expansion. However, regulatory rules in both emerging and established countries continue to provide substantial challenges for the business.

Frozen Food Packaging Market Segmentation

The worldwide market for frozen food packaging is split based on material type, packaging type, application, and geography.

Frozen Food Packaging Market By Material Type

• Plastic
• Paper & Paperboard
• Metal
• Glass
• Others

According to the frozen food packaging industry analysis, plastic is the most widely used material due of its durability, flexibility, and low cost. It has great moisture and air resistance, which prevents freezer burn and keeps food fresh for longer periods of time. Furthermore, plastic packaging is lightweight, making shipping and storage easier for manufacturers and retailers. Despite environmental concerns, advances in recyclable and biodegradable plastic solutions are helping to maintain its extensive use in the sector.

Frozen Food Packaging Market By Packaging Type

• Boxes
• Wrappers
• Bags and Pouches
• Tubs and Cups
• Trays
• Container
• Other

Bags and pouches have dominated the frozen food packaging market due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. These styles of packaging provide good moisture and air protection, thereby preserving food quality and extending shelf life. Their light weight makes shipping easier, and they are commonly used to package frozen vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and ready-to-eat meals. Furthermore, the growing need for resealable and sustainable pouch packaging is fueling their market dominance.

Frozen Food Packaging Application

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Frozen Desserts
• Meat and Seafood
• Baked Products
• Ready Meals
• Others

According to the frozen food packaging market forecast, meat and seafood dominate the frozen food packaging industry due to their high perishability and need for long shelf life. Advanced packaging options, such as vacuum-sealed and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), aid in maintaining freshness, preventing freezer burn, and preserving nutritional value. The growing global demand for protein-rich diets and quick frozen meal options has heightened the requirement for effective packaging. Furthermore, tight food safety standards and increased cold chain logistics are spurring innovation in meat and seafood packaging.

Frozen Food Packaging Market Regional Outlook

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• India
• Japan
• China
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of LATAM

The Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• GCC Countries
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa (ME&A)

Frozen Food Packaging Market Regional Analysis

For several reasons, Europe dominates the frozen food packaging industry due to rising consumer demand for convenience foods and ready-to-eat meals in nations such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain. In the United Kingdom, key players focus on novel ready-to-meal solutions. For example, in September 2022, THIS, a UK alternative meat brand, introduced three new plant-based ready meals to Tesco, the country's largest retail chain. This Isn't Pork Meatballs & Spaghetti, This Isn't Chicken Thai Green Curry, and This Isn't Pork Sausages & Mash are among the dishes available. The meals can be heated in four minutes and are high in protein and low in fat.

North America is second largest in the frozen food packaging industry due to presence of big food processing companies, modern packaging technologies, and a well-developed cold chain infrastructure all contribute to market growth. For example, in February 2024, American Packaging Corporation (APC), a major participant in the flexible packaging business, introduced their new RE Design for Recycle technology, which is specifically designed for frozen food goods like fruits and vegetables. This new technology adds to APC's existing strong sustainable packaging portfolio, which includes innovations such as design for compost; circular content, renewable content, and numerous design for recycle solutions.

Asia-Pacific is likely to expand in the frozen food packaging business due to increased consumption of frozen food products, with China being the most attractive market for frozen food packaging. Rapid expansion of the country's retail network driving frozen food market demand in forecast year. According to eMarketer, China's online retail transactions surpassed 710 million digital purchasers in 2020 and are projected to reach $3.56 trillion by 2024. The rapid growth of China's online retail transactions is expected to benefit the frozen food packaging business, as increased e-commerce sales stimulate demand for secure and efficient packaging solutions.

Frozen Food Packaging Market Players

Some of the top frozen food packaging companies offered in our report include Amcor Ltd., Sonoco Products Company, Crown Holdings, Inc., Ball Corporation, Bemis Company, Inc., International Paper Company, WestRock Company, Sealed Air Corporation, Graphic Packaging International, Inc., and Pactiv LLC.