The Middle East and Africa frozen fruits market was valued at US$ 125.70 million in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 179.05 million by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period 2018-2027.
Frozen fruits are the fruits that are quickly frozen and packaged in a nitrogen atmosphere when picked at their ripeness peak. The various health benefits related to frozen fruits consumption have been one of the major factors that have favored the MEA frozen fruits market. The frozen fruits are known to be one of the healthiest fruits that have been gaining rising demand in the MEA region. The frozen fruits are a rich source of various antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that have further favored the growth of the market all over the MEA region. The easy availability of frozen fruits compared to fresh fruits has been another factor that has fueled the demand for frozen fruits in the region.
Based on product type, the frozen fruits market is segmented into citrus fruit, tropical fruits, berries, and others. In 2019, the citrus fruits segment dominated the Middle East and Africa frozen fruits market. Based on application, the Middle East and Africa frozen fruits market is bifurcated into confectionery & bakery, jams & preserves, fruit- based beverages, dairy, and others. In 2019, the confectionery & bakery segment accounted for the largest share in the Middle East and Africa frozen fruits market.
Geographically, the Middle East and Africa frozen fruits market is segmented into the South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Rest of MEA. South Africa accounted for the largest share of the Middle East and Africa frozen fruits market. South Africa is among the most advanced and developed countries in the African region. The use of frozen fruits is increasing in this region, owing to growing awareness among the consumers related to its high nutritional profile. Furthermore, the South African zoo has now resorted to giving frozen fruit to animals to increase their body water content. With the heatwave facing South Africa, the animals are fed frozen food despite the automatic sprinkling of water, which will further increase the demand for frozen fruits in this region. Consumers are getting more inclined toward convenience food products due to high purchasing power. The demand for frozen fruits is rising due to the growing population and shifting consumer tastes and preferences in the country.
COVID-19 outbreak first began in Wuhan (China) in December 2019, and since then it has spread across the globe at a fast pace. China, Italy, Iran, Spain, the Republic of Korea, France, Germany, and the US are among the worst affected countries in terms of confirmed cases and reported deaths as of March 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak has affected economies and industries in various countries due to lockdowns, travel bans, and business shutdowns. The overall market breakdown due to COVID-19 is also affecting the growth of the frozen fruits market due to shutting down of factories, obstacle in supply chain, and downturn in world economy.
Crop's Fruits NV, Mirelite Mirsa Co. Ltd., SunOpta Inc., Greenyard, and General Mills Inc are among the major players present in the Middle East and Africa Frozen fruits market.
Overall size of the Middle East and Africa frozen fruits market has been derived in accordance to primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate the data, as well as to gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants who take part in such a process include industry expert such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the frozen fruits market.