Europe Frozen Food Market Outlook

According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the Europe frozen food market size reached a value of USD 65.24 billion in 2024. As consumer preferences evolve towards convenience, health, and sustainability, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a value of USD 83.6 billion by 2033.

Frozen food has long been a staple in the European diet, known for its convenience, extended shelf life, and ability to preserve the nutritional value of food. Today, it is not only seen as a practical option but also a desirable choice for quality-conscious consumers. The increased adoption of frozen food across various segments, including ready meals, vegetables, fruits, and snacks, combined with innovations in product offerings, continues to bolster market growth. The frozen food industry in Europe is benefitting from several trends, including rising urbanization, increased demand for convenience foods, and a growing focus on health and wellness, all of which are anticipated to fuel the market over the next decade.

Key Market Drivers

• Growing Demand for Convenience: A primary driver of the Europe frozen food market is the rising demand for convenience products. The modern consumer, particularly in urban areas, is increasingly seeking meals and ingredients that save time and effort without compromising on quality or nutrition. The fast-paced lifestyles of European consumers, combined with growing working hours and busy schedules, are propelling the demand for easy-to-prepare and ready-to-eat frozen meals. This convenience is especially appealing for working professionals, families, and singles who seek quick and hassle-free meal solutions.

• Health Consciousness and Nutritional Value: As health and wellness become increasingly central to consumer decisions, frozen food brands are introducing healthier options to meet these demands. Frozen vegetables, fruits, and lean meats are now seen as healthy alternatives, retaining their nutrients after freezing. Additionally, the demand for frozen foods that cater to specific dietary preferences, such as gluten-free, organic, and plant-based offerings, is growing. As European consumers seek to align their food choices with healthier lifestyles, frozen food companies are adapting by incorporating functional ingredients, reducing preservatives, and focusing on transparency in product labeling.

• Sustainability and Eco-friendly Practices: With sustainability becoming a major concern across industries, the Europe frozen food market is also being influenced by the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. Consumers are increasingly choosing products that align with their environmental values. As a result, many frozen food manufacturers are prioritizing sustainable sourcing of ingredients, eco-friendly packaging solutions, and reducing food waste. Furthermore, the adoption of more sustainable freezing technologies, such as cryogenic freezing and blast freezing, is helping manufacturers meet sustainability targets while preserving the quality of their products.

• Increased Product Innovation and Variety: The European frozen food market has also seen an increase in product innovation. Companies are diversifying their product offerings to cater to a wide array of consumer tastes, dietary preferences, and cultural influences. From ethnic cuisines to premium ready meals, plant-based options, and allergen-free foods, the market is increasingly catering to specific consumer needs. This product diversification not only boosts consumer choice but also strengthens the appeal of frozen food, making it suitable for various occasions and meal types. The rise of gourmet frozen food, such as artisanal pizzas and high-quality frozen seafood, is also contributing to the market's growth.

• Rising E-commerce Sales: Online shopping for frozen food has experienced significant growth in recent years. The convenience of having frozen food delivered directly to consumers' homes has contributed to the rise of e-commerce in this sector. Online platforms allow consumers to access a broader variety of frozen food products, including niche options that may not be available in physical stores. The expansion of online grocery shopping and the development of specialized online frozen food retailers are expected to drive continued growth in the market, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further accelerated the shift towards online grocery shopping.

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Market Trends and Innovations

• Plant-Based and Vegan Frozen Foods: The rise of plant-based diets and veganism is one of the most prominent trends in the Europe frozen food market. As more consumers seek meat alternatives for environmental, ethical, or health reasons, the demand for frozen plant-based products is growing rapidly. Frozen plant-based meals, vegan burgers, dairy-free ice creams, and meat substitutes like soy, pea protein, and jackfruit-based options are becoming increasingly popular. The growth of this category is driven by both the increasing number of flexitarians (those who primarily eat plant-based food but occasionally consume animal products) and the overall popularity of vegan diets across Europe.

• Premium and Gourmet Frozen Foods: The European market is seeing a shift towards premium frozen foods, particularly in ready meals and convenience products. Consumers are looking for high-quality options that go beyond the traditional frozen meals, favoring gourmet frozen dishes and high-end ingredients. This includes premium frozen pizzas, international cuisines, and meals that are crafted with artisanal methods. Manufacturers are tapping into this demand for premium offerings by providing restaurant-quality meals that consumers can enjoy at home, adding a sense of indulgence to the frozen food experience.

• Frozen Snacks and Quick Bites: The demand for Europe frozen food market, such as finger foods, appetizers, and quick bites, is growing across Europe. These products offer convenience and variety, with a range of options such as frozen dumplings, spring rolls, and meatballs. As snacking becomes a larger part of the European diet, particularly among younger consumers, frozen snacks are gaining popularity as convenient, ready-to-eat alternatives to traditional meals. The variety and customization of frozen snacks are also appealing to consumers, as these products can easily be paired with other foods or served as quick meal solutions.

• Health and Wellness Focus: A growing trend towards healthier frozen food options is helping shape the future of the market. The introduction of frozen food products with no artificial additives, fewer preservatives, and lower levels of salt, sugar, and fat is attracting health-conscious consumers. Additionally, frozen foods that promote specific health benefits, such as weight management, digestive health, and immune support, are in demand. There is also a growing trend for frozen functional foods that offer added nutritional value, such as frozen smoothies with added vitamins and minerals, or meals fortified with omega-3 fatty acids or fiber.

• Sustainable Packaging: Sustainability is a growing trend in packaging, and the frozen food market in Europe is no exception. Manufacturers are responding to consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging by adopting recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable materials. Efforts to reduce plastic use and invest in sustainable packaging solutions are helping companies align with consumers’ environmental values. Additionally, packaging innovations that help maintain product freshness while minimizing environmental impact are becoming increasingly important.

Europe Frozen Food Market Segmentation

The market can be divided based on by product, by type end use and region.

Breakup by Product

• Frozen Ready Meals
• Frozen Fish and Seafood
• Frozen Meat and Poultry
• Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
• Frozen Baked Goods
• Frozen Pizza
• Others

Breakup by Type

• Raw Material
• Half-Cooked
• Ready-to-Eat

Breakup by End Use

• Retail
• Food Service

Breakup by Region

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Others

Competitive Landscape

Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:

• FRoSTA AG
• McCain Foods Limited
• Nestlé SA
• Nomad Foods Europe Limited
• Congelados Cientocinco, S.L
• Dr. August Oetker Nahrungsmittel KG
• Others

Challenges and Opportunities

While the Europe frozen food market presents significant opportunities, it also faces challenges. One of the key challenges is the issue of food waste. Although frozen food offers longer shelf life and reduces spoilage, consumers must still manage their purchases carefully to avoid wastage. Additionally, fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly for ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables, can impact profit margins for frozen food producers.

Despite these challenges, the growing demand for convenience, healthier options, and sustainable products presents ample opportunities for innovation and expansion. Companies that can address these consumer trends while focusing on product quality, sustainability, and convenience are well-positioned for success in the European frozen food market.