Home > Food & Beverages > Processed Food > Convenience Foods > Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) Market
The individual quick freezing market for fruits segment held over USD 5.3 billion in 2022. IQF technology allows fruits and berries to be frozen at their peak ripeness, preserving their taste and nutritional value for year-round availability. IQF fruits and berries offer convenience in smoothies, desserts, and baking applications, where no thawing is required.
The tunnel freezers segment accounted for 40% of the individual quick freezing market share in 2022. Tunnel freezers are designed for large-scale production, making them ideal for processing large quantities of food products in a continuous flow. Tunnel freezers use forced air or cryogenic cooling to achieve rapid and uniform freezing, preserving the quality, texture, and nutritional value of the food products.
The individual quick freezing market from cryogenic segment is anticipated to expand at 4.6% CAGR through 2032. Cryogenic IQF technology achieves ultra-rapid freezing, preserving the texture and quality of food products effectively. Cryogenic IQF technology allows for the individual freezing of small food items, such as berries and diced fruits.
Based on packaging type, the individual quick freezing market from bags segment will gain remarkable momentum during the forecast timeline. Bags offer convenient packaging for IQF products, allowing consumers to easily portion and use the desired amount of frozen food without thawing the entire package. Resealable ziplock bags provide added convenience, enabling consumers to reseal the package after use, maintaining the freshness of the remaining product.
Based on application the IQF market from food processing segment held the dominant market in 2022. IQF technology enables rapid freezing of individual food items, preserving their natural color, flavor, texture, and nutritional content. Food processors value IQF technology for its ability to maintain the quality of fresh produce and other perishable items during freezing.
Based on distribution channel the individual quick freezing market from online retail segment recorded over revenue share in 2022. IQF products are well-suited for online retail as they can be easily packaged, transported, and delivered to consumers' doorsteps. E-commerce platforms allow access to a broader consumer base, including those in remote areas.
U.S. individual quick freezing market size dominated around USD 4.5 billion in 2022. North American consumers seek convenient and ready-to-eat food options, which align well with IQF products that require minimal preparation and cooking time. Busy lifestyles and the rise in dual-income households drive the demand for IQF products as time-saving meal solutions.