Dried Food Market Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, Germany, China, Canada, Japan, UK, France, India, Italy, Brazil - Size and Forecast 2025-2029

Dried Food Market Size 2025-2029

The dried food market size is valued to increase USD 8.11 billion, at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2029. Health benefits of dried food products will drive the dried food market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

• North America dominated the market and accounted for a 35% growth during the forecast period.
• By Product - Fruits segment was valued at USD 5.50 billion in 2023
• By Distribution Channel - Supermarkets and hypermarkets segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 84.02 billion
• Market Future Opportunities: USD 8105.10 billion
• CAGR : 6.9%
• North America: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

• The market encompasses a vast array of foods that have undergone a preservation process, retaining their nutritional value and extending their shelf life. This market is driven by the growing health consciousness among consumers, with dried fruits and vegetables gaining significant popularity due to their high nutrient density and convenience. Core technologies, such as solar drying and freeze-drying, play a crucial role in enhancing the production efficiency and product quality. The application spectrum of dried food products spans across various sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Online shopping has emerged as a significant service type, enabling consumers to access a wide range of dried food products from the comfort of their homes.
• However, the market faces challenges, including increasing product recalls due to contamination and food safety concerns. According to recent market research, the dried fruits segment accounted for over 50% of the total market share in 2020. The market is projected to reach new heights, fueled by the evolving consumer preferences and ongoing technological advancements. The ongoing pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of online shopping for dried food products, making it a promising growth avenue for market participants.

What will be the Size of the Dried Food Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Dried Food Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The dried food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

• Product
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meat
  • Poultry and seafood
• Distribution Channel
  • Supermarkets and hypermarkets
  • Convenience stores
  • Online
• Product Type
  • Spray-dried
  • Freeze-dried
  • Vacuum-dried
  • Sun-dried
  • Other
  • Spray-dried
  • Freeze-dried
  • Vacuum-dried
  • Sun-dried
  • Other
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • UK
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
  • South America
    • Brazil
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The fruits segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experiences significant expansion as consumers increasingly seek healthier alternatives to processed snacks. Dried fruits, a prominent segment within this market, encompass a diverse range of options such as raisins, apricots, apples, mangoes, cranberries, bananas, figs, dates, and prunes. These foods offer numerous benefits, including nutritional value and energy. Although the drying process may reduce heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C, dried fruits retain essential nutrients such as fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Processes like microwave drying, osmotic dehydration, and air drying are employed to extend shelf life and enhance food safety. Shelf-life prediction and process optimization are crucial aspects of these techniques, ensuring optimal moisture content and water activity levels.

Heat transfer and mass transfer play significant roles in these processes, while oxygen scavengers and modified atmosphere packaging contribute to maintaining desirable texture and rehydration properties. Spray drying and vacuum drying are alternative methods that offer energy efficiency and improved product quality. Temperature control and humidity control are essential factors in these processes, ensuring microbial safety and adherence to food safety regulations. Quality control measures, including color measurement and texture analysis, are implemented to maintain product consistency and meet consumer expectations. According to recent studies, the adoption of dried food technologies has grown by 18%, with expectations of a further 25% increase in industry growth.

The market's continuous evolution is driven by advancements in process optimization, energy efficiency, and the development of innovative packaging materials. These trends underscore the dynamic nature of the market and its potential for future growth.

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The Fruits segment was valued at USD 5.50 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American the market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by the rising preference for convenience and the increasing adoption of vegan lifestyles. Instant coffee and dried fruits are popular dried products that cater to the convenience-seeking consumers. The vegan lifestyle trend is gaining momentum in the US, Brazil, Canada, and other North American countries, with approximately 2%-6% of consumers identifying as vegans.

This shift in consumer behavior has compelled market players to introduce an array of vegan dried food offerings. Over the past few years, the market has witnessed a surge in new product launches and product innovations to cater to the evolving consumer preferences.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

In the Dried Food Market, the effect of drying temperature on nutrient retention is a critical factor in maintaining product quality, while the impact of packaging on shelf life ensures longer usability. Researchers focus on the optimization of drying parameters for quality and optimization of drying process for specific products to enhance efficiency. The evaluation of rehydration characteristics and assessment of sensory attributes after drying help in determining consumer satisfaction. Techniques like determination of moisture content using various methods and measuring water activity using different sensors support accurate monitoring. Studies on analysis of chemical changes during drying, study of mass transfer during the drying process, and development of process models for drying kinetics guide improvements, along with assessment of microbial safety using various methods and evaluation of different packaging materials for dried foods.

The market encompasses a wide range of products, from fruits and vegetables to meats and dairy, that undergo a drying process to preserve their nutritional value and extend their shelf life. The effectiveness of drying temperature in retaining nutrients is a critical consideration, as higher temperatures can lead to nutrient loss but also expedite the drying process. Packaging plays a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of dried foods, as it shields them from environmental factors that can impact shelf life. The relationship between water activity and microbial growth is a significant concern, as maintaining optimal water activity levels can prevent microbial spoilage and ensure food safety.

Optimizing drying parameters for quality is a key focus in the dried food industry. This includes evaluating rehydration characteristics, predicting shelf life using mathematical models, and assessing sensory attributes after drying. Determining moisture content using various methods and analyzing chemical changes during drying are also essential aspects of the drying process. The impact of drying methods on color and texture is an area of ongoing research, as different methods can produce varying results. Comparing drying methods based on energy efficiency is another important consideration, as energy consumption is a significant cost factor in the production of dried foods.

The influence of processing parameters on nutritional value is a critical concern, as over-processing can lead to nutrient loss. Evaluating different packaging materials for dried foods is also essential, as some materials offer better protection against environmental factors and can extend shelf life. Assessing microbial safety using various methods and developing process models for drying kinetics are crucial aspects of ensuring food safety and quality in the market. Using advanced drying techniques to improve quality and studying mass transfer during the drying process are also key areas of research. Pre-treatment can significantly impact drying time and efficiency, making it an area of focus for optimization.

The market is highly competitive, with a minority of players dominating the high-end instrument market, offering advanced solutions for quality control and optimization.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of Dried Food Industry?

• The primary factor driving the market is the health benefits associated with dried food products. 

• In the expanding global the market, various dried food items have gained popularity due to their health benefits. These benefits stem from the high nutritional content and minimal fat presence, making them an attractive choice for health-conscious consumers. For instance, dried fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamins C, potassium, and iron, serve as a nutritious alternative to processed snacks with high sugar and fat content. Dried nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, are another popular option, offering a substantial amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• The trend toward healthier food choices is a continuous one, leading to a significant increase in the consumption of dried food products across various sectors. This shift in consumer preferences underscores the market's dynamism and the ongoing demand for nutritious, low-fat food options.

What are the market trends shaping the Dried Food Industry?

• The growing prominence of online shopping represents a significant market trend in the present business landscape. This trend signifies a notable shift in consumer behavior towards purchasing goods and services over the internet.

• Online distribution channels, commonly referred to as e-commerce, have significantly driven the expansion of the market over the past decade. This digital avenue allows consumers to access a diverse range of regional and international dried food brands. The proliferation of e-commerce companies worldwide is a result of the expanding smartphone user base. Major e-commerce platforms catering to dried food include brand-owned online stores and specialized e-retailers. Notable global e-retailers of dried food include Amazon.Com, Alibaba Inc., and eBay Inc.
• The convenience of personalized shopping assistance and recommendations are primary advantages of purchasing dried food online. The e-commerce sector's continuous evolution and the growing preference for online shopping have significantly impacted the dried food industry, making it an essential market to monitor for businesses.

What challenges does the Dried Food Industry face during its growth?

• The rising number of product recalls for dried food items poses a significant challenge to the industry's growth trajectory. 

• In the dynamic global the market, ensuring the quality and safety of raw materials and supplies is paramount. Failure to adhere to stringent quality control standards can lead to product recalls, negatively impacting a company's brand image and sales. According to industry data, incidents of product recalls due to quality issues have been on the rise. For instance, a recent study indicated a 10% increase in food recalls due to contamination in the US and Canada alone. To mitigate these risks, manufacturers must implement robust quality control measures throughout the supply chain.
• This includes proper handling, processing, storage, and transportation of raw materials and finished products. By maintaining these standards, companies can not only protect their consumers but also safeguard their reputation and sales.

Exclusive Technavio Analysis on Customer Landscape

The dried food market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the dried food market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape of Dried Food Industry

Competitive Landscape

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, dried food market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

Ajinomoto Co. Inc. - This company specializes in the production and distribution of a diverse range of dried food products, including Hondashi, Freds, and Revel. These offerings cater to various consumer preferences and culinary traditions. The company's commitment to quality and innovation sets it apart in the competitive food industry.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Ajinomoto Co. Inc.
• Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.
• B and G Foods Inc.
• Campbell Soup Co.
• Carnivore Meat Co. LLC
• Create A Pack Inc.
• Crispy Green Inc.
• European Freeze Dry
• Flex Foods Ltd.
• General Mills Inc.
• Harmony House Foods Inc.
• ITC Ltd.
• Mondelez International Inc.
• Saraf Foods Pvt. Ltd.
• Sunsweet Growers Inc.
• The Kraft Heinz Co.
• Thrive Foods
• Tong Garden Co. Ltd.
• Unilever PLC
• Van Drunen Farms.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Dried Food Market

• In January 2024, Quaker Oats, a leading player in the market, announced the launch of a new line of organic and non-GMO dried fruits and vegetables under its Quaker's Natural Granola brand (Quaker Oats press release). This expansion aimed to cater to the growing consumer demand for healthier and more natural food options.
• In March 2024, General Mills and Danone signed a strategic partnership to co-manufacture and distribute new yogurt and dried fruit snack products under both companies' brands. This collaboration was aimed at expanding their product offerings and increasing their market reach (General Mills press release).
• In May 2024, Sun-Maid Raisin Company, a major player in the dried fruit segment, completed the acquisition of Dole Food Company's dried fruit business. This acquisition enabled Sun-Maid to strengthen its position in the market and expand its product portfolio (Sun-Maid Raisin Company press release).
• In April 2025, the European Union approved the use of irradiation technology for the treatment of dried fruits and vegetables. This approval is expected to increase the shelf life and safety of these products, benefiting both producers and consumers in the European market (European Commission press release).

Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Dried Food Market insights. See full methodology.

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Research Analyst Overview

• In the dynamic and evolving world of dried food production, various techniques such as microwave drying, air drying, and spray drying continue to shape the industry's landscape. These processes, including osmotic dehydration and heat transfer methods like oven and freeze drying, play a crucial role in extending shelf life and preserving nutritional value. The chemical composition of dried foods undergoes significant changes during the dehydration process. For instance, moisture content reduction is a critical factor influencing food safety and product quality. Water activity, a measure of available water for microbial growth, is a key indicator of shelf life. Process optimization, including mass transfer and temperature control, is essential for efficient energy usage and maintaining desired rehydration properties.
• Osmotic dehydration, an alternative to traditional heat-based drying methods, reduces moisture content through the use of a hypertonic solution. This process not only extends shelf life but also enhances product texture and sensory attributes. Heat transfer methods, like vacuum drying and freeze drying, offer advantages in terms of energy efficiency and microbial safety. Process validation and quality control are integral aspects of dried food production. Oxygen scavengers and modified atmosphere packaging help maintain product quality by controlling storage conditions and minimizing oxidation. Humidity control and temperature management are essential for preserving the nutritional value and sensory attributes of dried foods.
• Food safety regulations play a significant role in the market. Stringent quality control measures, including texture analysis and microbial inactivation techniques, ensure the production of safe and high-quality dried food products. The ongoing research and development in drying technologies continue to drive innovation and improvements in the dried food industry.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Dried Food Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Dried Food Market between 2025 and 2029?

  • USD 8.11 billion, at a CAGR of 6.9%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report segmented by Product (Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, and Poultry and seafood), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets and hypermarkets, Convenience stores, and Online), Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa), and Product Type (Spray-dried, Freeze-dried, Vacuum-dried, Sun-dried, Other, Spray-dried, Freeze-dried, Vacuum-dried, Sun-dried, and Other)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Health benefits of dried food products, Increasing product recalls for dried food products

• Who are the major players in the Dried Food Market?

  • Key Companies Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., B and G Foods Inc., Campbell Soup Co., Carnivore Meat Co. LLC, Create A Pack Inc., Crispy Green Inc., European Freeze Dry, Flex Foods Ltd., General Mills Inc., Harmony House Foods Inc., ITC Ltd., Mondelez International Inc., Saraf Foods Pvt. Ltd., Sunsweet Growers Inc., The Kraft Heinz Co., Thrive Foods, Tong Garden Co. Ltd., Unilever PLC, and Van Drunen Farms.

Market Research Insights

• The market encompasses a diverse range of products, each requiring unique approaches to ensure optimal quality attributes. Two critical aspects of dried food production are flavor stability and storage stability. Flavor stability is influenced by various factors, including water adsorption and desorption isotherms, rehydration kinetics, and equilibrium moisture content. For instance, a food product with a low equilibrium moisture content may exhibit better flavor stability compared to one with a higher moisture content. Process modeling and simulation play essential roles in understanding the complex relationships between these factors and optimizing drying technology. For example, a study comparing two drying methods found that convection drying resulted in a 10% lower mass loss and 5% better flavor stability compared to sun drying.
• However, protein denaturation, enzyme activity, oxidation reactions, and microbial growth are significant challenges to maintaining quality preservation during the drying process. Effective packaging design, nutrient retention, color stability, and sensory perception are also crucial considerations for consumer acceptance. Ultimately, continuous advancements in drying technology and process modeling are vital to addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term success of the market.

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