The U.S. Frozen Fruits Market and its Role in Business Growth

 

U.S. Frozen Fruits Market Size, Share, and Growth Trends (2025–2032)

The frozen fruits industry in the United States is entering a dynamic growth phase as shifting consumer lifestyles, dietary preferences, and innovations in food preservation converge to create robust demand. According to recent projections, the U.S. frozen fruits market is set to rise from US$ 3,355.5 million in 2025 to US$ 4,627.9 million by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. This steady growth comes after the market recorded a historical CAGR of 3.2% between 2019 and 2024, highlighting how consumer trends are accelerating in favor of frozen fruit consumption.

From millennials shifting toward vegan diets to quick commerce platforms making frozen fruits more accessible, the market is rapidly evolving. This blog explores the size, share, key drivers, trends, regional performance, opportunities, and competitive landscape shaping the U.S. frozen fruits market between 2025 and 2032.

Market Overview at a Glance

  • U.S. Frozen Fruits Market (2025E): US$ 3,355.5 Mn
  • Projected Value (2032F): US$ 4,627.9 Mn
  • CAGR (2025–2032): 4.7%
  • Historical Growth (2019–2024): 3.2% CAGR

Key factors driving this momentum include:

  • Rising adoption of vegan and plant-based diets.
  • Increased demand for convenience foods among busy consumers.
  • The growing role of frozen fruits in beverages, baked goods, and desserts.
  • Expansion of organic and exotic frozen fruit varieties.
  • Technological advancements in freezing techniques, including isochoric freezing.

Key Regional Insights: Southeast U.S. Takes the Lead

The Southeast U.S. is expected to retain its leading position in the national market with a projected 28.5% share in 2024. This region benefits from:

  • An ideal climate for fruit cultivation, especially for strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and blackberries.
  • Strong production bases in states like Florida and Georgia, which are already major contributors to the fruit supply chain.
  • Access to advanced cold storage facilities, ensuring product quality is maintained during transit.
  • Proximity to export hubs like the Port of Miami and Port of Savannah, enhancing both domestic distribution and international trade.

With increasing investments in infrastructure and innovation in cold chain logistics, the Southeast U.S. is positioned to remain the powerhouse of the frozen fruits industry in the years ahead.

Market by Fruit Type: Berries and Grapes Dominate

Among all fruit categories, berries and grapes are expected to capture 53.7% of the U.S. frozen fruits market in 2024. This dominance is driven by:

  • Nutritional benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and dietary fiber, berries align well with consumer demand for functional foods that enhance immunity and overall wellness.
  • Convenience factor: Grapes, particularly seedless types, are widely used in smoothies, desserts, and snack packs, with freezing helping to preserve taste and texture.
  • Off-season consumption: Frozen preservation enables year-round availability of these fruits without compromising on quality.

As consumers increasingly pursue clean-label and natural products, the demand for frozen berries and grapes is expected to stay strong.

Market by End Use: Food & Beverage Industry Leads

The food and beverage industry is projected to remain the largest consumer of frozen fruits, accounting for 41.2% of the market in 2024. Frozen fruits are integral across multiple categories:

  • Smoothies & juices – rising popularity of fruit-based beverages.
  • Yogurts & dairy alternatives – catering to the plant-based movement.
  • Bakery and confectionery – consistent supply of fruits for muffins, pies, tarts, and cakes.

For manufacturers, frozen fruits reduce wastage, guarantee consistent quality, and ensure year-round availability, making them a cost-effective and reliable solution.

Market Trends Shaping the Future

1. Rising Popularity of Exotic and Specialty Fruits

Consumer interest in unique flavors and nutritional benefits has led to growing demand for exotic frozen fruits such as dragon fruit, passion fruit, and mangosteen. Brands like Frutifera USA are introducing frozen pulps of fruits like Lulo and passion fruit, catering to both individual consumers and culinary professionals.

2. Health-Conscious Consumption

The U.S. is witnessing a surge in organic and pesticide-free frozen fruit options. Retail sales of organic fruits and vegetables reached US$ 19.2 billion in 2023, with frozen fruits benefiting from this shift toward clean-label consumption.

3. Smoothie Pack Boom

Ready-to-blend smoothie packs are increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers. Featuring pre-portioned fruits such as berries, bananas, and mangoes, these products cater to busy lifestyles and support the rising culture of on-the-go nutrition.

4. Quick Commerce Revolution

The booming quick commerce sector is redefining grocery shopping in the U.S., making frozen fruits more accessible through instant delivery platforms. This convenience aligns with the fast-paced lifestyles of urban consumers.

Historical Growth and Outlook

Between 2019 and 2024, the U.S. frozen fruits market expanded at a CAGR of 3.2%, supported by:

  • The rise of smoothie culture.
  • Growth in at-home cooking, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Expanding adoption of plant-based diets.

The outlook for 2025–2032 suggests a more robust CAGR of 4.7%, fueled by ongoing product innovation, consumer preference for convenience, and growth in functional food segments.

Key Growth Drivers

  1. Rising Preference for Organic Options
    • Organic frozen blueberries, strawberries, and cranberries are becoming increasingly popular.
    • U.S. organic retail sales surpassed US$ 52 billion in 2023, with fruits and vegetables leading the category.
  2. Expansion in Bakery & Confectionery Applications
    • Frozen fruits help bakers maintain consistent flavor and quality.
    • Widely used in tarts, muffins, pies, and cheesecakes, these fruits provide year-round availability.
  3. Shift Toward Plant-Based Diets
    • Millennials and Gen Z are driving vegan and flexitarian trends, fueling demand for frozen fruit-based smoothies, snacks, and desserts.

Challenges and Restraints

  1. Added Sugar Concerns
    • Many frozen fruit products are sold as “sweetened,” increasing calorie and sugar content.
    • For instance, sweetened frozen blueberries may contain 45 grams of sugar per cup versus 13 grams in unsweetened versions.
  2. Nutrient Loss During Processing
    • Some loss of vitamin C and other nutrients occurs during freezing. Example: Frozen strawberries may contain 61 mg vitamin C per cup, compared to 84 mg in fresh strawberries.
  3. High Production and Energy Costs
    • Organic farming costs remain high due to labor-intensive methods and certification requirements.
    • Energy expenses for cold storage and transportation also strain profitability.

Market Opportunities

Isochoric Freezing: The Next Big Innovation

Isochoric freezing, developed by USDA and University of California researchers, prevents ice crystal formation, thus maintaining fruit texture, flavor, and nutrition better than traditional freezing. It also reduces energy consumption and could soon transform industry standards.

Rising Demand for Smoothie Packs

As consumers embrace convenient, healthy eating, demand for pre-portioned smoothie packs continues to rise. This segment offers brands an excellent opportunity to innovate and attract health-conscious customers.

Competitive Landscape

The U.S. frozen fruits market is highly competitive, with a mix of global players and specialized local companies. Major participants include:

  • Dole Plc
  • Ardo
  • Wyman’s of Maine
  • Kerry Group plc (Ravifruit)
  • AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG (Dirafrost)
  • Chiquita Group
  • Milne Fruit Products Inc.
  • Nature’s Touch
  • Meel Corporation
  • ShimlaHills

These companies are investing heavily in organic, exotic, and value-added frozen fruits to capture the evolving consumer base.

Recent Developments

  • Golden West Food Group & Hershey Co. (Nov 2023): Partnered to launch chocolate-covered frozen fruits for the mindful snacking segment.
  • Nature’s Touch (Oct 2023): Acquired frozen fruit operations from SunOpta Inc., strengthening its presence in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Conclusion

The U.S. frozen fruits market is poised for sustained growth over the next decade, fueled by a combination of convenience, health trends, technological innovations, and the rising popularity of organic and exotic fruits. While challenges such as added sugar content, nutrient loss, and high production costs persist, opportunities such as isochoric freezing, smoothie packs, and quick commerce distribution promise to reshape the industry landscape.

By 2032, the market is expected to reach nearly US$ 4.63 billion, with Southeast U.S. leading production, berries and grapes dominating product types, and the food & beverage sector remaining the largest consumer. Companies that adapt to evolving consumer needs, invest in innovative freezing methods, and expand their organic portfolios will be best positioned to capture growth in this thriving market.

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