Report Overview

Growing need for prepared meals, bettering lifestyles, changing eating habits, and enormous demand for frozen food, because of the busy lifestyle of working women are expected to provide opportunities for the steady growth of South Africa Frozen Food Market during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.

South Africa Frozen Food Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2029

South Africa frozen food market size was estimated at USD 251.71 million in 2022. During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, South Africa Frozen food market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.17% reaching a value of USD 312.74 million by 2029. Major factors driving the growth of the market include consumers' growing preference for frozen food items due to the adoption of products with longer shelf lives, the enormous demand for ready-to-eat foods due to consumers' limited time for cooking fresh meals, and other factors. Also, a major factor in the expansion of the South Africa frozen food market is the rising use of frozen food in industry giants, such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, McDonald's, as well as by restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and resorts. Furthermore, the growing popularity of gluten-free, grain-free, protein-rich diets owing to the increasing health consciousness across the country propels the growth of South Africa frozen food market.

South Africa Frozen Food Market - Overview

Frozen food is a type of food product that is associated with rapid freezing by storing at low temperatures for an extended period until it is used. Preservatives are added to frozen foods to extend their shelf life. Frozen food contains a high concentration of nutrients, saves time and has a long shelf life, helps to prevent the spread of bacteria, and is useful in the home and restaurant to make cooking processes more efficient. Ice cream, chips, frozen vegetables, fruit, plain chicken, sausages, pizza, burgers, sweet corn, Desserts, bread, ready meals, and frozen snacks are examples of common frozen foods.

Growth Drivers

Rapid Urbanization and Investments in Smart Cities

Urbanization has increased significantly over the years. Because of the increased consumption of packaged or processed goods, urbanization is directly related to waste generation. Urbanization has a greater impact in developing countries than in developed countries. Due to a lack of awareness and the necessary infrastructure, a significant portion of waste is openly dumped in developing regions. National market expansion is also being aided by growing customer demand in frozen meat and seafood, frozen dairy products or snacks, and chilled soups and sausages.

Restraints

Increasing Popularity of Fresh and Natural Foods

Frozen food is viewed as a secondary substitute for fresh food by some consumers, which is the market's main constraint. Some consumers believe that food edible is stored or processed a year or more before consumption loses its nutritional value. However, according to the US Food Administration (FDA) and the International Food Information Council (IFIC), 'frozen food can be as nutritious as fresh and natural food. Because frozen food is kept at a low temperature, essential nutrients are not lost’. Furthermore, some consumers are more concerned with the freshness of the product and prefer fresh and natural fruit and vegetables, which is anticipated to limit the growth of frozen food market in South Africa.

Impact of COVID-19 on South Africa Frozen Food Market

Unexpected COVID-19 pandemic had both beneficial and adverse effects on the South Africa frozen food market's expansion. Sales initially fell as a result of numerous productions being stopped during the total lockdown, as well as a severe lack of raw materials and a stop to processing and distribution activities. However, the demand for frozen food climbed steadily as the COVID-19 virus spread due to its longer shelf life than fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat as well as its ability to retain nutrition. As a result of the lockdown restrictions, people are unable to leave their homes to access the marketplaces. South Africa frozen food market grew as a result of this pandemic's increased demand for frozen foods.

South Africa Frozen Food Market

Segmental Coverage

South Africa Frozen Food Market - By Product

Based on product, South Africa frozen food market is divided into Fruits & Vegetables, Potatoes, Ready Meals, Meat, Fish/Seafood, and other segments. The ready meals segment dominates the market. In terms of product, the ready meals segment is expected to account for the highest share of the frozen food market. This segment's high market share is attributed to changes in consumers' lifestyles as a result of the fast-paced work environment, particularly among the working-class population, and the growing preference for ready-frozen meals due to their convenience. Also, the rising popularity of ready meals among the younger generation and adolescent population, as well as their easy availability at various convenience stores and supermarkets, contribute to this segment's high market share.

South Africa Frozen Food Market - By Sales Channel

Based on sales channel, South Africa frozen food market is divided into Offline and Online segments. The offline segment is estimated to account for a higher market share. Convenience stores and hypermarkets have the infrastructure that includes freezing and temperature-controlled facilities, which is driving the growth of this segment as a distribution channel for frozen products.

Competitive Landscape

Competition in South Africa frozen food market is intense. Major competitors in the market include Unilever PLC, Nestlé S.A., General Mills, Inc, Nomad Foods Ltd., Tyson Foods Inc., and Conagra Brands Inc. The key strategies used by these market leaders are new product launches, mergers & acquisitions, and alliances. To grow their market share, these companies are also focusing on investing in innovations, collaborations, and expansions.

Recent Developments

• In November 2018 - Nestle launched Wildscape, a range of healthy frozen meals in reusable and recyclable containers. Wildscape meals include six different varieties, such as the gochujang cauliflower with Brussel sprouts, quinoa, chickpeas, pickled onions, riced cauliflower, and cashews.

Scope of the Report

By Product

• • Fruits & Vegetables

  • Potatoes

  • Ready Meals

  • Meat

  • Fish/Seafood

  • Others

By Distribution Channel

• • Offline

  • Online