Individual quick freezing (IQF) is a technology of freezing goods and foods. Unlike other freezing processes, this method freezes the product as individual pieces. This process facilitates better results and is easy when compared to other conventional methods. It forms small crystals to maintain fish quality within the product even after the extended shelf life.
The proliferation of food retail chains by several multinational companies is one of the major factors escalating the growth of the global individual quick freezing (IQF) market vigorously. However, the significant increase in demand can be attributed to the imperishable quality and extended shelf life of frozen food items. Additionally, the transforming lifestyle of people all across the globe along with the significant spike in the consumption of packaged food products are some other key factors complementing the growth of the market in the forthcoming years. Also, the easy availability of non-seasonal food products is projected to offer thrust to the frozen foods.
Besides easy availability, the growing purchasing power of the people along with the willingness to pay a higher price for the non-seasonal vegetables and fruits is likely to vigorously escalate the growth of the market globally during the forecast period. Moreover, technological advancements have innovated several advanced ways to overcome the underlying challenges in the freezing process. Manufacturers are also increasing their funding to boost research and development activities to develop ways to satisfy the growing demand from consumers. The growing initiatives of the government to lower the post-harvest and processed food wastage are likely to create many lucrative growth opportunities and also discover the untapped potential of the global market in the forthcoming year. To cite, the red tart cherries are an IQF fruit that is highly preferred in the US due to its sour-sweet taste. Nowadays, manufacturers are focusing on red tart cherries to generate demand and revenue for their companies.
The global individual quick freezing (IQF) market can be segmented into technology, product, processing stage, product, and region.
By technology, the market can be segmented into cryogenic and mechanical individual quick freezing methods.
By product, the market can be segmented into box freezer, tunnel freezer, spiral freezer, and others.
By the processing stage, the market can be segmented into free freezing packaging and freezing.
By product, the market can be segmented into vegetables and fruits.
North America accounts for the largest share in the global individual quick freezing (IQF) market due to the wide adoption of individual quick freezing technology to extend the shelf life of packaged foods. Also, the growing demand for non-seasonal and ready-to-eat food will further augment the growth of the regional market in the forthcoming years.
Some of the significant players in the global individual quick freezing (IQF) market are Starfrost, Scanico A/S, PATKOL Plc., Octofrost Group, Messer Group GmbH, Marel, Linde AG, JBT Corporation, GEA Group AG, Cryogenic Systems Equipment, Air Products And Chemicals, Inc., and Air Liquide SA.