Increasing Demand for Frozen Meat to Augment the Frozen Meat Market Growth

 

Frozen meat is processed from freshly slaughtered animals or poultry. The meat is preserved by rapid freezing (freezing stops bacterial growth) to colder than -18° C and then stored and distributed in this frozen form. Frozen meat is preserved by rapid freezing for longer periods ranging from 6 months to a year, with good condition, quality, and wholesomeness, depending on the type of meat. However, frozen meat should usually be thawed before cooking or further processing. Consumers find frozen meats economical, convenient, and attractive as a center of meal planning. Frozen meat is not only more hygienic but also healthier.

Frozen meat offers many advantages such as food safety, longer shelf life, etc., which is expected to propel the market growth. Furthermore, frozen meat products are easy to cook and help reduce food waste. Rapid freezing inhibits bacterial growth, the main cause of food poisoning. The freshness, taste, and texture of frozen meat products are maintained due to rapid freezing. Moreover, rapid freezing maintains freshness and nutritional value even if there is little water present as it transforms those water particles into ice crystals. These factors are expected to boost the demand for frozen meat, which may lead to market growth.

 

According to the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), the resurgent demand for frozen food is attributed to both first-time buyers and returning buyers. About 86% of consumers in the United States prefer frozen food despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the pandemic has increased the demand for frozen foods and the AFFI states that this growth will continue even after the crisis. Distribution channels of frozen meat include convenience stores, specialty stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, departmental stores, online (e-commerce), and others. However, high tariffs imposed on imported meat products is expected to impede the growth of the market.

For instance, in 2017, Japan announced raised tariffs on beef imports from the United States. In terms of geography, the frozen meat market is divided into six regions, such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. Increasing urbanization in the Asia Pacific and Latin America has increased consumption of packaged food products, such as frozen meat. Moreover, manufacturers find large-scale opportunities in Middle East countries, China, and India. Thus, key players are emphasizing on expanding the distribution channel in the untapped market, as well as adopting various growth strategies such as business expansions and mergers & acquisitions, to meet the increasing demand for frozen meat.