Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Pre-Processing Equipment, Washing & Dewatering, Peeling/Inspection/Slicing, Others), By Operation Type (Automatic, Semi-Automatic), By Product Type (Fresh, Fresh-Cut, Canned, Frozen, Others) By Region, By Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market, valued at USD 65.34 Billion in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 3.88% to reach USD 82.12 Billion by 2030. The Global Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market encompasses the industrial conversion of raw fruits and vegetables into forms such as canned, frozen, dried, puréed, or juiced products, thereby extending shelf life and enhancing utility. Key drivers supporting market growth include increasing consumer demand for convenient and shelf-stable food options, rising health and wellness awareness promoting processed fruit and vegetable ingredients, and the expanding global food service sector. According to the World Processing Tomato Council, the global tomato processing volume is projected to reach 47.45 million tons in 2024, representing a 7% increase from 44.42 million tons in 2023.

This growth also benefits from continuous technological advancements in processing and preservation techniques. However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the inherent volatility in raw material supply and pricing, often stemming from unpredictable climate patterns and agricultural output fluctuations.

Key Market Drivers

The global fruit and vegetable processing market is significantly influenced by the escalating demand for convenience and ready-to-eat food products. Modern consumer lifestyles, characterized by increased urbanization and demanding schedules, necessitate readily available meal solutions that require minimal preparation. This preference for convenience drives innovation in product forms such as pre-cut, frozen, and ready-to-heat options. For instance, according to Food Processing Magazine, in November 2024, Nestlé USA announced a $150 million investment to expand its Gaffney, South Carolina, plant, specifically adding a new production line for single-serve frozen meals. Such investments demonstrate a direct response to the market's trajectory towards convenient and less labor-intensive food items.

Complementing this trend are continuous technological advancements in processing and preservation. Innovations in areas like aseptic packaging, high-pressure processing, and advanced freezing methods extend product shelf life, maintain nutritional integrity, and ensure food safety without compromising sensory attributes. These technological improvements are crucial for meeting both consumer expectations for quality and stringent regulatory standards. The Nestlé USA plant expansion, for example, also includes significant upgrades to automation and digital technology, directly enhancing its processing capabilities for efficiency and consistency. The overall market activity reflects a broad increase in raw material availability, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reporting that world fruit and vegetable production reached 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023, representing a 1 percent increase from 2022. These interwoven factors propel the market by creating diverse, high-quality processed offerings that cater to contemporary consumer needs.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

A significant challenge impeding the growth of the Global Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market is the inherent volatility in raw material supply and pricing. This instability often stems from unpredictable climate patterns and agricultural output fluctuations, which directly impact the availability and cost of essential fruits and vegetables for industrial conversion. Such environmental and agricultural unpredictability makes it difficult for processors to forecast raw material procurement, leading to inefficiencies in production planning and inventory management.

This volatility directly hampers market expansion by increasing operational costs and introducing uncertainty into financial projections for processing companies. Processors face higher procurement expenses when raw material supplies are scarce due to adverse weather or crop failures. According to ProducePay's 2024 Fresh Produce Industry Volatility Report, fresh produce pricing experienced a 70% annualized volatility in 2023. This substantial fluctuation in input costs can erode profit margins for manufacturers of processed fruit and vegetable products, making it challenging to maintain stable pricing for consumers or invest in expansion. Consequently, the unpredictable nature of raw material markets limits the overall growth potential within the processing sector.

Key Market Trends

The global fruit and vegetable processing market is significantly impacted by the rising demand for clean label and transparent product offerings. Consumers increasingly seek products with recognizable ingredients and clear sourcing, influencing both product formulation and regulatory actions. The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) noted in December 2024 that the 2023 California Food Safety Act, banning four specific food additives, inspired similar legislative attempts in nearly a dozen other states, demonstrating this trend's regulatory influence. Processors are responding; for instance, Dole Packaged Foods in March 2023 launched new products, committing to crafting items without processed sugars, directly addressing consumer desire for more transparent and health-conscious choices.

A critical trend driving sustainability in fruit and vegetable processing is the adoption of upcycling and waste valorization techniques. This involves transforming processing by-products into valuable new ingredients or products, reducing environmental impact and creating economic opportunities. According to Eurostat, in 2024, the manufacture of food products and beverages in the EU generated 11 million tons of food waste in 2022, accounting for 19% of total food waste. This considerable volume highlights the need for effective valorization. Companies are investing in repurposing residues; for example, Dole Packaged Foods in March 2023 introduced Dole Good Crunch™ dehydrated pineapple and banana bites, developed with sustainable methods aimed at decreasing food waste. These initiatives foster a circular economy within the sector.

Segmental Insights

Within the Global Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market, the Peeling/Inspection/Slicing segment is experiencing significant expansion, driven by evolving industry requirements and consumer demands. This growth is primarily fueled by the increasing global demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food products, which necessitates efficient and high-volume initial processing of fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, rising labor costs across various regions compel processors to adopt automated peeling, inspection, and slicing technologies, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labor. Stringent food safety regulations also contribute to this segment's acceleration, as automated systems minimize contamination risks and ensure consistent product quality, aligning with international hygiene standards. Technological advancements, including improved sensor technology and robotics, further propel this segment by offering enhanced precision and waste reduction.

Regional Insights

North America holds a dominant position in the Global Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market, driven by several key factors. The region exhibits a substantial demand for processed fruits and vegetables, fueled by evolving consumer lifestyles, an increasing preference for convenient meal solutions, and a high standard of living. This demand is effectively met by well-developed retail infrastructure and efficient supply chains across the United States and Canada. Furthermore, North American consumers demonstrate a strong awareness and preference for food safety, clean label products, and organic offerings, prompting manufacturers to adopt advanced processing technologies such as high-pressure processing to maintain quality and extend shelf life. The presence of a robust food processing industry, coupled with continuous technological advancements in preservation and packaging, further solidifies the region's market leadership.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, JBT and Marel, following their merger earlier in the year, showcased their combined technological portfolio at Pack Expo Las Vegas. This marked their first joint exhibition, emphasizing their collaboration to transform food processing. A key introduction was the new CIPure™ Cleaning System, an innovation in sanitation technology designed for efficient, digitally controlled cleaning of food processing equipment. The companies also highlighted the Fresh'n Squeeze Multi Fruit Juicer, which significantly increases juice yield from various citrus fruits. These introductions demonstrated advancements in processing efficiency, hygiene, and sustainable practices for the fruit and vegetable industry.

• In February 2025, Sormac B.V., a global leader in fresh produce processing technology, unveiled four significant innovations at Fruit Logistica 2025. Among these were the PepperCorer PCR, a fully automated robotic system engineered to revolutionize pepper processing by enhancing efficiency and hygiene, and the DC-145 cube cutter, offering precision cutting for various vegetables with high capacity. The company also introduced OptiView and OptiPro, two advanced imaging solutions aimed at further improving quality and streamlining operations in fresh produce facilities. These developments underscored Sormac's commitment to technological advancement.

• In August 2024, FAM STUMABO launched the SureTec 240, a new heavy-duty dicer for the fruit and vegetable processing sector, at Pack Expo. This machine is designed to efficiently dice a broad spectrum of produce, from softer fruits such as mangoes, apples, and strawberries to harder root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The SureTec 240 accepts large infeed products, minimizing the need for pre-cutting and ensuring high processing capacity. This introduction addresses the demand for advanced cutting solutions that maintain product quality and operational efficiency for frozen and fresh vegetable processors.

• In February 2024, FOOD freshly, a specialist in fresh produce preservation, introduced two innovative applications set to enhance the fresh-cut and processed produce industry. One application extended the use of antioxidants for freshly harvested lettuce, effectively preventing premature oxidation and reducing spoilage throughout the supply chain. Concurrently, a new food washing process was launched, designed to boost hygiene and preserve freshness without chemical disinfectants like chlorine. Additionally, FOOD freshly established a new distribution partnership with Murre Technologies in the Netherlands, aiming to improve customer support in the Dutch and Belgian markets.

Key Market Players

• Bosch Packaging Technology
• Buhler Group
• Campbell Soup Company
• H. J. Heinz Company
• JBT Corporation
• Krones AG
• Maxwell Chase Technologies LLC
• McCain Foods Ltd.
• Nestle S.A.
• Safeway Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market, By Type:

o   Pre-Processing Equipment

o   Washing & Dewatering

o   Peeling/Inspection/Slicing

o   Others

• Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market, By Operation Type:

o   Automatic

o   Semi-Automatic

• Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market, By Product Type:

o   Fresh

o   Fresh-Cut

o   Canned

o   Frozen

o   Others

• Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Fruit & Vegetable Processing Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]