Vietnam Frozen Food Market, By Product Type (Frozen Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Frozen Snacks, Frozen Fruits & Vegetables, Others), By Sales Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Departmental Stores, Specialty Stores, Online, Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Vietnam Frozen Food Market was valued at USD 2.04 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow USD 3.18 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.74% during forecast period. The Vietnam frozen food market is experiencing significant growth, driven by urbanization, changing lifestyles, and rising disposable incomes. Consumers are increasingly seeking convenient, ready-to-eat meals that align with their busy schedules. Product offerings have diversified, encompassing frozen fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, snacks, and ready-to-cook meals, catering to a broad range of tastes and preferences. Advancements in cold chain infrastructure and distribution technologies have enhanced product quality and shelf life, facilitating wider accessibility.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Urbanization

Urbanization is one of the primary drivers of the growth in Vietnam's frozen food market. Over the past few decades, Vietnam has experienced rapid urban development, with an increasing number of people moving to cities for better employment opportunities and improved living standards. The rise in urban populations has led to a greater demand for convenient food options that cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of city dwellers.

In cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, urban residents often have limited time for meal preparation due to busy work schedules. Frozen foods, offering ready-to-eat meals or easily prepared options, align well with the needs of this urban population. Frozen meals provide a quick solution to hunger, without the need for extensive cooking or preparation. Additionally, as more people live in apartment complexes or have smaller kitchens, the convenience of frozen food options that require minimal space or preparation time has made them a popular choice.

Changing Consumer Lifestyles

Changing consumer lifestyles are another key driver of the frozen food market in Vietnam. As the country experiences rapid economic growth, consumers are becoming more health-conscious and focused on convenience, which has a direct impact on their food choices. There is a shift away from traditional home-cooked meals to pre-packaged, ready-to-eat, or easy-to-cook meals that require less time and effort in preparation.

Busy working professionals, students, and families with dual-income households are especially inclined to purchase frozen foods. These consumers are looking for solutions that fit their busy lifestyles without compromising on the quality and taste of food. Frozen foods provide them with options to enjoy a variety of meals quickly, without having to spend long hours in the kitchen.

Advancements in Cold Chain Infrastructure

The growth of the Vietnam frozen food market is closely linked to advancements in cold chain infrastructure, which has significantly improved the availability, quality, and safety of frozen food products. The cold chain is a critical component of the frozen food industry as it ensures that food products remain at the correct temperature throughout the supply chain, from production to distribution and storage.

Vietnam's cold chain logistics have seen significant improvements in recent years, with investments in modern storage facilities, transportation systems, and advanced refrigeration technology. These advancements have helped reduce spoilage and waste, allowing consumers to enjoy high-quality frozen food products. As a result, frozen food companies can now offer a wider range of products with longer shelf lives, which is especially important for products like seafood and meats that are highly perishable.

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Key Market Challenges

Perception of Frozen Food Quality

Another challenge the frozen food market faces in Vietnam is the perception of frozen food quality among consumers. Although the popularity of frozen foods is growing, many consumers still associate frozen products with lower quality compared to fresh, locally sourced food. This perception is rooted in traditional Vietnamese food culture, where fresh ingredients are highly valued, and frozen food has historically been considered less desirable.

For consumers who prioritize freshness, there may be concerns regarding the nutritional content, taste, and texture of frozen food. This is particularly true for perishable items like fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat, which are often seen as losing their freshness and flavor after freezing. Additionally, the historical association of frozen food with cheaper, low-quality products can discourage some consumers from making the switch to frozen alternatives, especially in urban areas where fresh food markets are abundant.

Regulatory Hurdles and Import Challenges

Regulatory barriers are another challenge for the frozen food market in Vietnam. The country's food safety regulations and import requirements can be complex and difficult to navigate for both domestic producers and international suppliers. These regulations cover a wide range of factors, including food safety standards, labeling requirements, and import tariffs.

For frozen food producers and distributors that rely on imported goods, compliance with customs and import regulations can be time-consuming and costly. Importers often face delays due to paperwork issues, complex tariffs, and the risk of non-compliance with local food safety standards. These hurdles can increase the cost of imported frozen food products, making them less competitive compared to locally produced alternatives. Additionally, strict food safety regulations related to the handling, packaging, and labeling of frozen food products can impose additional operational costs.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Demand for Convenience Foods

As urbanization continues to rise in Vietnam, there has been a marked shift toward convenience foods, with busy consumers seeking quicker meal options that do not compromise on quality. This trend is particularly strong in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, where the fast-paced lifestyle of professionals, students, and dual-income families has driven the demand for easy-to-prepare food options. Consumers in these urban centers are increasingly turning to frozen foods for their convenience, as they require minimal preparation time and can be stored for longer periods.

Frozen ready-to-eat meals, frozen vegetables, frozen meats, and other pre-packaged products are growing in popularity, as they offer an easy solution for busy individuals looking for quick and satisfying meals. Additionally, the growing popularity of international cuisines in Vietnam has fueled demand for frozen versions of dishes such as pizzas, pastas, and ready-to-cook meals from Western countries. As more consumers seek time-saving options, companies that can offer a variety of high-quality frozen convenience foods are well-positioned to succeed in the market.

Rising Health Consciousness and Demand for Nutritious Frozen Foods

With rising disposable incomes and increased awareness of health and wellness, many Vietnamese consumers are becoming more health-conscious and seeking healthier food options. This trend is significantly influencing the frozen food market, with a shift toward nutritious, low-calorie, and preservative-free frozen products. As consumers become more aware of the long-term health effects of unhealthy eating habits, there is growing demand for frozen foods that are not only convenient but also align with healthier lifestyles.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are a prime example of this trend, as they are perceived to offer the same nutritional benefits as fresh produce but with the added advantage of a longer shelf life. Additionally, frozen seafood, lean meats, and plant-based frozen food options are becoming increasingly popular, as they cater to the growing interest in protein-rich, nutrient-dense diets. Many consumers are also looking for frozen products that are free from artificial additives and preservatives, contributing to the demand for clean-label frozen food products.

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

Frozen meat, poultry, and seafood constitute the dominant segment in Vietnam's frozen food market, primarily due to the country's high meat consumption and limited vegetarian population. With only about 10% of the Vietnamese population regularly consuming vegetarian meals, the demand for animal-based protein remains robust. This preference is reflected in the market, where frozen meat, poultry, and seafood products hold the largest share. The convenience, extended shelf life, and consistent quality of these frozen products cater to the needs of busy urban consumers and the growing middle class. Additionally, advancements in cold chain logistics and increased availability through modern retail channels have further propelled the popularity of frozen meat, poultry, and seafood in Vietnam.

Sales Channel Insights

Departmental stores play a significant role in Vietnam's frozen food market, serving as key retail outlets that offer a variety of frozen products to consumers. These stores provide convenient access to frozen meats, seafood, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals, catering to the needs of busy urban populations seeking quick and reliable food options. The structured layout and consistent availability of products in departmental stores enhance the shopping experience, encouraging consumers to incorporate frozen foods into their regular grocery purchases. As Vietnam's urbanization continues and consumer lifestyles evolve, departmental stores are well-positioned to maintain their importance in the distribution of frozen food products.

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Regional Insights

Northern Vietnam is the dominating segment in the Vietnam frozen food market, driven by its large urban population and growing demand for convenience. Major cities like Hanoi contribute significantly to the consumption of frozen foods, as busy lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes drive demand for ready-to-eat meals, frozen meats, and seafood. Additionally, Northern Vietnam has a well-developed retail infrastructure, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, making frozen food products widely accessible. The region’s higher purchasing power and evolving consumer preferences toward modern food options further strengthen its dominance in the market, setting the stage for continued growth in frozen food consumption.

Recent Developments

• In Sep 2024, Japan’s Nisshin Seifun Welna has entered Vietnam’s ready-made food market, launching locally tailored sauces and premix products. Utilizing its two Vietnamese facilities and Japanese culinary expertise, the company aims to meet domestic demand for convenient cooking solutions.

• In May 2024, Vedan Vietnam launched a new line of frozen food products, aiming to bring global delicacies to Vietnamese consumers. The offerings include dishes like Sichuan Sauerkraut Fish, made from local Pangasius fillet and Vietnamese rice noodles, as well as Golden Fish Balls and Taiwanese Moon Cuttle Shrimp Cakes.

• In Jan 2025, Seafrigo, a global player in temperature-controlled food logistics, has inaugurated its first office in Vietnam, located in Ho Chi Minh City. This strategic expansion aims to capitalize on Vietnam's robust economic growth and its burgeoning food export sector.

Key Market Players

• CP Vietnam Livestock Joint Stock Company
• Sao Ta Foods Joint Stock Company
• Vinh Hoan Corporation
• GreenFeed Vietnam Corp
• Cao Phat Food Trading and Service Company Limited
• Kido Foods Joint Stock Company
• Viet Asia Foods Company Limited
• L&H Food Co., LTD.
• San Ha Co., Ltd.
• Minh Phu Seafood Corp

Report Scope:

In this report, the Vietnam Frozen Food Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Vietnam Frozen Food Market, By Product Type:

o   Frozen Meat, Poultry & Seafood

o   Frozen Snacks

o   Frozen Fruits & Vegetables

o   Others

• Vietnam Frozen Food Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

o   Departmental Stores

o   Specialty Stores

o   Online

o   Others

• Vietnam Frozen Food Market, By Region:

o   Northern Vietnam

o   Southern Vietnam

o   Central Vietnam

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Vietnam Frozen Food Market.

Available Customizations:

Vietnam Frozen Food Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci 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).