Air-Dried Food Market Analysis North America, APAC, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, Germany, Japan, UK - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Air-Dried Food Market Size 2024-2028 

The air-dried food market size is forecast to increase by USD 53.3 billion at a CAGR of 8.08% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. Consumers' increasing focus on health and wellness is driving demand for dehydrated foods, as they often contain fewer calories and preserve nutrients better than fresh alternatives. Moreover, the convenience of air-dried foods, particularly in the form of healthy snacks, is resonating with busy consumers. However, the high cost of production, primarily due to the reliance on microorganisms for natural dehydration, poses a challenge for market growth. Innovations in packaging materials and technologies, such as vacuum-sealed bags and modified atmosphere packaging, are helping to mitigate these costs and extend shelf life. The online retail sector is also playing a role in expanding the market reach of air-dried foods, particularly in the coffee bean segment, where spray drying technique is widely used to produce instant coffee powders. Additionally, the trend towards healthy and low calorie food options is expected to continue, further boosting demand for air-dried foods. Freeze drying, another advanced dehydration technique, is gaining popularity for its ability to preserve the texture and flavor of food better than traditional air-drying methods. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth, with opportunities in both traditional and emerging markets.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Air drying is a traditional food preservation technique that involves removing moisture from foods using hot air. This process is widely used in various food industries, including fruits, vegetables, coffee businesses, herbs, meat, and baked goods. By reducing the moisture content, air drying helps increase the shelf life of these products and enhances their flavor. The air drying process works by exposing the food to hot air, which causes water to evaporate. This technique is particularly useful for fruits and vegetables, as it helps preserve their nutritional value and natural taste.

Further, for coffee beans and herbs, air drying is used to develop their unique flavors and aromas. One of the primary benefits of air drying is its ability to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. By reducing the moisture content, bacteria and mold growth is inhibited, ensuring that the food remains fresh for an extended period. This is especially important for businesses dealing in wholesale quantities, as it helps minimize waste and reduce costs. However, air drying also presents certain challenges. Cross-contamination is a significant concern, as the process involves handling raw food products. Proper sanitation and hygiene practices are essential to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.

Additionally, the process requires careful monitoring to prevent over-drying, which can negatively impact the food's texture and flavor. Air drying is also used in the production of powder and granules, such as instant coffee powders and low calorie food. The spray drying technique is commonly used for these applications, which involves spraying a thin layer of the product into hot air. This results in a fine powder or granule that can be easily reconstituted or consumed as-is. The air drying process is also gaining popularity in the convenience food and healthy snacks market. With consumers increasingly seeking out natural, unprocessed foods, air drying provides a viable solution for preserving the nutritional value and natural taste of fruits, vegetables, and other perishable foods.

In conclusion, air drying is an essential process in the food industry, particularly for preserving perishable foods and enhancing their flavor. While it presents certain challenges, the benefits of extended shelf life and improved taste make it a valuable technique for businesses dealing in fruits and vegetables, coffee beans, herbs, meat, baked goods, and other food products. Proper sanitation and monitoring practices are essential to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of the final product.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Type
  • Freeze dried food
  • Hot air-dried food
• Product
  • Coffee beans
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Herbs
  • Meat
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
  • APAC
    • China
    • Japan
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

By Type Insights

The freeze dried food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Air-dried food, specifically freeze-dried food, is a preservation method that eliminates moisture from the food through a gentle drying process. This technique retains the food's color, nutritional value, and original texture, making it an attractive choice for health-conscious consumers. The absence of preservatives in air-dried food is a significant health benefit, as it avoids the intake of artificial additives found in artificially preserved food. Freeze-dried food's manufacturing process ensures a well-balanced diet, as it maintains the nutrients and flavor of the original food. Its long shelf life makes it an ideal option for consumers seeking convenient, quick-to-prepare meals for outdoor activities or emergency situations.

Additionally, organic food suppliers increasingly offer freeze-dried food, catering to the growing demand for natural and healthy food alternatives. The popularity of activities like hiking, camping, and backpacking has fueled the growth of the freeze-dried food market. Its lightweight and portable nature makes it a practical choice for consumers who require nutritious meals on-the-go. By choosing freeze-dried food, consumers can maintain a balanced diet while addressing nutritional deficits that may arise from limited food options during outdoor adventures.

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The freeze dried food segment was valued at USD 64.10 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

APAC is estimated to contribute 37% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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In North America, the market is experiencing notable growth due to increasing consumer preferences for natural, nutritious, and convenient food options. The advanced food processing industry in the United States and Canada, coupled with technological advancements, is driving market expansion. Health-conscious consumers are gravitating towards air-dried foods, such as natural cheeses like Cheddar, specialty cheeses, and organic options, for their nutrient preservation and extended shelf life. The trend towards ready-to-eat meals and snacking, fueled by busy lifestyles, is also contributing to the demand for air-dried fruits, vegetables, and meat products. The well-developed retail network, including supermarkets and e-commerce platforms, ensures easy accessibility and availability of these products. Market players continue to innovate and implement strong marketing strategies, further boosting growth in the sector.

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Market Driver

Growing health consciousness among consumers is the key driver of the market. Air-dried fruits and vegetables have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers in the United States due to their perceived nutritional advantages. Consumers prioritize nutrient-dense foods to support their overall health and well-being. Compared to processed foods like fried or baked goods, air-dried foods retain a higher proportion of their original nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The air-drying process is less invasive than other preservation methods, such as deep frying or canning. This technique uses low heat and circulating air to remove moisture from food items, preserving their nutritional value.

Furthermore, freeze-dried and air-dried fruits and vegetables are increasingly used in various industries, including baby food production. These foods offer convenience and extended shelf life without compromising their nutritional value. As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for air-dried fruits and vegetables is expected to grow. In conclusion, air-dried fruits and vegetables are a nutritious choice for health-conscious consumers in the United States. The gentle drying process helps preserve their nutritional value, making them an attractive option for those seeking nutrient-dense foods. Advanced techniques used by leading companies ensure optimal preservation of enzymes and nutrients, contributing to the growing demand for these products in various industries.

Market Trends

Increasing demand for convenience foods is the upcoming trend in the market. The market caters to the increasing demand for convenient meal solutions among consumers in the US. Factors such as hectic schedules, urbanization, and a preference for on-the-go and ready-to-eat options have fueled this trend.

Also, air-dried foods offer a practical alternative, providing quick and easy meal options without sacrificing quality or nutritional value. These products typically require minimal preparation, such as rehydrating with water or adding them to hot dishes. This simplicity resonates with consumers seeking to save time in their busy lives.

Market Challenge

The high cost of production of air-dried food is a key challenge affecting the market growth. Air-dried food production entails utilizing specific equipment and infrastructure, which can involve considerable upfront investments for new or smaller market entrants. The energy consumption needed for air-drying, particularly in large-scale production, can be substantial, leading to considerable energy expenses. These costs, in turn, impact profitability and may deter some companies from expanding their production capacity. To ensure consistent product quality, regular monitoring and quality control measures are necessary. This may involve additional labor costs and potential investments in advanced technology, such as sensors and monitoring systems.

In the US market, air-dried food production caters to various sectors, including convenience foods, healthy snacks, and low-calorie options. The coffee bean segment, for instance, employs dehydration techniques like spray drying to produce instant coffee powders. Alternatively, freeze-drying is another dehydration method used for preserving food while retaining its original texture and taste. In the online retail sector, the convenience and extended shelf life of air-dried foods have gained popularity, making it an attractive market for businesses. 

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Aarkay Food Products Ltd: The company offers products such as Spray Dried Fruit Powder.

The market research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Absolute Pets
• BARF India
• Canine India
• Flex Foods Ltd.
• Garon Dehydrates Pvt Ltd.
• HUKI
• Naturz Organics
• New Food
• NONGSHIM AMERICA INC.
• Redbarn Pet Products LLC
• ROHA Dyechem Pvt. Ltd.
• Royal Nut Co.
• Royal Ridge Fruits
• Staughton Group
• The Real Meat Co.
• Van Drunen Farms
• Vinayak Ingredients Pvt. Ltd.
• Wild Zora Foods LLC 
• Xinghua Lianfu Food Co. Ltd 

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Research Analyst Overview

Air-drying is a traditional food preservation method that involves removing moisture from foods using hot air or natural evaporation. This process extends the shelf life of foods by preventing bacterial growth and cross-contamination. The absence of preservatives in air-dried foods makes them an attractive option for health-conscious consumers seeking well-balanced diets free from nutritional deficits. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, coffee beans, herbs, meat, and even pet food undergo air-drying processes to preserve their nutritional value, color, texture, and flavor. The manufacturing process ensures that these foods remain light, nutritious, and convenient for preparation in various sectors, including the domestic sector, breakfast cereals, snacks, desserts, and pet food.

In summary, the air-drying process also applies to ready-to-eat meals, milk powders, spices, and fruit and vegetable chunks and flakes. Advanced techniques like freeze drying and spray drying are employed to create instant coffee powders, specialty cheeses, and baby food. The convenience food industry, online platforms, and convenience stores cater to the growing customer demand for healthy snacks, low calorie food, and long shelf life products. Despite the health benefits of air-dried foods, concerns regarding bacteria and mold growth, as well as the use of artificial preservatives, persist. Organic food suppliers and culinary farms employ natural techniques like enzymes and freeze drying to ensure the highest quality and safety standards. The organic trend continues to influence the market, with a focus on natural cheese, cheddar, and specialty cheeses.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research and Growth Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market  and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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