Top 6 Frozen Food Companies in Europe | Market Leaders & Consumer Trends

The Europe frozen food market reached a value of about USD 65.24 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach around USD 85.99 Billion by 2034. As per the analysis by Expert Market Research, the market is expected to be driven by the growing consumer purchasing power.

Frozen foods, preserved at low temperatures for extended shelf life, encompass a variety of items like peas, chips, sausages, and pizza. Initially a preservation method in colder regions, they surged in popularity, notably in America post-World War II, coinciding with the rise of household refrigerators. As lifestyles became busier, the convenience of frozen foods grew in demand, leading to widespread adoption in the twenty-first century.

Germany, France, and the United Kingdom stand out as key players in the frozen food market in Europe. Germany and the UK have experienced substantial growth historically, while France is also embracing frozen foods as a dietary staple, fuelling industry expansion across Europe. Factors such as rising urban incomes, economic stability, and strong consumer purchasing power are driving this market growth.

The surge in demand for frozen foods across Europe is fuelled by several factors, including the rising preference for ready-to-eat meals, cost-effectiveness of these products, globalisation of culinary tastes, evolving cooking methods, favourable regulatory frameworks, innovative strategies adopted by industry players, and the increasingly busy lifestyles of consumers.

In August 2022, Yogurtland, a leading self-serve frozen yogurt brand, collaborated with SOUR PATCH KIDS® to introduce a new Watermelon Sorbet flavour. Available for a limited time at select locations, the sorbet combined the refreshing taste of watermelon with the beloved Sour Then Sweet® flavour of SOUR PATCH KIDS® candy. Perfect for enjoying during the waning days of summer or as an after-school treat, the new offering provided customers with a delightful way to savour the season's flavours. Additionally, customers could enhance their sorbet with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon candies for an extra burst of flavour.

Europe Frozen Food News: Innovation & Market Growth 2025

September 2024: The founders of Freda, a food-tech firm that specializes in premium frozen convenience food, Christian Mahler and Philipp Kraiss won a seven-figure seed investment just one year after the company's market launch. The Austrian family office Graphit NeoTaste led the round.

May 2024: Nestlé revealed intentions to introduce frozen foods aimed at people who use drugs for weight loss. The company has announced plans to introduce Vital Pursuit, a new frozen food brand targeted at the expanding demographic, in response to the rising number of consumers using the medications.

June 2023: Vegan Fish Fingers (Veggie Fish Stabchen), which come in 350-gram retail packets, are the latest addition to Frosta AG's plant-based frozen food line. The company aims to market traditional fish fingers made from actual fish components is aiming the rollout at the expanding number of flexitarian consumers.

May 2023: In the United Kingdom, the German-French multinational Dr. Oetker expanded its Ristorante menu to include a new pizza called the Vegan Pepperoni-Salame. The pizza, which is sold frozen, has a thin crust, the brand's famous passata, vegan pepperoni, and dairy-free mozzarella on top.

Top 6 Frozen Food Brands Europe: Ready Meals & Market Share

1. FRoSTA AG

FRoSTA AG stands out as a top producer of premium frozen food across Europe, employing over 1,600 individuals across eight countries. Embracing transparency and sustainability since 2003, all FRoSTA products boast 100% additive-free ingredients, sourced with care and processed using traditional methods. Their diverse portfolio includes frozen fish, vegetables, herbs, and ready meals, available in several European countries. Notably, FRoSTA leads the market in Germany and Poland, with plans for further expansion across Italy, Austria, and beyond. Committed to excellence, they prioritize customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality, innovative frozen food options.

2. McCain Foods Limited

McCain Foods, a global leader in prepared potato products, boasts a vast network spanning over 160 countries. With 53 production facilities, 95% located in rural areas, McCain prioritises quality, people, and customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, McCain emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and positive change. As a family-owned company with over 65 years of experience, McCain values its global team of 20,000+ employees. With annual revenues exceeding 14 billion Canadian dollars, McCain continues to innovate and invest in its people for long-term success.

3. Nestle

Nestle, the world's largest food and beverage company, is dedicated to unlocking the power of food to improve the quality of life for everyone. With a history dating back to 1866, Nestle serves with passion and excellence, providing products and services for all life stages. Rooted in values of respect, diversity, and a commitment to the future, Nestle's global presence spans almost every country. Headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, the company reported sales of CHF 84.3 billion in 2020, offering a comprehensive portfolio across various food and beverage categories.

4. Nomad Foods Europe Limited

Based in the UK, Nomad Foods is Europe's top frozen food company, with €2.9 billion in revenues and operations in 22 key markets. Established just eight years ago, Nomad Foods owns iconic brands like Birds Eye and Findus, pioneers in the frozen food category for a century. Guided by their Purpose – Serving the World with Better Food – Nomad Foods prioritises Performance, People, and the Planet. As the largest frozen food company in Europe, Nomad Foods aims for global expansion through organic growth and strategic M&A, listed on NYSE as "NOMD."

5. Congelados Cientocinco, S.L

Established in 1992 by D. Lorenzo Gonzalo, The 105 Group started as a family-owned frozen food distributor, specialising in seafood, vegetables, and prepared meals. Through continuous innovation, the company expanded its reach beyond Spain, becoming a leader in the market with over 800 products. Operating from Mercamadrid, the infrastructure ensures nationwide distribution, earning us recognition as a top wholesaler. By outsourcing manufacturing, the company maintains control over raw materials, guaranteeing the highest quality and competitive pricing for the customers' satisfaction.

6. Dr. August Oetker Nahrungsmittel KG

Since 1891, Dr. Oetker has embraced its roots as a family business, prioritising people, consumers, and sustainability. With 16,000 employees across 40 countries, the company focuses on long-term, cross-generational strategies to minimise the environmental impact. Offering a diverse range of products from baking goods to pizzas, the company caters to global tastes. With a decentralised management structure and EUR 6.5 billion in annual revenue, Dr. Oetker stands as one of Germany's largest family-run businesses, spanning over 130 years of steady growth and diversification across three business divisions.