The South Africa frozen foods market attained a value of USD 4.96 Billion in 2025. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.70% during the forecast period of 2026-2035. By 2035, the market is expected to reach USD 7.13 Billion.
Higher meat consumption is an important trend of the South Africa frozen foods market. According to industry reports, Poultry meat represented 60% of the total meat consumed in the country with annual per capita consumption touching 35kg per person. The rise in dual-income households and busier urban lifestyles is increasing the preference for easy-to-store and quick-to-prepare frozen meats. Product innovation and retail expansion are supporting this shift, with manufacturers introducing more pre-marinated, ready-to-cook, and portioned meat options to match changing consumer tastes.
The growing government support in implementing initiatives to support the South Africa frozen foods industry is making way for investments in infrastructure and food safety regulations. For instance, In November 2024, South Africa introduced new food additive regulations set to take effect in 2025. The updated framework aims to strengthen food safety and bring local standards in line with global norms. These changes are supporting improvements in the quality and availability of frozen products. At the same time, government-led efforts are helping boost consumer confidence and promote industry growth.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Checkers, Shoprite, and Pick n Pay are the leading supermarkets for buying frozen foods in South Africa.
The frozen food consumption in South Africa is significantly influenced by the presence of large fast-food chains such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, and McDonald’s.
By 2024, the online sales of food products in South Africa will account for 1.7% of the total revenue in the food market.
Compound Annual Growth Rate
3.7%
Value in USD Billion
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
The surging rate of urban population growth is driving the South Africa frozen foods market expansion. As per industry reports, South Africa’s urban population reached 41,576,651 in 2023. This urban shift, coupled with busier lifestyles, has led to the surging demand for convenient meal solutions. Frozen foods offer time-saving benefits while aligning with the needs of urban dwellers seeking quick and easy meal options. The rise in working professionals and dual-income households is further making frozen meals an attractive option.
The rising adoption of online grocery shopping is complimenting the South Africa frozen foods market revenue. According to industry reports, the South African Grocery eCommerce market accounted for 8.3% of the overall eCommerce market across South Africa in 2024. Several platforms are expanding their frozen food offerings by providing consumers with convenient access to a wide range of products. This shift towards e-commerce has made frozen foods more accessible for catering to the tech-savvy population seeking convenience and variety in their food choices.
Investments in cold chain logistics are strengthening distribution networks in South Africa frozen foods industry. For instance, in October 2022, African Infrastructure Investment Managers committed USD 150 million for a pan-African cold chain logistics platform. The establishment of temperature-controlled warehouses and improved transportation networks is ensuring that frozen products maintain their quality and reach consumers in optimal conditions. This infrastructure development is driving the market growth by limiting spoilage and expanding product availability.
Environmental concerns are bolstering consumer choices in the South Africa frozen foods market. This has led to the growing preference for products with sustainable packaging and eco-friendly production processes. To that end, companies are adopting practices including the usage of recyclable materials and reduced plastic usage to align with consumer expectations for environmentally responsible products. Supporting with an instance, in July 2024, Fortis X launched Africa’s first biodegradable, sugarcane-based packaging, adopted by SOGA Organic® for advancing sustainable frozen food packaging in South Africa.
Advancements in freezing technologies, such as flash freezing for improving quality and shelf life is benefiting the South Africa frozen foods industry. Innovations in packaging, including vacuum sealing and modified atmosphere packaging are helping to preserve the freshness and nutritional value of products. In September 2023, CryoDry announced a partnership with United Scientific, a South African distributor, to provide advanced freeze-drying solution. These improvements are enhancing consumer satisfaction while supporting the market growth.
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The EMR’s report titled “South Africa Frozen Foods Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Type
Key Insight: The frozen meals segment in the South Africa frozen foods market is bifurcated into half-cooked and ready-to-eat categories as they cater to the rising demand for convenience and time efficiency. Ready-to-eat meals are favored by working professionals and students for their quick preparation. Thus, retailers are offering premium ranges to provide gourmet frozen dinners. Driven by this trend, in February 2024, Godrej Yummiez disclosed plans of entering the South African market by the Q1 of 2025 to cater to the significant Indian diaspora in the country. Half-cooked meals, such as pre-marinated meats and par-cooked dishes, are increasingly appealing to home cooks seeking faster meal prep without sacrificing customization.
Market Breakup by End Use
Key Insight: The food service segment dominates the South Africa frozen foods market due to the widespread reliance of restaurants, hotels, schools, and hospitals on frozen products to offer consistency, efficiency, and extended shelf life. Institutions and franchise restaurants are increasingly relying on frozen vegetables, meats, and ready-to-eat meals to simplify operations and cut down on waste. Growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors is adding to this demand, making food service the largest consumer of frozen foods across the country. As per industry reports, South Africa recorded a total of 8,9 million tourists in 2024, adding to the segment growth.
Market Breakup by Distribution Channels
Key Insight: Supermarkets and hypermarkets are leading the South Africa frozen foods industry by providing variety, convenience and affordability in a single shopping trip. Large chains, such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths are offering a broad selection of frozen vegetables, ready meals, meats, and desserts. With extensive reach into urban and peri-urban areas, these retailers are allowing frozen food manufacturers to achieve scale and visibility. For instance, Shoprite’s launch of the 'Gourmade' frozen meal range highlights how these outlets are adapting to meet changing consumer demands for quality and convenience.
Frozen Vegetables & Frozen Fruits to Record Popularity in South Africa
Frozen vegetables are a growing segment of the South Africa frozen foods market, led by the rise in health awareness and strong demand for preservative-free, nutrient-rich options. Several brands are supplying a wide range of frozen vegetables to cater to retail and foodservice clients. McCain’s local production initiatives, including “Farm of the Future,” are helping to ensure consistent quality and supply. Frozen vegetables are further popular among home cooks and institutions due to their ease of use, extended shelf life, and reduced waste.
Frozen fruits are gaining momentum in the South Africa frozen foods market. Backed by the surging health-conscious consumer base, these foods are popular in smoothies, desserts, and wellness-focused diets. The segment is further growing through online platforms and upscale retailers as they cater to fitness enthusiasts and the middle- to upper-income demographic. According to industry reports, the black middle-class populace touched 3.4 million in South Africa in 2023. As frozen fruits are increasingly viewed as premium products, they are creating growth opportunities in local and export markets.
Rising Presence of Frozen Foods in Retail Sector in South Africa
The retail segment in the South Africa frozen foods market is driven by the increasing demand for convenient, quick-cook meals among urban and working populations. Supermarkets are offering a wide range of frozen products including snacks, vegetables, meats, and full meals. To that end, several brands are launching health-conscious frozen options directly to consumers. The rise of e-commerce and home delivery services is further strengthening the retail sector, particularly in metropolitan areas. As per industry reports, the e-commerce sales touched 4.065 billion USD (R71 billion) in 2023, further driving the segment growth.
Convenience Stores & Online Channels to Drive Frozen Food Sales in South Africa
Convenience stores are contributing to the South Africa frozen foods market as they cater to on-the-go consumers looking for quick and accessible food solutions. Brands, such as Spar Express and Engen Quickshop are stocking small-format frozen items, such as single-serve meals, snacks, and frozen beverages. With rising presence in fuel stations and high-traffic urban zones, these outlets are ideal for last-minute and impulse frozen food purchases. The agility and proximity to consumers is also allowing them to meet immediate demand, mainly among younger, mobile urban populations with busy lifestyles.
The online segment is swiftly growing in the South Africa frozen foods market. Ongoing advancements and the surge of grocery delivery platforms are improving access to frozen foods online. For instance, in June 2025, Amazon broadened its product offerings in South Africa by introducing non-perishable groceries. E-commerce adoption has further surged, prompting retailers to broaden their frozen product listings. Rising instances of consumers ordering frozen meals, desserts, and health-oriented products from platforms, such as Euroberry, is also impacting the segment growth.
Prominent players operating in the South Africa frozen foods market are adopting several key strategies to gain competitive benefits and meet the growing consumer demand. Product diversification offers a broader range of frozen goods, such as vegetables, ready-to-eat meals, meat, and seafood for catering to various dietary preferences and lifestyles. Innovations in packaging are helping to maintain product freshness and convenience while appealing to urban and health-conscious consumers. Moreover, sustainability initiatives are increasingly integrated into business models to align with global environmental goals.
Increasing investment in cold chain logistics is playing a crucial role in maintaining product integrity during storage and distribution. Companies are enhancing their refrigeration infrastructure by collaborating with third-party logistics providers for efficient nationwide coverage. Local sourcing of raw materials is also emphasized to limit costs and support sustainability. Brand differentiation and strong retail partnerships are playing a critical role, with companies actively promoting their products through in-store promotions, digital marketing, and private-label agreements. Compliance with international food safety standards, is further boosting consumer trust and facilitates export opportunities.
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Dordrecht, Netherlands, KÜHNE + HEITZ is a prominent international food trading firm specializing in the sourcing and distribution of a wide array of frozen and chilled food products. Some of them include meat, seafood, dairy, poultry, vegetables, and potato products.
Founded in 2000, Euroberry Pty Ltd is headquartered in Cape Town. This South African firm offers frozen fruits, including IQF berries, fruit purees, and dried fruit products. With four cold storage and distribution centres in South Africa, Euroberry ensures year-round availability of its products to serve the industrial, food service, and retail markets.
Dluu Fresh Agri Processing, founded in 2006 and headquartered in the Western Cape, is a South African company offering freshly cut and processed fruits and vegetables, fresh and frozen, tailored to customer specifications. The company serves hospitals, schools, and canteens whilst providing quality produce in large as well as small quantities.
Berries Express is a South African company working on the cultivation and supply of fresh berries. The company focuses on providing high-quality, locally grown berries to meet the increasing demand in the domestic market. Berries Express is recognized for its commitment to quality and sustainability in berry production.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other players in the South Africa frozen foods market are McCain Foods Limited, and Merlog Foods, among others.
Discover the latest South Africa frozen foods market trends 2026 and stay ahead of the competition. Download your free sample report from Expert Market Research to access key insights, growth forecasts, and strategic recommendations. Whether you're an investor, supplier, or retailer, this report is your guide to navigating South Africa’s fast-evolving frozen food industry.
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The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.70% between 2026 and 2035.
Key strategies driving the market include product innovation, health-focused offerings, retail and e-commerce expansion, and sustainable sourcing. Companies invest in ready-to-eat meals, local partnerships, and cold chain infrastructure to meet rising consumer demand for convenience, nutrition, and quality across urban and semi-urban markets.
Key trends aiding South Africa frozen foods market expansion include the thriving demand for convenience foods and the growing consumer preference for low trans-fat and high nutritional value products.
Based on product type, the market is divided into frozen fruits, vegetables, and meals, among others.
The end-uses of the market are food service and retail.
The several distribution channels in the market include convenience stores, online channels, and supermarkets and hypermarkets, among others.
Frozen foods stored continuously at 0 °F or below can be kept indefinitely.
Peas, corn, butternut squash, broccoli, artichoke hearts, okra, and cauliflower rice, among others are some of the vegetables that can be frozen and are easily available in the country.
The key players in the market report include KÜHNE + HEITZ Holland B.V., Euroberry Pty Ltd, Dluu Fresh Agri Processing, Berries Express, McCain Foods Limited, and Merlog Foods, among others.
The frozen meals segment leads the market as they cater to the rising demand for convenience and time efficiency.
In 2025, the market reached an approximate value of USD 4.96 Billion.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Product Type |
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| Breakup by End Use |
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| Breakup by Distribution Channels |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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