Why is the market share of freeze-dried food increasing?

1. Supply-side driven: technological maturity and cost reduction

1. Popularization and Improvement of Freeze-Drying Technology:

• In the past, freeze-drying technology was primarily used in high-end fields such as medicine and aerospace, and was extremely expensive.

•Today, with the increasing maturity of freeze-drying equipment and technology, large-scale production has significantly reduced unit costs, enabling its application to a wider range of consumer food products, including fruits and vegetables, meat, staple foods, and even entire meals.

2. Significant Diversification of Product Forms and Applications:

• Snack Industry: Freeze-dried fruits (strawberries, mangoes, etc.) and freeze-dried vegetables have rapidly captured the market as "healthy snacks," replacing some fried and puffed foods.

• Catering Industry: Freeze-dried soup bases and freeze-dried vegetable packs have become standard upgrades for instant noodles and instant soups.

• Maternal and Child Products: Freeze-dried fruit and vegetable powders and freeze-dried meat floss are favored by mothers for their additive-free and nutrient-retaining properties.

• Outdoor Sports: Freeze-dried meals, which are lightweight, easy to store, and reconstitute with hot water, are the preferred choice for mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts. • Beverage sector: Freeze-dried coffee powder (such as Santonban) has disrupted the traditional instant coffee market by retaining better flavor.

1.  Consumer-driven: Precisely aligned with modern consumer demands

1. "Health" Demand:

• Nutrient Preservation: Freeze-drying technology uses low-temperature dehydration to maximize the preservation of heat-sensitive nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, while maintaining a taste and color close to the original.

• No Additives: Due to the thorough dehydration, microorganisms are unlikely to survive, eliminating the need for large amounts of preservatives for long-term storage. Many freeze-dried snacks also boast "zero added sugar and zero added coloring."

• Significant Comparative Advantages: Compared to traditional processes like deep-frying (high in fat) and candiing (high in sugar), freeze-drying is undoubtedly a healthier option.

2. "Convenience" Demand:

• Lightweight and Portable: After removing the water, the weight and volume are significantly reduced, making it easier to carry and store.

• Quick Rehydration: Most freeze-dried foods can be restored to a near-fresh state and texture within minutes by simply adding hot water, making them ideal for fast-paced urban life, office lunches, and outdoor emergencies.

3. "Quality" and "Experience" Demand:

• Modern consumers, especially the younger generation, not only seek to eat their fill but also to eat well. Freeze-dried foods offer a significantly better texture and flavor than traditional instant foods, meeting the needs of consumers as they upgrade.

• Freeze-drying technology can create a unique, crispy texture (such as freeze-dried fruit), and this novel experience has also attracted consumers.