Bangladesh Frozen Food Market Trends

In the last few years, Bangladesh has seen a sharp increase in demand for frozen foods. The rise in demand for frozen foods in the region has been attributed to the rise in popularity of convenience food and beverage products, owing to busy lifestyles and the number of working citizens in Bangladesh. Furthermore, Bangladeshi consumers have been looking for easy-to-prepare international cuisines. The changing food consumption pattern of consumers, due to the rapid expansion of urbanization and the rise in disposable incomes in the country, is one of the factors contributing to the growth of ready-to-eat food and beverage products. As frozen food is typically frozen at a very low temperature, which destroys microorganisms and limits the amount of oxidation that may happen, it is generally perceived to be healthier than fresh food to some extent. Furthermore, freezing slows down or inhibits the growth of fungi, which might reduce the chances of food poisoning. Young consumers spend most of their income on convenient, ready-to-eat food products. The largest producers of ready-to-eat food find it easier to target young consumers. Frozen food products are considered the closest substitute for conventional food, which may be consumed whenever it is convenient (such as during breakfast, lunch, or dinner).

Owing to the increased demand for frozen food, leading companies like Golden Harvest, Pran, and others are opting for the expansion strategy to expand their market presence and consumer bases. For instance, in 2021, Eon Foods Limited launched the renowned Canadian brand "McCain" to reach the doorsteps of Bangladeshi consumers. Eon Foods is going to start marketing "McCain" in Bangladesh to reach out to consumers by maintaining a proper cold chain. Frozen fruit and vegetable products are perceived as healthy by local consumers as they contain more nutrients than preserved food products.