Germany Frozen Food Market - By Product Type: Frozen Ready Meals (local and global cuisines), Frozen Vegetables & Fruits, Frozen Fish & Seafood, Frozen Meat & Poultry, Frozen Snacks & Pizza, Frozen Desserts (ice cream, cakes); By Distribution Channel: Discount Chains (Aldi, Lidl, Penny), Supermarkets & Hypermarkets (Rewe, Edeka, Kaufland), Online Grocery Platforms (Rewe.de, Amazon Fresh), Foodservice & Institutional Supply (Hotels, Schools, Catering); By Consumer Segment: Urban Families & Singles, Senior Citizens, Institutional Buyers, Health-Focused and Vegetarian Consumers
1 | Market Overview
Germany is one of Europe’s largest and most developed frozen food markets, driven by strong consumer demand for quality, convenience, and variety. Frozen vegetables, meals, meats, fish, and bakery products are deeply integrated into German households and foodservice operations. Growing consumer interest in plant-based, organic, and health-oriented frozen products continues to influence innovation. A robust cold chain infrastructure, the retail dominance of discount chains, and increased digital grocery adoption further bolster market expansion.
2 | Market Size and Forecast
|
Year |
Market Value (USD Billion) |
Notes |
|
2019 |
10.8 |
Historical benchmark |
|
2024 |
13.7 |
Five-year CAGR 4.8% |
|
2031 |
18.9 |
Seven-year CAGR 4.7% |
The market is expected to maintain steady growth through 2031, driven by high freezer penetration, foodservice demand, and evolving consumption preferences.
3 | Key Market Drivers
4 | Market Challenges
5 | Competitive Landscape
Germany’s frozen food market includes a mix of local manufacturers, pan-European brands, and dominant retail private labels.
Market Share Estimates (2024):
|
Company |
Estimated Market Share |
Core Categories |
|
Iglo Group |
14% |
Vegetables, fish, ready meals (Birds Eye) |
|
FRoSTA AG |
12% |
Clean-label ready meals, fish, and vegetable mixes |
|
Nestlé |
10% |
Pizza, desserts, and prepared meals (e.g., Wagner, Buitoni) |
|
Private Labels (Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka) |
41% |
Wide assortment across categories |
|
Others (Dr. Oetker, regional suppliers) |
23% |
Frozen pizzas, snacks, and health-positioned products |
6 | Market Segmentation
By Product Type:
By Distribution Channel:
By Consumer Segment:
7 | Strategic Outlook
Brands must emphasize transparent labeling, innovative flavor profiles, and more sustainable packaging. Private labels will continue to dominate in volume, but premium players can gain market share through organic, vegan, and nutritionally fortified offerings. Retailers and suppliers should also enhance last-mile cold chain delivery as e-commerce grocery accelerates.
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