Freeze Drying: Healthiest Method to Increase the Shelf Life

Published: Nov 2024

The global freeze-drying market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of around 7.4%, by 2031. The market growth is driven by the increasing demand in the pharmaceutical and food industry and the rise in the number of convenience stores. Additionally, the growing consumer spending on food, beverages, and catering is contributing to the market growth. Furthermore, the high demand for processed food is directly contributing to regions such as North America, which is contributing to market growth.

It is believed that freeze-drying is the best method of drying. However, the method selection is critical, as wrong method selection may cause unfavorable changes in the material, such as shrinkage, color change, and collapsed structure. Freeze-drying is effective at retaining antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid or vitamin C. However, freeze-drying may sometimes increase the phytochemical concentration in some fruits. Most commonly freeze-dried food includes fruits (such as strawberries, blackberries, bananas, and more), vegetables (such as carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes, and more), meats (such as beef, fish, chicken, and more), and grains (such as cooked rice, beans, pasta, and more), among others.     

The major companies serving the global freeze-drying market are HOF Sonderanlagenbau GmbH, Zirbus Technology GmbH, Azbil Corp., Millrock Technology, Inc., Cryotec.Fr, MechaTech Systems Ltd., and others. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by the adoption of various strategies including mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, funding, new product launches, and more.

Recent Developments

  • In July 2024, GEA Group presented important adjustments to pharmaceutical freeze-drying at ACHEMA 2024 in Frankfurt/Main. The new products optimize production processes, reduce environmental impact, and save energy. The products include the LYOAIR cooling system®, Atmospheric spray freeze-drying technique, Microwave freeze-drying technique, and LYOVAC® ECO Mode. 
  • In July 2024, CryoDry® partnered with Pfeiffer Vacuum to introduce Pfeiffer vacuum pumps. The products include HiScroll 6 and HiScroll 12 scroll vacuum pumps, and Duo 6 rotary vane pump with oil mist eliminator. 
  • In July 2024, CRYODRY® launched the updated version of the CD8 Freeze Dryer. The new product combines freezing and drying into a single step. It features cupboard-style loading and unloading of bulk products – in trays, plates, bottles, and similar, autodry mode, temperature-controlled shelves, sandwich shelf stack, and vacuum oven mode. 
  • In July 2023, Generational Families Network Inc. (Harvest Right) launched an update to all 4 sizes of the freeze dryers offered by the company. The new products feature an extra tray for a 20% increase in capacity, faster processing per lbs of food, improved software and user interface, increased energy efficiency, and hardware improvements such as solid-state relays, commercial drain valves, and electrical inlets.