The food irradiation market involves exposing foodstuffs to ionizing radiation to sterilize them or increase their shelf life without raising the temperature. The processing treats food for insect disinfestation and manganese-induced browning control, fresh meat and seafood disinfestation, insects and sprout inhibition in bulbs and tubers, control of food-borne pathogens reduction, suppression of postharvest physiological deterioration, delay of food maturation, and extension of shelf life. Irradiation preserves taste and visual appearance and eliminates spoilage bacteria and pathogens. It is approved for wheat, spices, fruits, vegetables, pork, poultry, and seafood.
The Global Food Irradiation Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 253.26 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period 2024 to 2030.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Global Food Irradiation Market Size are Thought Technology Ltd, ELMIKO, Mind Media, Laborie, Behavioral Medicine Associates, Inc, Neurocare Group Gmbh, Allengers Medical Systems, BrainMaster Technologies, Inc, Quantum World Vision, NCC Medical, Qxsubspace. Rising population and changing consumption patterns have increased demand for processed and long-shelf-life foods, driving food irradiation usage. Increased awareness about food-borne illness risks and hygiene has also boosted the market. Technological advancements provide faster, more efficient irradiation techniques for greater throughput and uniform processing of bulk commodities and package foods.
Market trends
Increasing trade of irradiated foods across borders will expand the market. More countries are approving food irradiation and lifting import restrictions on irradiated products. The adoption of novel technologies like electron beam and X-ray irradiation provides cost-effective alternatives to gamma irradiation. Packaging innovations help irradiation penetrate thick food packages for more extensive and uniform processing. Combined hurdle technology using irradiation with mild heat or chemicals allows lower irradiation doses for greater efficacy.
Market Opportunities
Growing application scope for food irradiation offers opportunities. Research on novel applications in areas like sprout inhibition can boost the market. There is potential to irradiate more traditionally difficult products like herbs, spices, certain fruits and vegetables. Adoption in developing countries with lacking cold chain infrastructure and urgent need to reduce food losses presents opportunities. Collaboration with international agencies promotes food irradiation acceptance.
Impact of COVID-19 on Food Irradiation Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the growth of the global food irradiation market. During the initial stages of the pandemic, restrictions imposed on transportation and movement of goods disrupted supply chains. This adversely affected the irradiation treatment of food products. However, with growing awareness about food safety and hygiene, the demand for processed and packaged foods increased significantly. Since irradiation helps in reducing microbial contamination in foods without using any preservatives, it has become an important process globally.
The food irradiation market witnessed modest growth during the early months of the pandemic due to supply chain disruptions. However, post lockdowns being lifted, food manufacturers started focusing on ensuring safety of foods. Governments also encouraged adoption of food irradiation technology to eliminate potential carriers like viruses and bacteria. This boosted demand from the food sector. Investments are being made for expanding irradiation facilities and modernizing existing ones. Companies are partnering with logistic providers and producers to streamline operations. The long term impact of the pandemic is projected to be positive for the market as food safety will remain a major concern worldwide.
The region has stringent food safety regulations and growing awareness about nutritional benefits of processed foods. Countries like the US and Canada have established regulatory frameworks supporting adoption of food irradiation practices. Large food manufacturers utilize this technology on a commercial scale for meat, spices and vegetables. The market is expected to grow further with government initiatives promoting food safety.
Asia Pacific is recognized as the fastest growing regional market for food irradiation globally. With rising population and changing consumption patterns, demand for convenience and packaged foods is surging in countries like India and China. However, lack of infrastructure and awareness had limited penetration of irradiation facilities earlier. Post pandemic, governments in the region have started recognizing irradiation as an effective food decontamination technique. This is attracting investments towards building new production plants and upgrading current facilities. Growing food trade and focus on food-borne disease control will continue driving the APAC food irradiation market.
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