The global post-harvest treatment market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the pressing need to reduce food loss and increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. According to MarketsandMarkets, the market size reached USD 2.01 billion in 2022 and is projected to soar to USD 3.12 billion by 2028, with a robust CAGR of 7.6%.
Addressing Post-Harvest Losses:
Fruits and vegetables are crucial dietary commodities worldwide, yet they are highly perishable, leading to substantial post-harvest losses ranging between 30 and 40%. These losses, caused by various factors including physical, physiological, and mechanical circumstances, result in significant food and financial waste. Post-harvest treatments play a pivotal role in mitigating these losses by extending shelf life and reducing susceptibility to deterioration.
Economic Advantages and Market Opportunities:
Post-harvest treatments offer numerous economic benefits, including reduced food waste, increased earnings, and enhanced market access. Moreover, the development of organic and bio-based post-harvest products presents lucrative opportunities, catering to the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions and organic food items. The market expansion is further fueled by the rising popularity of exotic fruits such as avocados, dragon fruits, and jackfruit, creating avenues for export and trade.
Challenges and Solutions:
Despite the market’s potential, challenges such as lack of infrastructure and improper post-harvest handling hinder growth, particularly in emerging regions like Asia Pacific, Africa, and South America. Mechanization of post-harvest processes and raising awareness among farmers are crucial steps to address these challenges and unlock the market’s full potential.
Market Ecosystem and Key Players:
Leading players in the global post-harvest treatment market, including JBT, Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Nufarm, and AgroFresh, boast strong distribution networks, advanced manufacturing facilities, and robust research and development capabilities. These players are driving innovation and shaping the market landscape with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
Segmentation Insights:
Coatings:
Coatings emerge as the largest segment in the post-harvest treatment industry, driven by the increasing demand for solutions that enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, particularly in the face of growing popularity of convenience foods like pre-cut and pre-washed produce.
Fruits:
The fruits segment dominates the market, fueled by the perishable nature of fruits and the need to extend their shelf life to meet consumer demand beyond seasonal availability.
Synthetic Products:
Synthetic products occupy a major share in the market due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of application. Ongoing research and development efforts aim to enhance the efficacy and user-friendliness of synthetic post-harvest treatments.
Conclusion:
The post-harvest treatment market size presents a compelling opportunity to reduce food loss, increase market access, and promote sustainability in agriculture. By addressing challenges and leveraging technological advancements, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of post-harvest treatments, ensuring a more efficient and resilient food supply chain.
