Demand and Trend Analysis of Frozen French Fries in India

Frozen French Fries Sales Outlook in India (2024 to 2034)

Revenue from the frozen French fries market in India reached US$ 1.28 billion in 2023, and it has been forecast to expand at a CAGR of 5.3% to end up at a value of US$ 2.25 billion by 2034.

In the Indian market for frozen French fries, regional dynamics play a crucial role. Urban areas, influenced by a burgeoning fast-food culture, are contributing significantly to the rising consumption of French fries, with frozen variants exhibiting an increase in market share.

Rising disposable income is also driving the preference for convenient food options, with quick-service restaurants (QSRs) accounting for high consumption volumes. Different regions within India showcase varying preferences and consumption patterns, influenced by local tastes and traditions. The retail segment is gaining traction, reflecting a shift toward at-home consumption of frozen French fries in the country.

Report Attributes	Details
India Frozen French Fries Market Size (2023A)	US$ 1.28 Billion
Estimated Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.34 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 2.25 Billion
India Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.3% CAGR
Northern India Market Share (2024)	31.7%
North Eastern India Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.9% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Hyfun Frozen Foods (p) Ltd.; Keventer Agro Limited; Iscon Balaji Foods (IBF); Tropicool Foods Private Limited (TFPL); Amul; McCain Foods India Private Limited; SM Pal Group; Pepizo Foods; Himalaya Food International Ltd; Suite42; Other Prominent Players.

Consumption Analysis of Frozen French Fries in India (2019 to 2023) vs. Market Projections (2024 to 2034)

Frozen French Fries embody a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, offering a delectable and convenient option for consumers. Their journey from fresh potatoes to precise cutting, pre-cooking, flash-freezing, and packaging represents a symphony of culinary craftsmanship and technological innovation.

Sales of frozen French Fries in India increased at a 4.5% CAGR between 2019 and 2023 to reach US$ 1.28 billion in 2023.

• Short Term (2024 to 2027): The government in India has announced the Production Linked Incentive Scheme Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI), which is planning to outlay US$ 1.3 billion where ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat food products are covered. Schemes like this will boost the manufacturing of frozen French fries in India.
• Medium Term (2027 to 2030): Manufacturers will adopt new advanced freezing technologies such as the Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) technique, which preserves the nutritional value of French fries and offers quality food to customers.
• Long Term (2030 to 2034): Customers will become more aware of their health in the long term, and hence, manufacturers of frozen French fries will make strategic decisions such as using healthy oil and no preservatives. Companies will also offer baked rather than fried varieties along with sea salt, herbs, and spice seasonings that are lower in sodium content.

The India frozen French fries market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the study period from 2024 to 2034, according to Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider.

What are the Factors Driving Sales of Frozen French Fries in India?

“Changing Lifestyles & Food Consumption Patterns and Rapid Growth of Foodservice Industry”

With rapid urbanization and increasing Western cultural influence, Indians in cities have less time for homemade meals and prefer quick, convenient foods instead. Frozen fries have become a popular snack and side dish option as they can be cooked very quickly when needed. This changing dietary behavior has been a key driver for the growth of India's frozen French fries market.

The food service industry in India has seen immense growth over the past decade, with new restaurants, cafes, takeaways, and quick service chains emerging all over the country. Frozen fries are commonly served as a separate item and as ingredients in various dishes in these establishments. Their use has significantly increased with the rising number of food service outlets, further complementing market expansion.

• International chains such as McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut, as well as domestic players such as Faasos, Rolls Mania, and Venky’s, have aggressively expanded their footprint across the country.

These companies have established themselves not just in metropolitan areas but also in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This rapid expansion of QSRs has had a huge impact on the demand for frozen French fries in India.

What are the Challenges Encountered by Manufacturers of Frozen French Fries in India?

“High Perception of Frozen Foods Being Less Healthy”

In India, there is still a common perception among most consumers that frozen foods are less healthy and nutritious than fresh alternatives. Many people believe frozen foods contain excessive amounts of preservatives, sodium, fat, and other unhealthy additives to maintain the quality of the product during freezing and storage. Many feel that processing and freezing destroy the natural nutrients in foods. This factor plays a key role in restricting the market from reaching its full potential in the country.

Region-wise Analysis

Why is Northern India a More Lucrative Market for Manufacturers of Frozen French Fries?

“Robust Supply Chain Management Helping Frozen Fries Manufacturers”

The market in Northern India is estimated at US$ 426.2 million in 2024 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5% through 2034. This regional market is projected to generate US$ 268 million in absolute opportunity from 2024 to 2034.

In the Indian market, regional dynamics play a crucial role, and North India is currently witnessing rapid urbanization. Influenced by a burgeoning fast-food culture, urban areas contribute significantly to the demand growth for frozen foods. Rising disposable income makes more people prefer convenient food options, with quick-service restaurants (QSRs) driving consumption.

Supply chain management plays an important role in the food industry. The manufacturing of French fries involves various stages, such as the sourcing of standard potatoes, potato processing, packaging, and distribution. North India has become the hub for supply chain providers, which is offering allied assistance to manufacturers.

According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of India, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Jharkhand in Northern India are counted in the top ten potato-producing states.

The huge production of potatoes has created a convenient atmosphere for potato-frozen food manufacturers.

Category-wise Insights

Which Type of Potatoes is Widely Preferred for Production of Frozen French Fries?

“High Demand for Potato Type Frozen French Fries”

Demand for potato-type frozen French fries is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2034.

Frozen French Fries are categorized mainly into two types, sweet potato frozen French fries and regular potato frozen French fries. Generally, customers prefer regular potatoes over sweet potatoes due to their flavor; hence, most companies are making them using regular potatoes. Regular potatoes also contain high levels of vitamin C, iron, potassium, and of course less sugar as compared to sweet potato.

Which Cut Type Accounts for a Leading Share in This Market?

“Potato Wedges Bringing in High Revenue Streams”

The potato wedges cut type is estimated to account for over one-third share of the market in 2024, and the segment is projected to reach a market valuation of US$ 541.9 million by 2034-end.

Thicker cut-in potato wedges offer a heartier texture and allow variation in the seasoning with different sauces. Also, potato wedges are considered a more upscale side snack and premium dish among all the French fries cut types. Potato wedges can be experimented with different flavors and accompaniments. These factors have made potato wedges a popular choice in the country and have been driving up their consumption.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the India frozen French fries industry are Hyfun Frozen Foods (p) Ltd., Keventer Agro Limited, Iscon Balaji Foods (IBF), Tropicool Foods Private Limited (TFPL), Amul, McCAIN FOODS INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, SM Pal Group, Pepizo Foods, Himalaya Food International Ltd, and Suite42.

Innovations in product offerings are pivotal to meeting evolving consumer preferences. Manufacturers are exploring diverse flavors, introducing healthier alternatives, and incorporating local ingredients to appeal to the Indian palate. Some companies are focusing on producing organic and clean-label frozen French fries to align with the growing demand for healthier food options. Additionally, technological advancements in processing techniques are enhancing the quality and taste of frozen French fries.

• In March 2024, HyFun Foods announced its plan to invest around US$ 101.82 million in setting up 3 potato processing plants in Gujarat. The company is planning to expand its business by increasing its production capacity and is also strategizing to widen its portfolio for frozen food.
• In January 2024, Iscon Balaji inaugurated the largest food-processing facility for French fries in the Sabarkantha district of Gujarat. This new plant can manage 150,000 metric tons of potatoes and 200,000 metric tons of processing capacity for frozen potato products per year.
• In October 2023, McCain Foods launched two new products that claimed to offer crunchy delight and unparalleled taste to Indian customers. The company took the step, considering the distinct preferences of Indian consumers. The main aim of the company was to redefine Indian snacking and become popular in the country.

Fact.MR has provided detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of frozen French fries in India positioned across regions, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in the recently published market report.

Segmentation of Frozen French Fries Study in India

• By Potato Type :

  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Potatoes

• By Cut Type :

  • Crinkle Cut
  • Straight Cut
  • Waffle Cut
  • Wedges
  • Tater Tots
  • Others

• By Flavor :

  • Classic Salted
  • Spice Coated

• By Sales Channel :

  • B2B
    • Direct Sales
    • Wholesales
  • B2C
    • Modern Trade
    • Convenience Stores
    • Departmental Stores
    • Specialty Stores
    • Direct Sales
    • Online Retailing

• By Region :

  • Northern India
  • North Eastern India
  • Western India, Eastern India
  • Southern India
  • Central India