Global Food Irradiation Trends Market to Reach US$345.3 Million by 2030

The global market for Food Irradiation Trends estimated at US$262.7 Million in the year 2023, is expected to reach US$345.3 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Gamma Radiation, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.7% CAGR and reach US$175.8 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the X-Ray Radiation segment is estimated at 4.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$74.8 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 4.6% CAGR

The Food Irradiation Trends market in the U.S. is estimated at US$74.8 Million in the year 2023. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$160.4 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 4.6% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% and 3.6% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.1% CAGR.

Global Food Irradiation Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Is Food Irradiation, and How Does It Enhance Food Safety?

Food irradiation is a processing technique that involves exposing food to controlled doses of ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, electron beams, or X-rays. This method is designed to reduce or eliminate pathogens and pests that can cause foodborne illnesses, extend shelf life by reducing the rate of spoilage, and inhibit sprouting or ripening. Food irradiation is recognized by numerous health authorities worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as a safe and effective method to enhance food safety and to ensure a stable supply of food by reducing food waste.

How Is Food Irradiation Applied Across Different Food Products?

The application of food irradiation varies across different food types, offering unique benefits to each. In perishable produce such as fruits and vegetables, irradiation helps in delaying ripening and sprouting, which in turn, prolongs freshness during transportation and increases marketability. In meat and poultry, it effectively controls pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, significantly reducing the risk of contamination and disease. Seafood benefits similarly, with irradiation helping to control bacterial growth and parasites, which are common concerns in these products. Spices and seasoning, often irradiated to replace traditional fumigation methods, see a reduction in microbial load without the use of chemicals that can leave residues affecting flavor and health.

What Are the Technological Advancements Influencing Food Irradiation?

Technological advancements in food irradiation focus primarily on improving the efficiency and safety of irradiation processes. New developments in electron beam technology, for instance, offer more precise dosing and deeper penetration with reduced energy consumption compared to traditional methods. This advancement allows for the treatment of a broader range of products, including those with varying densities and packaging sizes. Additionally, improvements in detection and control systems are enabling facilities to better monitor and adjust radiation doses, ensuring consistent results while maintaining nutritional and sensory qualities of the food. Innovations in packaging materials that are compatible with irradiation processes also contribute to the broader adoption of this technology.

Growth in the Food Irradiation Market Is Driven by Several Factors

The growth in the food irradiation market is driven by several factors, including increasing consumer demand for food safety and longer shelf lives. As global supply chains become more complex and food products travel longer distances, the need for effective preservation methods that do not rely on chemical additives is becoming more acute. Regulatory support for food irradiation is also expanding as its benefits become more widely recognized, with more countries approving the technology for various food items. Furthermore, the rise in incidences of foodborne illnesses globally is prompting food processors and retailers to adopt more rigorous safety measures, including irradiation. Technological innovations that lower the costs and improve the safety and effectiveness of food irradiation systems are making this technology more accessible and appealing to food producers and processors worldwide.