Freeze-drying Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rising demand from pharmaceutical & biotechnology sectors: The market plays a crucial role in applications such as preserving biologicals, injectables, and vaccines. Therefore, with the rising development of mRNA-based vaccines, personalized medicines, pharmaceutical companies are adopting freeze-drying at a rapid pace. In March 2024, Ghent University reported that, funded by CEPI, it is developing a novel spin-freezing technique to stabilize mRNA vaccines without the need for frozen storage, potentially improving vaccine shelf life and accessibility.
• Growth in processed and shelf-stable food products: Consumers are increasingly preferring healthy, natural, and preservative-free food products, which is efficiently fueling the demand for freeze drying in the food industry. According to the report published by Research Nester, the global processed fruits and vegetables market is growing at a CAGR of over 4.6% from 2026 to 2035. Therefore, this significant growth is expected to boost demand for preservation techniques such as freeze-drying, which is widely used to maintain the quality, nutritional value, and shelf life of these products.
• Technological advancements: The amplifying innovations in freeze drying equipment, such as microwave-assisted drying, atmospheric spray freeze-drying, and energy-efficient systems, are enhancing process efficiency and reducing energy consumption. For instance, in October 2024, GEA announced the launch of its next-generation RAY Plus batch freeze dryers, which are designed for the food industry with enhanced energy efficiency, hygiene, and operational flexibility. These dryers consist of an advanced airflow technology, larger condenser surfaces, and user-friendly controls, enabling high-capacity freeze-drying.

Trade Data for Industrial Lyophilization and Spray Dryers in Poland (2023)

Source: OEC

Challenges

• High energy consumption:  This, along with high operational costs, is the factor negatively impacting the growth trajectory of the market. This is an energy-intensive process that requires precise temperature and vacuum control over long cycles, which causes considerable electricity consumption and operational costs as well. The market hosts continued advancements in terms of energy-saving technologies, but still faces these issues, which can limit adoption, especially among smaller manufacturers with tighter budgets.
• Complexity of process and equipment: The process of freeze drying involves numerous stages, such as freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying, wherein each step requires proper monitoring and control. Therefore, this equipment complexity and the need for skilled operators create hesitation among new players to make investments in this field. In addition, the customization requirements for new products complicate the scaling process, hence causing a drawback for the market development.