According to Future Market Insights, the irradiated food market has grown from USD 263.2 million in 2018 to USD 300 million in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The market is expected to continue growing to USD 336 million by 2028 and USD 398.66 million by 2030.

Food irradiation is the process of using gamma rays, electron beams, and X-rays to sterilize, disinfect, and preserve food. This process aims to eliminate insects, bacteria, and parasites present in food, thereby enhancing food safety and extending shelf life. Food irradiation technology is widely used to treat various types of food, including meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and spices.

Factors driving the global irradiation market

- Increasing foodborne illnesses

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in August 2020, there are approximately 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, affecting 1 in 6 Americans. Each year, these illnesses are predicted to cause 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.

In Vietnam, according to Hanoi Agri Cert, there are about 250-500 food poisoning cases annually, with 7,000-10,000 victims and 100-200 deaths. The causes include: 29% due to food contaminated with microorganisms; 8.3% due to chemicals; 29% due to food containing natural toxins; and 33% of cases with unidentified causes.

- Increased awareness of health and food safety

With the rising numbers of food-related illnesses, concerns about food safety are growing in the community. Consumers worldwide are becoming more conscious and aware of health and food safety. Consequently, people today choose their food more carefully, which has driven the continued expansion of the food irradiation market.

- Benefits of advanced irradiation technology

The benefits of food irradiation technology, such as eliminating pathogenic microorganisms, reducing the use of chemical disinfectants, and extending shelf life, have contributed to its acceptance. Additionally, reputable organizations like WHO, FAO, FDA, IAEA, and CDC have conducted studies and assessed the safety of irradiated food, which has increased trust among modern consumers. This is one of the main factors driving the growth of the global irradiation market.

In which markets is food irradiation thriving?

- Asia-Pacific dominates the global market

According to Cognitive Market Research, the Asia-Pacific region dominated the irradiated food market in 2022, accounting for over 37.56% of global revenue due to various factors. Most APAC countries have ratified the Regional Cooperation Agreement for Research, Development, and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (RCA) supported by FAO and IAEA.

Under this project, 11 member countries from the Asia-Pacific region have begun collaborating to harmonize regulations related to food irradiation. Recently, Australia and New Zealand have unified their food management frameworks, including radiation processing. Most countries in the region have ratified the Codex General Standard and the Codex Code of Practice to regulate the commercial irradiation of food. Australia and New Zealand are gradually becoming important trade partners for Vietnam’s agricultural and aquatic exports. These are also potential markets for exporting fresh fruit, with a mandatory requirement for fresh Vietnamese fruits to undergo irradiation treatment before import.

- The U.S. market will grow the fastest

According to Cognitive Market Research, the U.S. food irradiation market is expected to grow in the coming years due to increasing consumer demand for safer and more sustainable food products.

One of the main challenges is consumer perception that irradiated food is unnatural. However, with studies, evaluations, and tests from reputable global organizations such as WHO, FAO, FDA, IAEA, and CDC, consumers have become more reassured and willing to use irradiated food.

According to Future Market Insights, the U.S. food irradiation market was valued at approximately USD 199.4 million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 540.9 million by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.0% during the forecast period. With significant growth in recent years and expected continued strong development in the future, the U.S. will be a potential and favorable market for Vietnam’s agricultural and aquatic exports in the coming time.

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With benefits such as food irradiation helping to preserve the nutritional value of processed foods while extending their shelf life; reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses; and today's consumers preferring processed foods because, compared to fresh foods, processed products are more convenient and have longer shelf lives... These factors have impacted and driven the growth of the global irradiation market.

References: Future Market Insights, Cognitive Market Research Company, Intellect Insights Journal

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