Post-Harvest Treatment

Global Post-Harvest Treatment Market to Reach US$3.0 Billion by 2030

The global market for Post-Harvest Treatment estimated at US$2.1 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$3.0 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Coatings, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 7.1% CAGR and reach US$1.1 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Ethylene Blockers segment is estimated at 5.8% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$537.0 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 9.7% CAGR

The Post-Harvest Treatment market in the U.S. is estimated at US$537.0 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$711.6 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 9.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% and 5.7% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.5% CAGR.

Global Post-Harvest Treatment Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Is Post-Harvest Treatment and Why Is It Essential for Agricultural Produce?

Post-harvest treatment refers to a series of processes and treatments applied to harvested crops to preserve their quality, extend shelf life, and minimize losses due to spoilage, pests, and diseases. These treatments are critical in ensuring that fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts remain safe for consumption and maintain their nutritional and commercial value during storage, transportation, and distribution. As global demand for fresh produce increases, post-harvest treatment has become an indispensable part of the agricultural supply chain, helping to reduce food waste and improve food security.

Post-harvest treatment typically includes cleaning, cooling, drying, waxing, coating, chemical treatments, and packaging to protect agricultural produce from damage and decay. For instance, fresh fruits and vegetables are often treated with chemical coatings or edible waxes to reduce moisture loss, delay ripening, and prevent microbial growth. Other post-harvest treatments, such as fungicides and preservatives, are used to control diseases and pests that can spoil or degrade the quality of crops during storage and transport.

In addition to reducing post-harvest losses, these treatments also help improve the appearance, texture, and marketability of fresh produce, making it more attractive to consumers and extending its availability in the market. Post-harvest treatments are particularly important for export-oriented agriculture, where long distances and extended shipping times increase the risk of spoilage.

How Are Technological Advancements Shaping the Post-Harvest Treatment Market?

Technological advancements are driving innovation in post-harvest treatment methods, improving the effectiveness, safety, and sustainability of these processes. One of the most significant trends is the development of biological and natural treatments that offer alternatives to chemical treatments. Increasing concerns about the use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture, coupled with rising demand for organic and chemical-free produce, have spurred the development of natural fungicides, microbial biocontrol agents, and edible coatings made from plant-based materials. These treatments provide effective protection against spoilage and pests while aligning with consumer preferences for environmentally friendly and health-conscious products.

Another key advancement is the use of smart packaging technologies that enhance the preservation of fresh produce. Smart packaging materials, embedded with sensors and indicators, can monitor the freshness, temperature, and gas levels within packaging, alerting handlers if the conditions are not optimal. These technologies help to maintain the quality of produce during transportation and storage, reducing spoilage and food waste. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is another innovative technology that adjusts the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels inside packaging to slow down the ripening process and extend the shelf life of perishable goods.

Cold chain technologies are also advancing, improving the management of temperature-sensitive produce. The use of refrigeration systems, insulated packaging, and temperature-controlled vehicles ensures that crops remain fresh from the point of harvest to the consumer. Advances in cold chain logistics, including real-time temperature monitoring and automated cooling systems, allow producers and distributors to better manage storage conditions and minimize the risk of spoilage.

The rise of nanotechnology is further transforming post-harvest treatments. Nano-based materials and coatings are being developed to improve the antimicrobial properties of packaging and extend the shelf life of food products. For example, nano-coatings with antimicrobial agents can be applied to the surface of fruits and vegetables to prevent microbial growth and reduce post-harvest losses. Nanotechnology also allows for the creation of high-performance, biodegradable packaging materials, which are more sustainable than traditional plastic packaging.

Additionally, digital tools and data analytics are being increasingly used to optimize post-harvest processes. By collecting and analyzing data on factors such as humidity, temperature, and produce conditions, farmers and distributors can make informed decisions about how best to store and transport crops. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are being integrated into post-harvest systems to monitor crop conditions and automate responses in real-time, ensuring that produce remains in the best possible condition throughout the supply chain.

What Are the Key Applications and End-Use Sectors for Post-Harvest Treatment?

Post-harvest treatment is applied across a wide range of agricultural products, with the primary focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. One of the largest application areas is in the fruit and vegetable industry, where post-harvest treatments are used to delay ripening, prevent microbial contamination, and maintain the freshness and appearance of the produce. Coatings, such as edible waxes, are commonly used on fruits like apples, citrus, and avocados to reduce moisture loss and slow down the ripening process, while fungicides and bactericides are applied to protect crops from mold and bacteria during storage and transportation.

In the grain and cereal sector, post-harvest treatments are essential for protecting grains from pests, moisture, and spoilage. Grain storage systems often use fumigation, drying, and aeration techniques to prevent insect infestations, fungal growth, and other post-harvest challenges. The goal is to maintain the nutritional value and quality of grains while extending their shelf life. Additionally, post-harvest treatments in grain processing involve the use of preservatives and controlled storage conditions to prevent the development of harmful toxins, such as mycotoxins.

The nut industry also relies on post-harvest treatments to ensure product safety and quality. Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, are vulnerable to moisture, pests, and microbial contamination during storage. Post-harvest processes include drying, shelling, sorting, and packaging to ensure that nuts remain fresh and free from contamination. Certain treatments, such as modified atmosphere packaging and nitrogen flushing, are used to prevent oxidation and preserve the flavor and texture of nuts during long-term storage.

Post-harvest treatments are also crucial in the flower and ornamental plant industry, where the shelf life and aesthetic appeal of cut flowers are vital for market success. Treatments such as hydration solutions, preservatives, and fungicides are used to prevent wilting, discoloration, and disease in flowers, allowing them to maintain their freshness during transport and display. These treatments are particularly important for the export market, where flowers must travel long distances without losing their appeal.

In the processed food sector, post-harvest treatments are applied to raw ingredients to maintain their quality before they are used in food manufacturing. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables may undergo pre-treatments such as washing, slicing, and blanching to preserve their color, flavor, and texture before being processed into canned, frozen, or dried products.

What Factors Are Driving Growth in the Post-Harvest Treatment Market?

Several factors are driving the growth of the post-harvest treatment market, including increasing global demand for fresh produce, rising awareness of food security issues, and technological advancements that improve the effectiveness of post-harvest processes. One of the primary growth drivers is the growing consumer preference for fresh, high-quality produce that is available year-round. As global populations grow, particularly in urban areas, there is increasing demand for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other perishables that can be stored and transported over long distances without losing quality.

Food loss and waste reduction is another significant factor driving the adoption of post-harvest treatments. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a significant portion of global food production is lost or wasted each year, with a large percentage occurring at the post-harvest stage. Governments, international organizations, and industry stakeholders are increasingly focused on reducing food waste and improving supply chain efficiency. Post-harvest treatments play a key role in addressing this challenge by extending the shelf life of perishable goods and reducing spoilage during storage and transport.

Technological advancements in post-harvest treatment methods are also contributing to market growth. The development of innovative, environmentally friendly treatments such as natural fungicides, edible coatings, and biodegradable packaging materials is helping to reduce the environmental impact of traditional chemical treatments. Additionally, the integration of data analytics, IoT, and AI into post-harvest management systems is allowing for more precise control of storage conditions, enabling farmers and distributors to optimize produce quality and reduce losses.

Stringent food safety regulations and the growing demand for organic and chemical-free produce are further driving the adoption of advanced post-harvest treatments. As consumers become more aware of the health risks associated with synthetic chemicals and pesticides, there is increasing pressure on food producers to use safer, more sustainable alternatives. Natural post-harvest treatments, such as biological control agents and organic coatings, are gaining popularity as a way to meet consumer demand while maintaining food safety standards. The expansion of international trade in fresh produce is another factor boosting the post-harvest treatment market. With the globalization of food supply chains, fresh fruits and vegetables are often transported across long distances, making post-harvest treatments essential for preserving product quality during shipping and ensuring that produce reaches markets in good condition. Countries that rely heavily on agricultural exports, such as the United States, Brazil, and Spain, are investing in advanced post-harvest technologies to enhance the competitiveness of their agricultural products in international markets.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Post-Harvest Treatment market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Type (Coatings, Ethylene Blockers, Fungicides, Cleaners, Other Types); Crop Type (Fruits, Vegetables)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 36 Featured) -

• AgroFresh Inc.
• BASF
• Bayer AG
• Clariant
• Decco Inc.
• DIC Corporation
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• FMC Corporation
• FomesaFruitech
• Heubach
• Jaysynth Dyestuff
• Kolor Jet Chemical
• Nufarm
• Pace International
• Syngenta AG
• Trust Chem
• Xeda International

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