Global Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Market Size

• The global post-harvest treatment for fruits and vegetables market size was valued at USD 12.60 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 21.32 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fuelled by increasing demand for fresh produce, extended shelf life, and reduced post-harvest losses across the food supply chain
• Rising awareness about food safety, quality preservation, and the adoption of advanced treatment technologies are further supporting market expansion

Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Market Analysis

• Growing adoption of chemical, biological, and physical post-harvest treatments is helping reduce spoilage and maintain nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables
• The market is witnessing increasing investment in cold storage, controlled atmosphere packaging, and edible coatings, which enhance the effectiveness of post-harvest treatments
• Asia-Pacific dominated the post-harvest treatment for fruits and vegetables market with the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by increasing agricultural production, rising demand for fresh produce, and rapid adoption of modern storage and preservation technologies
• North America region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the global post-harvest treatment for fruits and vegetables market, driven by increasing demand for high-quality fresh produce, investment in cold chain and storage facilities, and rising awareness of food safety standards
• The Coatings segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by their effectiveness in extending shelf life, preserving freshness, and reducing microbial contamination during storage and transportation. Coatings are widely adopted across both fruits and vegetables to maintain quality, appearance, and nutritional value

Report Scope and Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Market Segmentation 

Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Market Trends

Increasing Adoption of Advanced Post-Harvest Treatment Solutions

• The growing focus on reducing post-harvest losses is transforming the fruits and vegetables supply chain by enabling longer shelf life, improved quality, and reduced spoilage. Treatments such as chemical preservatives, edible coatings, and controlled atmosphere storage help maintain freshness and nutritional value, while minimizing microbial contamination and ensuring food safety across distribution channels. This trend is driving investment in modern post-harvest technologies across both developed and emerging markets
• The rising demand for fresh produce in urban and export markets is accelerating the adoption of modern post-harvest treatment technologies. These solutions are particularly effective in regions with limited cold storage and logistics infrastructure, helping minimize losses and ensure timely delivery. In addition, the adoption of digital monitoring systems and IoT-enabled cold chain solutions is improving efficiency and reducing operational risks in perishable goods management
• The ease of application and effectiveness of advanced treatment solutions are making them attractive for both large-scale commercial farms and smallholder operations. Farmers benefit from better produce quality, higher market prices, and reduced wastage, while distributors gain from consistent supply and longer shelf-life products. The growing awareness of sustainability and eco-friendly practices is also encouraging adoption of biodegradable coatings and chemical-free treatment options
  • For instance, in 2023, several vegetable cooperatives in India reported extended shelf life and improved marketability of tomatoes and leafy greens after implementing edible coatings and modified atmosphere packaging. This allowed producers to reach distant markets without quality degradation, increased revenue, and reduced post-harvest losses by up to 20–25%. Such success stories are motivating other regional players to invest in advanced post-harvest solutions
• While post-harvest treatments are improving food security and quality, their success depends on continued innovation, training, and cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers must focus on region-specific solutions and sustainable treatment methods to maximize market potential, while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks and international quality standards

Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Market Dynamics

Driver

Rising Demand for Fresh, High-Quality, and Export-Ready Produce

• Increasing consumer preference for fresh, minimally processed fruits and vegetables is pushing producers to adopt effective post-harvest treatments. Solutions such as cold storage, chemical and biological treatments, and packaging technologies help maintain quality during transport and storage, while reducing microbial spoilage and nutrient loss. This trend is driving modernization across the global agricultural supply chain
• Farmers and exporters are seeking ways to reduce spoilage, improve shelf life, and meet international quality standards, driving investment in advanced post-harvest technologies. Adoption of innovative techniques such as nano-coatings, ethylene scavengers, and vacuum-sealed packaging is enhancing product value and export competitiveness, particularly for high-value fruits and vegetables
• Governments and international organizations are promoting food safety standards and providing support for post-harvest infrastructure, encouraging the adoption of treatment solutions. Subsidies, grants, and technical training programs for cold chain implementation are enabling small and medium-scale farmers to access advanced treatment technologies, expanding market penetration
  • For instance, in 2022, the European Union implemented stricter freshness and quality regulations for imported fruits and vegetables, boosting demand for innovative post-harvest treatments. Compliance with such regulations has incentivized investment in advanced storage and packaging systems, improving produce quality and reducing rejection rates in export markets
• While market growth is driven by quality and export requirements, challenges such as technology adoption, cost, and infrastructure gaps must be addressed to sustain expansion. Industry players are focusing on scalable, affordable, and environmentally friendly solutions to overcome these barriers and increase adoption across diverse geographies

Restraint/Challenge

High Cost of Advanced Post-Harvest Treatments and Limited Access in Developing Regions

• Advanced post-harvest treatment solutions such as controlled atmosphere storage, cold chain infrastructure, and chemical treatments involve high installation and operational costs, limiting adoption among smallholder farmers. The need for electricity, skilled labor, and maintenance further increases expenses, making it difficult for resource-constrained producers to implement these technologies
• Many rural and underdeveloped regions lack trained personnel and infrastructure to implement post-harvest solutions effectively, leading to suboptimal treatment and higher spoilage. Limited awareness of the benefits of modern storage techniques and improper handling practices exacerbate post-harvest losses, affecting both domestic consumption and export potential
• Supply chain and logistics challenges further restrict the consistent application of treatments, particularly in remote areas, resulting in reduced produce quality and marketability. Issues such as lack of refrigerated transport, inconsistent electricity supply, and insufficient cold storage facilities hinder the effective preservation of perishable goods
  • For instance, in 2023, reports from Sub-Saharan Africa revealed that over 65% of small-scale farmers could not access proper cold storage or edible coating solutions, resulting in significant post-harvest losses. This not only impacted farmer incomes but also affected food availability in local and regional markets
• While technological advancements continue to improve treatment efficiency, reducing costs, expanding access, and providing training remain crucial to fully unlock the market potential of post-harvest treatment solutions. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and private companies is essential to create affordable, scalable, and sustainable post-harvest infrastructure globally

Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type and application.

• By Type

On the basis of type, the post-harvest treatment for fruits and vegetables market is segmented into Cleaners, Ethylene Blockers, Fungicides, Coatings, Sanitizers, and Sprout Inhibitors. The Coatings segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by their effectiveness in extending shelf life, preserving freshness, and reducing microbial contamination during storage and transportation. Coatings are widely adopted across both fruits and vegetables to maintain quality, appearance, and nutritional value.

The Ethylene Blockers segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by their ability to slow ripening, minimize spoilage, and enhance export potential. These treatments are particularly popular for climacteric fruits such as bananas, tomatoes, and mangoes, where controlling ethylene activity is critical to ensuring longer shelf life and reducing post-harvest losses.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into Vegetables and Fruits. The Fruits segment held the largest revenue share in 2024 due to the high demand for fresh, high-quality, and export-ready fruits that require advanced post-harvest treatments. Fruits are more perishable and sensitive to storage conditions, driving the adoption of coatings, fungicides, and ethylene blockers to maintain freshness and marketability.

The Vegetables segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing consumption of fresh vegetables, rising awareness of food safety, and the need to reduce post-harvest losses. Advanced treatments such as sanitizers, coatings, and sprout inhibitors are being increasingly applied to leafy greens, tubers, and other vegetables to improve shelf life and ensure compliance with regulatory quality standards.

Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Market Regional Analysis

• Asia-Pacific dominated the post-harvest treatment for fruits and vegetables market with the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by increasing agricultural production, rising demand for fresh produce, and rapid adoption of modern storage and preservation technologies
• Farmers and agribusinesses in the region highly value solutions that extend shelf life, reduce spoilage, and maintain nutritional quality, improving marketability and profitability
• This widespread adoption is further supported by government initiatives promoting modern cold chain infrastructure, food safety regulations, and increased investment in advanced post-harvest treatment solutions

China Post-Harvest Treatment Market Insight

The China post-harvest treatment market captured the largest revenue share in Asia-Pacific in 2024, fueled by the country’s expanding horticultural production, rising exports, and focus on reducing post-harvest losses. Adoption of chemical treatments, coatings, and cold storage solutions is increasing to meet domestic consumption and international quality standards. Government support for modern supply chains and storage infrastructure is significantly contributing to market growth.

Japan Post-Harvest Treatment Market Insight

The Japan post-harvest treatment market is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by high-tech agricultural practices, demand for longer shelf life produce, and focus on minimizing food waste. Advanced treatments such as controlled atmosphere storage, edible coatings, and sanitizers are increasingly being implemented to maintain freshness and quality for both domestic consumption and export markets.

North America Post-Harvest Treatment Market Insight

The North America post-harvest treatment market is expected to witness considerable growth from 2025 to 2032, driven by advanced storage infrastructure, rising demand for high-quality fresh produce, and stringent food safety regulations. The use of chemical treatments, coatings, and sprout inhibitors is increasing across commercial farms and supply chains to maintain product quality and reduce spoilage.

U.S. Post-Harvest Treatment Market Insight

The U.S. post-harvest treatment market is expected to witness the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2032, driven by advanced cold chain infrastructure, increasing consumer preference for fresh and high-quality produce, and strong adoption of modern treatment technologies. Solutions such as chemical preservatives, edible coatings, ethylene blockers, and sanitizers are extensively implemented to reduce spoilage, extend shelf life, and improve marketability.

Europe Post-Harvest Treatment Market Insight

The Europe post-harvest treatment market is expected to grow steadily from 2025 to 2032, primarily driven by strict food safety standards, rising consumer demand for fresh and high-quality produce, and adoption of sustainable treatment solutions. Cold storage, coatings, and sanitizers are widely implemented across commercial farms and supply chains to enhance produce quality and extend shelf life.

Germany Post-Harvest Treatment Market Insight

The Germany post-harvest treatment market is expected to witness significant growth from 2025 to 2032, fueled by technologically advanced agricultural practices, strong focus on reducing food waste, and adoption of sustainable treatment solutions. Cold storage systems, coatings, fungicides, and ethylene blockers are increasingly used to maintain quality, extend shelf life, and meet strict EU food safety standards.

U.K. Post-Harvest Treatment Market Insight

The U.K. post-harvest treatment market is expected to witness robust growth from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing demand for fresh, export-quality produce, adoption of modern storage solutions, and government initiatives promoting food safety and supply chain efficiency. Treatments such as coatings, fungicides, and sanitizers are widely employed to preserve freshness and maintain produce quality for domestic and international markets.

Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables Market Share

The Post-Harvest Treatment for Fruits and Vegetables industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• DECCO - UPL (India)
• Pace International, LLC (U.S.)
• XEDA International (Spain)
• JBT (U.S.)
• AgroFresh (U.S.)
• Syngenta AG (Switzerland)
• Bayer AG (Germany)
• DuPont (U.S.)
• Nufarm (Australia)
• FMC Corporation (U.S.)
• Futureco Bioscience S.A. (Spain)
• Corteva (U.S.)
• BASF SE (Germany)
• Carrier (U.S.)
• Janssen Pharmaceutica, Inc (Belgium)
• Colin Campbell (Chemicals) Pty Ltd (Australia)
• Valent BioSciences LLC (U.S.)
• RPM International Inc. (U.S.)

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