Freeze-Drying Equipment Market

Market Overview

The global freeze-drying equipment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period, i.e., 2022–2030.

Freeze drying, otherwise called lyophilization or cryodesiccation, is a process that includes freezing the item, bringing down pressure, then eliminating the ice by sublimation. It enhances the shelf-life of the items and helps keep the flavor and ingredients of the food products intact. It comprises four parts: a drying chamber, a vacuum pump, a heat source, and a condenser. Applications of freeze dryers are across different sectors such as food and beverage, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and health care.

Market Dynamics

A Rise in Demand for Freeze-Drying Equipment in the Hospitality and Pharmaceutical Industry

Freeze drying is a suitable method for removing water from heat-sensitive products. It achieves a high-quality output at a low temperature, pressure, and cost compared to the dehydration methods. This procedure is preferred for drying fruits, vegetables, packaged products, and extracts. Due to its feasibility and efficiency, freeze-drying products are in high demand. 

Another driving factor for the global freeze-drying market is the increasing number of corrective and repair surgeries. Minimal invasive nature of the surgery, fast recovery, minimal pain, and most minor hospital stay are the benefits of using these types of equipment. This has led to the increasing use of highly effective and advanced freeze-drying equipment globally. The freeze-drying products with good durability are highly in demand in the international market with a rise due to developments in the medical sector.

The food and beverage sector is experiencing a significant change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To fulfil these changes in consumer behavior, several restaurants are competing with each other, leading to the realignment of foodservice restaurants through state-of-the-art freeze-drying equipment.

Due to the lack of funds, many restaurants had to close down during the pandemic. But post-pandemic, the demand for restaurants have increased considerably. As the customer number in the hotels and restaurants is growing gradually, the need for freeze-drying equipment is rising too.

An Increase in Set-up and Maintenance Costs

The increasing set-up and maintenance cost is one of the most significant factors which obstructs the market growth. Besides these costs, it takes up a lot of space and, high processing time and dries the product completely. With high arrangement costs, the support cost of freeze-drying equipment is on the higher side as the obstructing of the entire arrangement is to be avoided at all costs. Besides, the whole layout occupies a ton of room, making it much more costly. Due to the longer processing time, the product is dried thoroughly. Most of the freeze dryers available in the market take longer processing time, leading to high maintenance and capital costs.

Growing Demand for Freeze Drying Equipment from Emerging Economies

The rapid industrialization and technological advancements have led to a growing need for freeze-drying products in the markets of emerging economies. The developed countries have been widely using this equipment, and the developing countries have readily adopted these tools. The freeze-drying products are used in many pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food processing, healthcare industries.

Fast industrialization and the need for mechanical developments have expanded the interest in productive, savvy, and time-effective freeze-drying equipment. This has constrained hospitality and pharma industries to emphasize the modernization of these tools and the simplicity of work.

Segmental Analysis

Based on the product type, the global freeze-drying equipment market is segmented into industrial freeze dryers, laboratory freeze dryers, and general-purpose freeze dryers. In 2021, the industrial freeze dryers generated the highest revenue and acquired ~50% of the revenue share generated in the market. Expected increase in the revenue till 2030 at a CAGR of ~7% because of the high reliability and reduced energy consumption. 

According to the application, the global freeze-drying equipment market is segmented into biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and surgical procedures. In 2021, the highest revenue was generated from the food processing industry, which will steadily grow at a CAGR of ~7% by 2030. The changing nature of food items and consistently changing customer patterns are responsible for raising interest in freeze-drying equipment.

The biotechnology area relies upon its research and development where various tools are much of the time utilized, including freeze-drying gear. Lab freeze-drying equipment is used in biotechnology, where precision, execution, and unwavering quality are critical. Pharma production relies on synthetic responses and temperatures a great deal where freeze dryer acts quickly and gives exact outcomes. 

Expanding production and research and development processes during the COVID-19 emergency has raised interest in freeze-drying technologies in the drug area. Freeze drying has been progressively associated with surgeries across the globe, which has eventually expanded its interest.

A downfall is seen in the revenue generated by all the types of freeze-drying equipment in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regional Analysis

Significant Growth in Asia-Pacific and Europe

Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and SAMEA. There is considerable growth in the revenue generated by freeze-drying equipment in Europe and the Asia Pacific. Till 2030, it will steadily increase at a CAGR above 7.5%. The technological developments in Europe and the changing trends in various sectors have led to a rise in demand for freeze-drying equipment. The U.K has the most grounded medical services and biotechnology environment in Europe, trailed by Germany, France, and Spain.

Nonetheless, only 16% of the medical facilities in Europe incorporate these high-end tools, such as freeze-drying equipment. This equipment aids in working on the exploration and advancement quality support scientists to settle on better and informed. It is a vital piece of R&D in Pharmaceutics and biotechnology, which has expanded interest. This is the further driving factor for the European freeze-drying market. 

Countries in Asia have a reputation for being technologically advanced in healthcare and cosmetic procedures. This is possible because of the freeze-drying equipment used to store cosmetic healthcare products. The solid presence of freeze-drying equipment producers across China and India is advantageous for the Asia pacific freeze-drying equipment market. Additionally, developing economies, expanding patient pool base, rising adoption of cutting-edge technologies are the significant driving variables for the local market. In countries like India and Malaysia, such equipment aid in improving the overall healthcare infrastructure

Recent Developments

June 2018- The GEA group launched controlled nucleation technology that facilitates uniform ice crystal formation in the laboratory and production-scale freeze dryers with a minimum degree of supercooling.

March 2020- Azbil Corp. developed a laboratory freeze dryer, LyoQuest Arctic. This freezer is specifically for R&D purposes. ProQuest Arctic Freeze dryer integrates pre-freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying processes, avoiding conventional cooling gases.

Freeze-Drying Equipment Market Segmentation

By Device Type

• Industrial
• Laboratory
• General Purpose

By Application

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceuticals
• Food Processing
• Surgical Procedures

By Regions

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• SMEA