The Japan Frozen Chicken Market size is expected to reach $3.2 Billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 7.2% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2022, the market attained a volume of 160.1 Kilo Tonnes, experiencing a growth of 6.2% (2019-2022).
The frozen chicken market in Japan has witnessed significant growth over the years, driven by various factors such as changing consumer preferences, lifestyle shifts, and technological advancements in food processing and storage. Japan, a country with a high demand for convenience foods and a growing inclination towards Western dietary habits, has seen an increased consumption of frozen chicken products. One of the key drivers of growth in the frozen chicken market is the rising demand for ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals among Japanese consumers.
Moreover, the availability of a wide range of frozen chicken products in the Japanese industry, including nuggets, wings, fillets, and strips, caters to diverse consumer preferences and culinary traditions. This variety allows Japanese consumers to experiment with different flavors and cooking styles, further driving the demand for frozen chicken products. Additionally, freezing and packaging technology advancements have contributed to Japan's frozen chicken market's growth. Innovative freezing techniques help preserve chicken products' quality, texture, and flavor, ensuring they retain their freshness even after extended storage periods.
However, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the frozen chicken market in Japan, as it has on the global food industry as a whole. The pandemic led to disruptions in supply chains, logistical challenges, and shifts in consumer behavior. While the initial phase of the pandemic saw a surge in demand for frozen foods, including chicken products, due to panic buying and stockpiling, subsequent lockdowns and economic uncertainties dampened consumer spending and affected food service operations. Furthermore, stringent health and safety measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus posed operational challenges for manufacturers and retailers in the frozen chicken market.
The frozen food industry in Japan has witnessed significant expansion over the years, particularly in the frozen chicken market. One of the key drivers behind expanding the frozen chicken market in Japan is the increasing demand for convenient and ready-to-cook meal options. With busy lifestyles becoming the norm, Japanese consumers seek quick and easy meal solutions requiring minimal preparation time. Frozen chicken products offer a convenient solution as they can be stored for an extended period without compromising quality or taste.
Moreover, advancements in freezing technologies have contributed to the growth of the frozen chicken market. According to the Japan Frozen Food Association, in 2020, Japan's frozen goods sector production was up to 1.59 billion metric tons at approximately $6.6 billion. Innovative freezing techniques such as flash freezing help preserve chicken's freshness and nutritional value, making frozen products comparable to fresh alternatives. This ensures that Japanese consumers enjoy high-quality chicken products.
Furthermore, the growing popularity of international cuisines in Japan has also fueled the demand for frozen chicken products. Japanese consumers increasingly embrace Western-style dishes incorporating chicken as a primary ingredient. Frozen chicken products cater to this demand by offering a wide range of options, including breaded chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, and marinated chicken breasts, which can be used in various recipes. Hence, the expansion of Japan's frozen chicken market is driven by the rising demand for convenient meal options, advancements in freezing technologies, and the increasing popularity of international cuisines incorporating chicken.
In recent years, Japan has witnessed a notable surge in convenience stores entering the frozen chicken market. One of the primary reasons for the proliferation of convenience stores in the frozen chicken market is Japanese consumers' changing lifestyles and consumption patterns. Convenience stores in Japan have been investing heavily in enhancing their product offerings and improving the quality of their food items to stay competitive in the industry. By offering diverse frozen chicken options, convenience stores appeal to a broader customer base.
With an increasing number of people leading busy and fast-paced lives, there is a growing demand for convenient food options that require minimal preparation time. According to the Japan Franchise Association, the notable surge in convenience stores in Japan has been remarkable, reaching 57,544 by 2021. With Japan's population hovering around 125 million, this surge equates to an impressive ratio of approximately one convenience store for every 2,170 people. Convenience stores cater to this demand by offering a wide range of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare frozen chicken products, providing Japanese consumers hassle-free meal solutions.
Additionally, convenience and accessibility play a crucial role in driving convenience stores' success in the frozen chicken market. With their extensive network of outlets located in various residential and commercial areas, convenience stores provide unparalleled convenience to Japanese consumers, who easily purchase frozen chicken products whenever they need them. Thus, the proliferation of convenience stores in Japan's frozen chicken market underscores the evolving consumer preferences towards convenient, ready-to-eat meal solutions in today's fast-paced lifestyle.
In Japan, the frozen chicken market is a significant component of the overall poultry industry, catering to consumers' diverse culinary preferences and food service establishments' needs. One of the key players in the Japanese frozen chicken market is Maruha Nichiro Corporation. As one of Japan's largest seafood and processed food companies, Maruha Nichiro has a substantial presence in the poultry sector, offering a diverse range of frozen chicken products. The company's extensive distribution network ensures its products are readily available across retail outlets, supermarkets, and convenience stores throughout Japan. Maruha Nichiro's commitment to quality and food safety has earned it a strong reputation among consumers and food service providers.
Kokubu Group Corporation is a leading food distribution and logistics company that plays a crucial role in supplying the frozen chicken market in Japan. Through its extensive network of distribution centers and transportation facilities, Kokubu Group ensures the efficient and timely delivery of frozen chicken products from manufacturers to retailers and food service establishments across Japan. The company's logistical expertise and commitment to quality control contribute to the smooth operation of Japan's frozen chicken supply chain.
Another prominent participant in the Japanese frozen chicken market is Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Known for its wide range of food products and seasonings, Ajinomoto produces frozen chicken products tailored to Japanese culinary preferences. The company leverages its flavor enhancement and food processing expertise to develop innovative frozen chicken offerings that appeal to discerning consumers. Ajinomoto's focus on convenience and taste has made its frozen chicken products popular for home cooking and quick meals in Japan.
Nippon Meat Packers, Inc. (Nippon Ham) is another major Japanese frozen chicken market player. With its vertically integrated operations spanning poultry farming, processing, and distribution, Nippon Ham supplies a wide range of frozen chicken products to meet the diverse needs of consumers and food service providers. The company's focus on product innovation and quality assurance has helped it maintain a strong industry presence and customer loyalty in Japan.
In addition to these large corporations, several regional and niche players contribute to the diversity of the Japanese frozen chicken market. These companies often specialize in specific types of frozen chicken products or cater to niche industry segments, such as organic or halal-certified chicken. Brands like Sakura Chicken and Co-op Kyushu Co., Ltd. offer locally sourced frozen chicken products that appeal to regional preferences and dietary requirements. Thus, the Japanese frozen chicken market is characterized by several established players and regional and niche brands, all contributing to the availability and diversity of frozen chicken products in Japan.
By Type
By Distribution Channel
By Product
Our team of dedicated experts can provide you with attractive expansion opportunities for your business.
Unique Offerings 