Canned Fruit & Vegetable Processing in European Union: Market Size, Businesses & Forecast 2026

The Canned Fruit & Vegetable Processing industry in the European Union comprises companies dedicated to extending the shelf-life of harvested agricultural produce through thermal processing, preservation, and canning. The sector acts as an essential bridge between European agricultural holdings and retail markets, emphasizing nutritional preservation and food waste reduction. According to official figures released by the industry association PROFEL, the sector's total trade value of processed fruit and vegetables reached €47 billion as of latest figures, with direct member operations generating approximately €22 billion in combined annual turnover. Moving forward, the industry is navigating

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

Get in touch and our analysts will be happy to help with custom market sizing, deeper segmentation, supplier detail or a bespoke study built for you.

What does the Canned Fruit & Vegetable Processing in European Union industry cover?

This industry encompasses the preservation and processing of fruits and vegetables via cooking, canning, airtight packaging, and drying, excluding the manufacturing of pure fruit juices. It covers activities dedicated to making perishable crops shelf-stable while retaining original micronutrients and food safety standards. Production facilities are strategically situated close to agricultural growing regions within the European Union to minimize post-harvest field and supply chain losses.

• •Primary operations are officially categorized under NACE Rev. 2 classification code 10.39, which covers 'Other processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables'.
• •The sector accounts for an average of approximately 6% of the total food processing industry's economic output across Europe.
• •Key product segments include canned deciduous fruits, canned vegetables, compotes, jams, fruit spreads, and dehydrated vegetable products.

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The European fruit and vegetable processing sector supports an extensive, highly integrated supply chain spanning from localized cooperative processors to major regional packaging entities. Production volumes are substantial, yielding millions of tonnes of stable food products annually that feed both the internal EU single market and external trade channels. Operators rely heavily on domestic European fields for raw produce, which are processed via an extensive network of specialized regional facilities.

• •The European Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industries (PROFEL) represents over 500 companies across 11 EU Member States.
• •The processing industry directly employs more than 80,000 individuals within the European territory.
• •Annual output includes approximately 2.1 million tonnes of canned vegetables and 1.0 million tonnes of canned deciduous fruit and compotes.
• •The sector produces roughly 485,000 tonnes of jams and fruit preserves on an annual basis.

What drives demand in the industry?

Demand is driven by consumer shifts toward long-shelf-life products that assist in effective meal planning and the mitigation of household food waste. The structural shift toward convenience, combined with stable shelf-stable storage profiles, keeps canned variants competitive against fresh produce. Furthermore, public awareness of the equivalent nutritional and micronutrient retention values of canned produce compared to fresh counterparts helps sustain consistent institutional and retail demand.

• •Convenience, price accessibility, and value for money remain primary consumer purchase drivers across the European bloc.
• •A strict focus on reducing supply chain food waste favors ready-peeled, pre-prepared, and long-life canned portions.
• •The average daily European fruit and vegetable consumption reached 355.71 grams per capita in 2024, which remains below the WHO target of 400 grams, indicating room for long-term category growth.

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The competitive environment features a blend of large agricultural cooperatives, specialized multi-national food processors, and localized private companies operating within major growing regions like Italy, Spain, and France. European processors are currently facing intense competition from lower-cost third-country imports, which has led trade associations to advocate for stronger trade defense instruments. Companies focus heavily on processing efficiency, secure local crop supply contracts, and adherence to rigorous European food safety mandates.

• •Bonduelle SCA is a leading European public corporation specializing in processed, canned, and ready-to-use vegetables.
• •Greenyard NV operates extensive processing and preservation divisions supplying shelf-stable products to major European retailers.
• •Conserve Italia Scarl represents a massive agricultural cooperative entity commanding a significant share of the processed tomato and canned vegetable segment.
• •Anatoli S.A. operates as a verified regional processor of preserved and canned deciduous fruits and agricultural outputs within Greece.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

Rising production costs, volatile weather conditions impacting crop yields, and escalating import pressures from third countries shape the immediate industry outlook. Processors are increasingly integrating advanced sustainability roadmaps to align with regional climate goals, reducing energy and water footprints during thermal canning cycles. Trade tensions remain high as local bodies oppose unilateral tariff-free market access proposals for competing non-EU products.

• •In April 2026, the European fruit, vegetable, and tomato processing industry officially requested stronger trade protections to combat rising import pressures.
• •In late 2025, PROFEL formally raised alarms regarding proposed unilateral tariff-free market access for competing foreign agricultural products.
• •Industry focus has shifted heavily toward 'Roadmap to Sustainable Food Systems' initiatives to lower emissions across packaging and field transport operations.

How is the industry regulated?

Operators are subject to stringent European Union regulations governing agricultural inputs, food safety, and environmental stewardship. Legislative frameworks control chemical usage, packaging integrity, and explicit consumer labeling to maintain public trust. Compliance mandates require thorough traceability from the farm fields directly through the processing plant and onto retail shelves.

• •Companies must comply with standard EU regulations such as Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 governing food additives used during the preservation process.
• •Producers adhere to Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 which establishes a common authorization procedure for food additives, enzymes, and flavorings.
• •Strict limits on contaminants, agricultural residues, and heavy metals are enforced under specific European maximum levels for contaminants in food rules.

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• Eurostat Statistics Explained 2023-2024 ·
• PROFEL European Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processors Economic Data 2024-2026 ·
• Freshfel Europe Consumption Monitor Report 2026 ·
• FoodDrinkEurope Industry Publications 2024