Global Food Irradiation Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis Report - Forecast 2034

Food Irradiation Market: Industry Perspective

The global food irradiation market size was worth around USD 300.26 Million in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 800.3 Million by 2034 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 10.3% between 2025 and 2034. The report analyzes the global food irradiation market's drivers, restraints/challenges, and the effect they have on the demands during the projection period. In addition, the report explores emerging opportunities in the food irradiation industry.

Global Food Irradiation Market: Overview

Food irradiation is the method of exposing food to ionising radiation to increase food safety and shelf life by reducing or removing microorganisms and insects, eliminating the risk of foodborne disease, and delaying ripening. Irradiation does not impair nutritional benefits, alter the quality, texture or taste of food or make food toxic in any noticeable way. In reality, any modification done by irradiation is so subtle that it is not easy to say whether a food has been irradiated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is capable of controlling the sources of radiation applied to irradiate food. They approve a source of radiation for food use only after it has confirmed that food irradiation is safe.

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Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global food irradiation market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 10.3% over the forecast period (2025-2034).
• Regarding revenue, the global food irradiation market size was valued at around USD 300.26 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 800.3 Million by 2034.
• The food irradiation market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to rising food safety concerns, increasing demand for extended shelf life, stringent government regulations, and growing adoption of pathogen reduction technologies.
• Based on Source, the Gamma Radiation segment is expected to lead the global market.
• On the basis of Technology, the Ultra-high Pressure segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market.
• Based on region, North America is predicted to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Global Food Irradiation Market: Growth Factors

The food irradiation process has many benefits that contribute to the growth of market:

Foodborne Illness Prevention – to efficiently remove pathogens that cause food poisoning, such as E. coli (Escherichia) and Salmonella

Preservation refers to the process of destroying or inactivating organisms that cause food spoilage and decomposition in order to prolong the shelf life of foods.

Insect Control – to eliminate insects in or on exotic fruits shipped into the U.S. In addition, irradiation reduces the need for other pest-control methods that may damage the fruit.

Food Irradiation Market: Report Scope

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Delay Sprouting and Ripening – to prevent sprouting (e.g., potatoes) and to delay fruit ripening to extend the life of the fruit.

Sterilisation – Irradiation can be used to sterilise foods, which can then be processed without refrigeration for years. In hospitals, sterilised foods are beneficial to patients with highly compromised immune systems, such as those suffering from AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy. Irradiated foods are subjected to significantly higher levels of care than foods licensed for general consumption.

Future Developments in Irradiation

Combinations of irradiation methods and other food preservation strategies are expected to become more popular in the coming years. Combinations of technologies can reduce the amount of energy or dosage levels while still killing bacteria and spoilage microbes, leading to improved final product quality. Synergistic effects of combinations of altered atmosphere packaging, freezing, refrigeration, and heating with irradiation are promising, as is the use of edible coatings and natural antimicrobials in conjunction with irradiation.

Food Irradiation Market: Segmentation Analysis

The global food irradiation market is segmented based on Source, Technology, and region.

Based on Source, the global food irradiation market is divided into Gamma Radiation, X-ray Radiation, Electron Beam Radiation.

On the basis of Technology, the global food irradiation market is bifurcated into Ultra-high Pressure, Steam Pasteurization, Food Coating, Ozone Treatment, Others.

Global Food Irradiation Market: Regional Analysis

By Geography, the food irradiation market is segmented into North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa.

In Asia Pacific, the food irradiation market will continue to rise as a result of the rapidly expanding demand for processed foods and clean label coupled with growing population. India and China are expected to pivot the growth of the country.

Strong regulatory restrictions on food safety requirements and enforcement implemented by the U.S. FDA promote the development of the food irradiation industry throughout North America. The FDA has authorized a number of irradiation foods in the U.S., including pork and beef, crustaceans (e.g., shrimp, crab, and lobster), spinach and lettuce, fresh fruits and vegetables, poultry, sprouting seeds such as alfalfa sprouts, shellfish-molluscan (e.g., clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels), shell eggs, seasonings and spices.

Global Food Irradiation Market: Competitive Players

The major players in the global food irradiation market include Food Technology Service Inc., Gray Star Inc., Sterigenics International Inc., Ionisos SA, Reviss Services Ltd., Nordion Inc., Sadex Corporation, Scantech Sciences Inc., Sterix Isomedix Services Inc, Tacleor LLC., and Phytosan SA De Cv among others.

The report segment of global food irradiation market are as follows:

Global Food Irradiation Market: Technology Segment Analysis

• Ultra High-Pressure Technology
• Steam Pasteurization
• Food Coating Technology
• Ozone Treatment
• Others

Food Irradiation Market: Competitive Analysis

The report provides a company market share analysis to give a broader overview of the key market players. In addition, the report also covers key strategic developments of the market, including acquisitions & mergers, new product launches, agreements, partnerships, collaborations & joint ventures, research & development, and regional expansion of major participants involved in the food irradiation market on a global and regional basis.

The global food irradiation market is dominated by players like:

• Gray Star Inc.
• Ion Beam Applications SA (IBA)
• Food Technology Service Inc.
• Becton Dickinson (BD)
• Rad Source Technologies Inc.
• STERIS Corporation
• Beta-Gamma-Service GmbH & Co. KG

The global food irradiation market is segmented as follows;

By Source

• Gamma Radiation
• X-ray Radiation
• Electron Beam Radiation

By Technology

• Ultra-high Pressure
• Steam Pasteurization
• Food Coating
• Ozone Treatment
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America