Global Post-Harvest Treatment Market Size, Share, And Business Benefits By Origin (Natural,Synthetic), By Treatment Type (Biological Treatment (Enzyme-Based Solutions, Microbial Inoculants), Chemical Treatment (Fungicidal Treatment, Insecticidal Treatment), Physical Treatment (Cold Storage, Heat Treatment, UV Treatment)), By Product (Coatings, Cleaners, Fungicides, Insecticides, Sanitizers, Others), By Application (Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and Vegetables, Flowers and Ornamentals, Others), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2025-2034

Report Overview

The Global Post-Harvest Treatment Market is expected to be worth around USD 3.3 billion by 2034, up from USD 1.7 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2034. With a 41.70% share and a USD 0.7 Bn value, the Asia Pacific leads post-harvest treatment growth.

Post-harvest treatment refers to the range of practices and technologies applied to fruits, vegetables, grains, and other crops after harvesting to maintain their freshness, safety, and quality. These treatments include cleaning, grading, cooling, packaging, storage, and chemical or biological processes that prevent spoilage, reduce losses, and extend shelf life. By ensuring crops remain suitable for consumption and sale during storage and transport, post-harvest treatments play a crucial role in the global food supply chain.

The post-harvest treatment market represents the industry focused on products, technologies, and services that help reduce food loss and maintain crop quality after harvest. It includes handling equipment, storage solutions, protective coatings, and treatments to control pests, diseases, and ripening.

The market is expanding as demand for fresh produce grows worldwide, and as both developed and emerging regions seek efficient ways to reduce food waste, increase export potential, and meet rising food safety standards. In support of this, the Manitoba Government invested $13 million in the Downtown Agriculture Exchange, while grain research projects received grants worth $150,000, strengthening innovation in storage and crop handling solutions.

One major growth factor is the rising concern about food security and wastage. A significant portion of global agricultural produce is lost due to poor handling and storage, creating strong demand for effective post-harvest solutions that can cut down losses and ensure better utilization of harvested crops. To enhance food security, provincial grain grower groups pledged $13.4 million toward Cereals Canada’s GATE initiative, reflecting a commitment to advanced grain treatment research.

On the demand side, consumers are increasingly preferring fresh, high-quality, and safe food products with longer shelf life. This growing awareness is pushing farmers, distributors, and retailers to adopt modern post-harvest methods to preserve nutritional value, reduce decay, and meet regulatory standards in both domestic and export markets. Complementing these shifts, BioPrime secured $6 million to develop advanced bio-fungicides and bio-insecticides, offering safer biological options to preserve harvested crops.

Looking at opportunities, advancements in eco-friendly and sustainable post-harvest treatments are opening new avenues. The focus on reducing chemical residues, adopting natural preservation techniques, and developing smart storage systems is creating a favorable environment for innovative solutions. Supporting this, the Irish agritech start-up CropBiome gained €1.3 million in funding, driving research into natural treatments that align with global sustainability goals.

Key Takeaways

• The Global Post-Harvest Treatment Market is expected to be worth around USD 3.3 billion by 2034, up from USD 1.7 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2034.
• In the Post-Harvest Treatment Market, synthetic solutions dominate, holding a strong 57.9% share globally.
• Chemical treatment leads the Post-Harvest Treatment Market, accounting for 58.3% share in preservation methods worldwide.
• Coatings represent 31.2% of the Post-Harvest Treatment Market, ensuring extended freshness and product safety.
• Cereals and grains lead applications in the Post-Harvest Treatment Market, capturing a 32.5% market share.
• Asia Pacific, holding a 41.70% share worth USD 0.7 Bn, reflects strong agricultural post-harvest adoption.

By Origin Analysis

Synthetic methods dominate the post-harvest treatment market, holding a 57.9% share.

In 2024, Synthetic held a dominant market position in the By Origin segment of the Post-Harvest Treatment Market, capturing 57.9% of the total share. This strong foothold is largely attributed to the widespread use of synthetic treatments for their cost-effectiveness, consistency, and ability to deliver rapid results across a wide range of crops.

Synthetic solutions are widely applied to protect fruits, vegetables, and grains from microbial spoilage, pest attacks, and premature ripening, thereby ensuring longer shelf life and smoother transport across domestic and international markets. Their role in reducing post-harvest losses is particularly critical in developing regions, where inadequate storage and handling infrastructure heighten the risk of crop wastage.

The dominance of synthetic treatments is also supported by their compatibility with large-scale commercial farming systems, where growers require standardized and scalable solutions to meet the demands of mass distribution networks. Additionally, synthetic products are well-established under regulatory frameworks in many countries, making them more accessible to producers compared to emerging alternatives.

While there is growing global interest in natural and sustainable solutions, the extensive adoption, proven efficiency, and affordability of synthetic treatments have kept them at the forefront of the post-harvest treatment market in 2024, reflecting their vital role in ensuring food quality and reducing losses.

By Treatment Type Analysis

Chemical treatment leads the post-harvest treatment market, capturing a 58.3% segment.

In 2024, Chemical Treatment held a dominant market position in the By Treatment Type segment of the Post-Harvest Treatment Market, accounting for 58.3% of the total share. The leading position of this segment is driven by the extensive application of chemical solutions to control microbial growth, delay ripening, and protect harvested produce from pests and fungal attacks during storage and transport.

Chemical treatments are widely used for fruits, vegetables, and grains as they help maintain visual appeal, nutritional quality, and marketability over longer periods, particularly in export-oriented supply chains where shelf life and freshness are critical.

The preference for chemical treatments is reinforced by their quick action, availability in diverse formulations, and relatively lower cost compared to newer alternatives. Farmers and distributors rely on these solutions to minimize post-harvest losses, which continue to be a major challenge in both developing and developed markets.

Regulatory approval of specific chemical agents for food preservation in many countries has also contributed to the segment’s strong adoption, ensuring compliance with safety standards while supporting large-scale distribution. With their proven effectiveness and ability to handle the high-volume demands of global trade, chemical treatments maintained their dominance in 2024 as the most relied-upon method of post-harvest care.

By Product Analysis

Coatings represent a 31.2% share in the post-harvest treatment market.

In 2024, Coatings held a dominant market position in the By Product segment of the Post-Harvest Treatment Market, with a 31.2% share. This leadership is mainly due to the increasing adoption of edible and protective coatings that act as a barrier against moisture loss, microbial contamination, and oxidation, thereby extending the freshness and shelf life of perishable produce.

Coatings are particularly favored in fruits and vegetables, where maintaining texture, flavor, and appearance is critical for consumer acceptance and market value. Their application helps reduce spoilage during long-distance transportation, enabling producers and exporters to meet the rising global demand for fresh and high-quality food products.

The popularity of coatings also stems from their ability to reduce reliance on synthetic preservatives, aligning with consumer preferences for safer and more natural food protection methods. They provide a cost-efficient solution for growers and distributors, as coatings can significantly lower post-harvest losses while enhancing the product’s visual appeal on retail shelves.

Moreover, innovations in bio-based and edible coating technologies are expanding their use, making them more sustainable and acceptable under food safety regulations. With their proven effectiveness in preserving quality and ensuring extended marketability, coatings emerged as the leading product type in 2024, holding a strong 31.2% market share.

By Application Analysis

Cereals and grains drive 32.5% of the post-harvest treatment market.

In 2024, Cereals and Grains held a dominant market position in the By Application segment of the Post-Harvest Treatment Market, with a 32.5% share. This strong presence is largely attributed to the essential role cereals and grains play in global food security, as they form the staple diet for billions of people worldwide.

Post-harvest treatments for cereals and grains are primarily focused on protecting stored crops from pests, fungi, and moisture-related spoilage, which are major causes of losses during storage and distribution. Effective treatments ensure long-term preservation of quality, enabling a steady supply throughout the year and supporting international trade of key staples such as wheat, rice, corn, and barley.

The dominance of cereals and grains in this segment also reflects the extensive reliance on large-scale storage facilities and bulk handling systems, where even minor spoilage can translate into significant economic losses. Post-harvest treatments, including fumigation, protective coatings, and moisture control measures, provide cost-efficient ways to safeguard harvests and maintain nutritional value during extended storage periods.

With growing demand for cereals and grains in both food and industrial applications, such as animal feed and biofuel production, the need for reliable post-harvest protection has further solidified this segment’s leadership, securing a 32.5% share in 2024.

Key Market Segments

By Origin

• Natural
• Synthetic

By Treatment Type

• Biological Treatment
  • Enzyme-Based Solutions
  • Microbial Inoculants
• Chemical Treatment
  • Fungicidal Treatment
  • Insecticidal Treatment
• Physical Treatment
  • Cold Storage
  • Heat Treatment
  • UV Treatment

By Product

• Coatings
• Cleaners
• Fungicides
• Insecticides
• Sanitizers
• Others

By Application

• Cereals and Grains
• Oilseeds and Pulses
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Flowers and Ornamentals
• Others

Driving Factors

Rising Need to Reduce Global Food Wastage

One of the biggest driving factors for the Post-Harvest Treatment Market is the rising need to reduce global food wastage. Every year, a large part of harvested crops is lost due to spoilage, poor storage, and lack of proper handling, especially in developing regions. This not only affects farmers’ incomes but also adds pressure on global food supply chains at a time when the population is steadily growing.

Post-harvest treatments such as coatings, chemical solutions, and improved storage methods play a vital role in extending shelf life, preserving quality, and ensuring food reach consumers in good condition. The push to minimize losses and maximize food availability is making post-harvest treatments a necessity worldwide.

Restraining Factors

Strict Regulations on Chemical Residue in Food

A key restraining factor for the Post-Harvest Treatment Market is the strict regulations placed on chemical residues in food. Many treatments, especially chemical-based ones, are effective in protecting crops from pests and spoilage but can leave behind residues that may affect consumer health if not properly managed. Governments and food safety authorities across the world have set strict limits on residue levels, and producers must comply with these standards to sell their products in both local and export markets.

Meeting these regulations often requires additional testing, monitoring, and investment, which can raise costs for farmers and distributors. This compliance pressure creates challenges, slowing down adoption in some regions despite the clear benefits of post-harvest treatments.

Growth Opportunity

Growing Demand for Natural and Eco-Friendly Treatments

A major growth opportunity in the Post-Harvest Treatment Market lies in the rising demand for natural and eco-friendly solutions. Consumers today are more aware of food safety and prefer products free from heavy chemical residues. This shift is encouraging the use of biodegradable coatings, organic preservatives, and bio-based treatments that extend shelf life without compromising health.

These natural methods also align with global sustainability goals by reducing environmental impact and supporting greener farming practices. Governments in many countries are promoting eco-friendly agricultural solutions through supportive policies, which further opens space for innovation. As the trend toward clean-label and organic products continues to rise, natural post-harvest treatments offer significant opportunities for long-term market growth.

Latest Trends

Adoption of Smart Technologies in Post-Harvest Management

One of the latest trends in the Post-Harvest Treatment Market is the adoption of smart technologies for better crop handling and preservation. Digital tools such as sensors, IoT devices, and AI-based monitoring systems are being used to track temperature, humidity, and storage conditions in real time. These technologies help farmers and distributors detect spoilage risks early, optimize storage environments, and ensure crops stay fresh longer.

Smart packaging and automated control systems are also gaining traction, allowing better quality management during transportation and export. This trend is not only improving efficiency but also reducing food losses significantly. As digital agriculture continues to expand, technology-driven post-harvest solutions are expected to transform traditional handling methods.

Regional Analysis

In 2024, Asia Pacific dominated the Post-Harvest Treatment Market with 41.70%, valued at USD 0.7 Bn.

The Post-Harvest Treatment Market shows varied growth trends across regions, shaped by agricultural output, food safety standards, and consumer demand for fresh produce. In 2024, the Asia Pacific emerged as the dominating region, holding 41.70% of the market share, valued at USD 0.7 billion. This strong position is driven by the region’s vast agricultural base, growing exports of fruits, vegetables, and grains, and rising demand for efficient storage and preservation methods.

Countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are investing in modern post-harvest solutions to reduce high levels of food wastage and improve supply chain efficiency. North America demonstrates steady adoption due to advanced infrastructure and strict food safety regulations, while Europe emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly treatments aligned with its environmental policies. The Middle East & Africa region is gradually expanding its market presence, supported by initiatives to secure food supplies in arid climates.

Latin America, with its strong fruit and vegetable export base, is also focusing on treatments that ensure quality during long-distance shipments. However, Asia Pacific’s leadership highlights its central role in shaping global post-harvest practices, as the region continues to invest in technologies and policies that address both food security and international trade demands.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

JBT has built its leadership through advanced equipment and integrated solutions that help reduce post-harvest losses, with a strong focus on automation and efficient handling systems. Its portfolio emphasizes technological innovation, making it a reliable partner for large-scale produce distributors.

Syngenta Crop Protection plays a critical role with its specialized chemical and biological post-harvest solutions designed to control spoilage and extend shelf life. The company’s strength lies in striking a balance between effectiveness and safety, aligning its offerings with global food security needs, and adapting to evolving regulations.

Nufarm continues to expand its footprint by addressing practical grower needs through effective crop protection and storage treatments. Its strategy emphasizes accessibility and affordability, especially for emerging markets where post-harvest waste remains a pressing issue. This positions Nufarm as a key enabler of efficiency for small and mid-scale producers.

Bayer AG, with its global scale and diverse agricultural expertise, reinforces the market through strong R&D capabilities and advanced treatment formulations. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation supports long-term adoption of safe and efficient post-harvest practices across regions.

Top Key Players in the Market

• JBT
• Syngenta Crop Protection
• Nufarm
• Bayer AG
• BASF SE
• Citrosol
• Hazel Technologies Inc.
• Janssen PNP
• Futureco Chemicals Inc
• AgriCoat NatureSeal Ltd

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, JBT completed its voluntary takeover of Marel hf., forming a new entity called JBT Marel Corporation. This combined company began trading under the ticker JBTM on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq Iceland. The merger unites JBT’s expertise in post‑harvest and food handling technologies with Marel’s advanced processing systems, boosting their ability to better serve customers across the global food supply chain.
• In July 2024, Bayer unveiled CRW4, a treatment with two new modes of action and improved RNA interference (RNAi) technology. It’s meant to fight high-pressure rootworm infestations. Though primarily focused on crop protection, this development aids post-harvest outcomes by securing the harvest’s health in the field.

Report Scope