If you’re running a frozen food business, expanding through a franchise model could be a game-changer. Franchising gives you the flexibility to sell your products both online (via platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats) and offline, while scaling with lower risk.
In this article, we’ll break down the opportunities in the frozen food sector and seven practical tips to help you build a successful business. Let’s dive in.
📈 The Rise of Frozen Food in Indonesia
Since the pandemic, more consumers have leaned into convenient, ready-to-cook meals—frozen food being a top choice. This shift has caused the frozen food industry to boom.
According to Indonesia’s Frozen Food Manufacturers Association (APMBI), the frozen food sector has grown by 35% over the past two years.
However, this growth also brings challenges. Many frozen foods contain high levels of preservatives and sodium, which can lead to health concerns if not balanced with fresh vegetables and whole foods. That’s why Indonesia’s FDA (BPOM) is tightening food safety regulations for frozen products to ensure consumer protection.
💡 Why Frozen Food Franchising is a Promising Business Opportunity
1. High Consumer Demand
Busy lifestyles have made convenient meal solutions a daily necessity. Frozen foods are not only easy to store, but also quick to prepare—making them perfect for working professionals, students, and busy families.
In fact, Indonesia’s frozen food market is projected to hit IDR 200 trillion (approx. USD 12 billion) in 2024. That’s a clear signal that consumer habits are changing—prioritizing practicality and speed.
2. Longer Shelf Life, Lower Risk
Unlike fresh food, frozen products have a much longer shelf life, reducing the risk of spoilage and financial loss.
Here’s a quick reference:
- Beef & chicken: 6–12 months
- Raw fish: 6–8 months
- Shrimp: 3–6 months
What affects shelf life? Ingredients, freezing temperature, preservatives—and most importantly—packaging.
✅ Pro Tip: Use ALVAboard Hot & Cool Boxes to extend freshness. These boxes offer 7-hour thermal insulation, ideal for maintaining consistent temperatures during transport. Made with aluminum lining and polypropylene (PP), they resist heat up to 130°C, ensuring food safety throughout the cold chain.
3. Broad Sales Channels & Market Reach
Frozen food sells well across e-commerce and retail platforms. In 2024, Indonesia’s frozen food e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 78.5 million.
The growth is fueled by:
- Increased smartphone use
- Greater internet access
- The convenience of online shopping
🚀 7 Tips to Run a Successful Frozen Food Franchise
1. Start with Market Research
Understand your target customers and the competition. Ask:
- Who is most likely to buy your frozen products—young professionals, families, or college students?
- What type of frozen food is trending in your area—sausages, dim sum, plant-based meals?
- Who are your main competitors, and what makes your product different?
2. Build a Solid Business Plan
Start with your vision, mission, and brand values. Then map out:
- Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT)
- Estimated production costs
- Retail pricing
- Sales goals and financial projections
This planning phase is critical for long-term stability and growth.
3. Secure Business Licenses & Certifications
Register your business as a legal entity (LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship).
Then obtain:
- Food production permits from local health authorities or BPOM
- Halal certification (if targeting Muslim consumers)
These certifications build trust and ensure your products are legally compliant for distribution and retail.
4. Invest in Product Development
To compete in today’s frozen food market, your product must be tasty, long-lasting, and safe.
Here’s how:
- Conduct R&D to develop flavorful, healthy recipes that retain quality after freezing
- Perform sensory testing (taste, texture, aroma) in lab and real-life settings
- Choose high-quality packaging—like ALVAboard’s PP food-grade packaging—that’s durable, moisture-resistant, and preserves product integrity
5. Focus on Clean & Safe Production
Three essentials for safe frozen food processing:
- Facilities that meet food hygiene standards
- Equipment for freezing, sealing, and packing that ensures minimal contamination
- Trained staff who understand proper handling and food safety protocols
Invest in training your team—it’s just as important as investing in machinery.
6. Develop a Strong Marketing Strategy
Your marketing should combine great branding with digital reach. Here’s how:
- Build a clear, attractive brand identity (logo, packaging, promo materials)
- Use social media, e-commerce sites, and your own website to showcase products through eye-catching photos, videos, and customer reviews
- Partner with retailers and online marketplaces to scale distribution
- Attend food expos or local culinary events to create real-world connections with your audience
7. Streamline Distribution & Logistics
Maintaining a cold chain during shipping is non-negotiable for frozen food success.
Leverage ALVAboard’s Hot & Cool Allu Foam Boxes—designed to keep frozen or chilled items at a stable temperature for up to 7 hours. These are ideal for last-mile delivery or medium-haul logistics.
You can also partner with experienced food logistics providers to manage transportation, especially if you’re a new or growing brand.
✅ Keep Your Frozen Food Fresh with ALVAboard’s PP Packaging
ALVAboard PP Board is highly durable—even in wet and humid conditions. That’s why it’s trusted by hundreds of food businesses for cold storage and delivery packaging.
Here’s why it works:
- Water- and humidity-resistant
- Lightweight, yet tough
- Reusable and eco-conscious
- BPA-free and food-grade certified
Ready to explore packaging options? Contact ALVAboard’s Customer Support on WhatsApp at +62 877-9310-2838 for expert guidance tailored to your frozen food business.
📦 Check Out ALVAboard’s Products
Shop ALVAboard on:
- Tokopedia
- Shopee
- TikTok Shop
- ALVAboard Official Store
📘 Don’t miss our FREE eBook:
“Packaging Playbook for Food Businesses” — A practical guide to help you choose the right packaging solutions and stay ahead of trends in 2025.
