Convenience Food - Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe

Highlights

Revenue in the Convenience Food market amounts to US$19.30bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 7.01% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$154bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$81.12 are generated in 2024.
In the Convenience Food market, volume is expected to amount to 3.56bn kg by 2029. The Convenience Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.7% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Convenience Food market is expected to amount to 13.2kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The Convenience Food Market in Eastern Europe is experiencing modest growth due to factors such as increasing consumer demand for quick and easy meal options, as well as the convenience of online food delivery services. However, the sub-markets of Ready-to-Eat Meals and Soups are facing challenges such as rising competition and changing consumer preferences for healthier options. This has led to a minimal growth rate in the overall market, as companies strive to adapt to these trends and offer more diverse and nutritious options.

Customer preferences: With the rise of busy and fast-paced lifestyles in Eastern Europe, there has been a notable increase in demand for convenience food options within The Food market. This trend is driven by a growing preference for quick and easy meal solutions, especially among younger consumers. Additionally, there has been a shift towards healthier and more natural convenience food options, reflecting a growing interest in health and wellness among Eastern European consumers. This has also led to an increase in plant-based convenience food products and a decrease in the consumption of highly processed foods.

Trends in the market: In Eastern Europe, the Convenience Food Market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthier, organic and sustainable convenience food options. This trend is driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers and the rising awareness of the environmental impact of food production. As a result, the market is witnessing a shift towards plant-based and clean label products. This trajectory is significant for industry stakeholders as they need to adapt their product offerings and marketing strategies to cater to this evolving consumer demand. Additionally, the trend towards sustainability has implications for the entire supply chain, with a greater emphasis on sourcing ingredients from ethical and eco-friendly sources.

Local special circumstances: In Eastern Europe, the Convenience Food Market is heavily influenced by the region's history and culture. The legacy of communism has led to a strong demand for affordable and convenient food options, making the market highly competitive. Moreover, the diverse cuisine and culinary traditions in countries like Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine have resulted in a wide variety of local convenience food products. Additionally, the growing health consciousness in the region has led to the emergence of healthier and premium convenience food options, catering to the changing consumer preferences.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors in Eastern Europe. The region's economic health, government policies, and global economic trends all impact the performance of the market. For instance, countries with stable economies and favorable regulatory environments tend to experience faster market growth compared to regions with economic and regulatory challenges. Moreover, the rising prevalence of urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles in Eastern Europe are also driving the demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food products. Additionally, the increasing disposable income of consumers in the region has resulted in a shift towards convenience foods, as they offer a quick and convenient solution for busy lifestyles.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.