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Convenience Food - EU-27

EU-27
  • Revenue in the Convenience Food market amounts to US$58.57bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.79% (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$130.90 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Convenience Food market, volume is expected to amount to 9.42bn kg by 2029. The Convenience Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.2% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Convenience Food market is expected to amount to 19.3kg in 2024.

Definition:

The Convenience Food market covers any form of pre-packaged or prepared food that is intended to be simple to prepare or consume quickly, requiring little to no cooking or other preparation. Examples include ready-to-eat meals, frozen dinners, and soups. The focus of these meals is less on quality and nutrition and more on convenience and accessibility.

Structure:

The market consists of two different submarkets:

  • The Ready-to-Eat Meals market covers products that require minimal preparation by the consumer, i.e., meals that only require heating up.
  • The Soups market covers finished products such as powders for making soup (instant soups), and broth or liquid soups that are purchased in prepared form (tinned soups).

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), sales channels. The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included.

For more information on the displayed data, click the info button on the right side of each box.

In-Scope

  • Ready-to-eat meals
  • Soups

Out-Of-Scope

  • Fresh cut salad
  • Frozen vegetables
  • Cut fruit
  • Out-of-home consumption
Convenience Food: market data & analysis - Cover

Market Insights report

Convenience Food: market data & analysis

Study Details

    Revenue

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Volume

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Price

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Sales Channels

    Most recent update: Nov 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Global Comparison

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Convenience Food Market in the EU-27 is experiencing sluggish growth, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, increasing demand for healthy options, and the convenience of ready-to-eat meals and soups. However, the market's growth rate remains negligible due to competition from home-cooked meals and concerns over processed food.

    Customer preferences:
    With the rise of health-consciousness and busy lifestyles, consumers in the EU-27 are increasingly turning to convenient and healthy food options. This has led to a growing demand for convenience foods that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, and organic options. Additionally, the rise of online grocery shopping and meal delivery services has made it easier for consumers to access these convenient food options, further driving growth in the Convenience Food Market.

    Trends in the market:
    In the EU-27, the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a rise in demand for healthier, more sustainable options. This trend is driven by increasing consumer awareness and concerns about the environmental impact of food production. As a result, there is a growing demand for plant-based and organic convenience food products. This trend is expected to continue and potentially have significant implications for industry stakeholders, as they will likely need to adapt their products and marketing strategies to meet this evolving consumer demand.

    Local special circumstances:
    In Germany, the Convenience Food Market is heavily influenced by the country's strong focus on sustainability and organic products. This has led to the rise of convenience food options that are not only convenient, but also ethically and environmentally conscious. In France, the market is driven by the busy urban lifestyle and the demand for quick and easy meal solutions. This has resulted in the popularity of frozen and ready-to-eat meals, as well as the growth of online grocery delivery services. Additionally, the strict regulations on food labeling and quality control in France also play a significant role in shaping the convenience food market.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    The Convenience Food Market within The Food market is impacted by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending habits, population demographics, and inflation rates. With a growing population and increasing urbanization in the EU-27, there is a rising demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food options. Additionally, the ongoing economic recovery and increasing disposable incomes in the region have led to a higher demand for convenience food products, especially among time-pressed consumers who prioritize convenience and ease of preparation. Furthermore, the prevalence of dual-income households and the growing trend of eating on-the-go have also contributed to the growth of the convenience food market in the EU-27.

    Methodology

    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.

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    Convenience Food: market data & analysis - BackgroundConvenience Food: market data & analysis - Cover

    Key Market Indicators

    Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

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