Convenience Food - Japan

Japan

Highlights

Revenue in the Convenience Food market amounts to US$68.58bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 1.11% (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$559.20 are generated in 2024.
In the Convenience Food market, volume is expected to amount to 3.50bn kg by 2029. The Convenience Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 0.6% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Convenience Food market is expected to amount to 27.9kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The Convenience Food Market in Japan is facing sluggish growth due to various factors such as changing consumer preferences towards healthier options, stricter regulations for food safety, and the increasing availability of home-cooked meals. The Ready-to-Eat Meals and Soups sub-markets are also impacted by the growing trend of meal delivery services and the rise of health-conscious consumers. These factors are contributing to the negligible growth rate of the overall market.

Customer preferences: The Convenience Food Market within The Food market in Japan has seen a rise in demand for healthy and convenient options, as consumers become more health conscious and time-poor. This has led to an increase in the availability of healthy convenience food options, such as pre-packaged salads and smoothies. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards plant-based and vegan convenience food products, driven by the rising number of individuals adopting a plant-based diet and concern for animal welfare. This shift towards healthier and more ethical convenience food options reflects the evolving lifestyle and cultural preferences of the modern Japanese consumer, highlighting their increasing focus on health and sustainability.

Trends in the market: In Japan, the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthy and convenient options. This trend is driven by busy lifestyles and a growing health consciousness among consumers. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the availability of fresh and nutritious convenience foods, such as pre-packaged salads and ready-to-eat meals with clean labels. This shift towards healthier options is expected to continue, with industry stakeholders focusing on product innovation and marketing strategies to meet consumer demands and capitalize on this trend. Additionally, with the rise of e-commerce and online grocery shopping, convenience food companies are also investing in digital platforms to reach a wider audience and offer a more convenient shopping experience for consumers. This trend towards healthier and more convenient options not only presents opportunities for industry stakeholders, but also has the potential to positively impact public health in Japan.

Local special circumstances: In Japan, the Convenience Food market is heavily influenced by the country's fast-paced lifestyle and high demand for convenience. With a large population living in urban areas, there is a strong demand for quick and easy meal options. The unique cultural emphasis on freshness and quality also plays a significant role in shaping the market, with consumers preferring freshly prepared and locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, strict regulations on food safety and labeling ensure a high level of trust in convenience food products, further driving market growth.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Convenience Food Market in Japan is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as the country's economic growth, consumer spending patterns, and government policies. Japan's strong economy and high disposable income have led to a growing demand for convenience foods, as consumers prioritize convenience and time-saving options. Furthermore, the Japanese government has implemented policies to promote the development and growth of the food industry, such as tax incentives and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. These factors have contributed to the steady growth of the convenience food market in Japan. Additionally, increasing health-consciousness and changing dietary preferences have also influenced the demand for healthier and more convenient food options, leading to the introduction of innovative and healthier convenience food products in the market.

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.