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Ready-to-Eat Meals - Australia

Australia
  • Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$3.74bn in 2025. The market is expected to grow annually by 4.96% (CAGR 2025-2030).
  • In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$67bn in 2025).
  • In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$138.47 are generated in 2025.
  • In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 410.00m kg by 2030. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.5% in 2026.
  • The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 13.7kg in 2025.

Definition:

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market covers prepared food and meals that can be eaten as is or after minimal preparation. These meals do not require cooking and are typically consumed after heating. These meals may also include disposable eating utensils. Classic frozen foods include meat, fish, vegetables, filled pasta, and frozen pizzas.

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 based on meat, fish or vegetables (e.g salads, sandwiches and wraps, sushi rolls)
  • Frozen pizzas, frozen dinners, frozen breakfast burritos, frozen ethnic foods
  • Frozen appetizers (e.g. spring rolls, dumplings, and chicken wings)
  • Filled pasta
  • Canned pasta meals, meal kits
  • Cup noodles, instant noodle, microwavable ramen bowls
Out-Of-Scope
  • Soups
  • Out-of-home consumption

Revenue

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

MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Mar 2025

SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Mar 2025

SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

Volume

MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Mar 2025

SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Mar 2025

SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

Price

MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Mar 2025

SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

Demographics

MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Mar 2024

SOURCES: Statista Market Insights, Statista Consumer Insights Global

Sales Channels

MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Feb 2025

SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

Global Comparison

MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Mar 2025

SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

Analyst Opinion

The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in Australia has seen minimal growth due to factors such as a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier food options and the convenience of online food delivery services.

Customer preferences:
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards healthy and convenient food options, leading to a rise in demand for plant-based and clean label ready-to-eat meals. This is driven by a shift towards healthier eating habits, as well as a rise in environmentally conscious consumers. Additionally, the rise of online grocery shopping and delivery services has made it easier for consumers to access a wider variety of ready-to-eat meals, further contributing to the growth of this market.

Trends in the market:
In Australia, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market of The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for plant-based options, as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware. This trend is expected to continue, with major players like Coles and Woolworths expanding their plant-based offerings. Additionally, there is a growing demand for premium and gourmet ready-to-eat meals, as consumers seek convenience without compromising on taste and quality. These trends present opportunities for industry stakeholders to innovate and cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Local special circumstances:
In Australia, the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is witnessing significant growth due to the busy lifestyles of consumers and the increasing demand for convenience. Moreover, the country's diverse population, with a large number of immigrants, has led to a growing market for international cuisines, driving the demand for Ready-to-Eat Meals. Additionally, Australia's stringent food safety regulations ensure the quality and safety of these meals, instilling trust in consumers. The country's widespread adoption of e-commerce and online food delivery services has further fueled the growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in Australia is heavily impacted by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, population demographics, and government policies. As a developed nation with a strong economy, Australia has a high level of disposable income, which drives the demand for convenience food products such as ready-to-eat meals. Moreover, the growing trend of time-poor consumers and the rise of single-person households have also contributed to the growth of this market. On the other hand, government policies such as food safety regulations and labeling requirements can also influence market performance. Additionally, global economic trends and trade agreements can impact the availability and cost of imported ingredients and finished products, which can affect the overall market growth.

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.

Key Market Indicators

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

MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Jan 2025

SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

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