Ready-to-Eat Meals - Benelux

Benelux

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$5.42bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.04% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$149bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$180.50 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 764.40m kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.1% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 24.2kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in the Benelux region within the Convenience Food market has seen minimal growth due to factors such as shifting consumer preferences towards fresh and healthy options and increasing competition from meal delivery services. Despite this, convenience and time-saving benefits continue to drive demand for these meals.

Customer preferences: With the rise of busy lifestyles and the growing trend of on-the-go consumption, there has been a significant increase in the demand for healthy and convenient food options in the Benelux region. This has led to a surge in the availability and popularity of ready-to-eat meals that cater to specific dietary needs and preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Additionally, there has been a shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging in response to growing concerns about the environment, highlighting the importance of ethical and responsible consumption in the market.

Trends in the market: In the Benelux region, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthier and more sustainable options. This trend is driven by the increasing health consciousness among consumers and the growing focus on environmental sustainability. As a result, companies in this market are investing in product innovation and incorporating more plant-based and organic ingredients. This trend is expected to continue, with a potential shift towards personalized meal solutions and increased use of technology in the production and distribution processes. Industry stakeholders should be prepared to adapt to these changing preferences and leverage technology to stay competitive in the market.

Local special circumstances: In Benelux, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's high urbanization rates and busy lifestyles. This has led to a significant demand for quick and easy meal options, resulting in a wide variety of ready-to-eat meals being readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Additionally, the region's strict food regulations and high demand for quality and sustainable food products have also played a role in shaping the market dynamics, with consumers being more inclined towards healthier and organic options.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending habits, GDP growth, and government policies. Countries with a stable economy and high disposable income are likely to have a higher demand for convenience food products, including ready-to-eat meals. On the other hand, countries with a weak economy and low consumer spending are likely to have a lower demand for such products. Additionally, government policies such as food regulations and taxes can also affect the market, as they can impact the production and pricing of these products. Overall, the performance of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market is closely linked to the overall economic health of a country.

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.