Ready-to-Eat Meals - Central Asia

Central Asia

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$3.56bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 8.22% (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$44.84 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 1.11bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 5.4% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 12.0kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

In Central Asia, the Convenience Food Market, specifically the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market, has seen subdued growth. Factors such as changes in consumer preferences, increasing competition, and the economic slowdown are impacting this growth rate. However, with the convenience and ease offered by these meals, the market still experiences steady growth.

Customer preferences: With the growing demand for convenience, there has been a noticeable shift towards healthy and nutritious ready-to-eat meal options in Central Asia. This trend is driven by a rising health consciousness among consumers, especially the younger generation, who are seeking healthier food choices that are also convenient. This has led to an increase in the availability of ready-to-eat meals that cater to specific dietary preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, and organic options. Additionally, there has been a growing focus on incorporating traditional and local ingredients in these meals, appealing to consumers' cultural tastes and preferences.

Trends in the market: In Central Asia, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthier and more convenient options. This trend is driven by the growing number of busy professionals and urban populations who prioritize convenience and healthy eating. As a result, there is a rise in the availability of plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals, as well as a focus on clean and sustainable packaging. These trends are expected to continue as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, presenting opportunities for industry stakeholders to tap into new markets and expand their offerings.

Local special circumstances: In Central Asia, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is influenced by the region's nomadic history and traditional dietary habits. The demand for portable and shelf-stable food options is high due to the region's harsh climate and remote locations. Additionally, cultural preferences for meat-based dishes and a lack of refrigeration infrastructure drive the popularity of ready-to-eat meals in the region. The market is also impacted by regulatory restrictions on the import of fresh produce, leading to a reliance on processed and canned foods.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily impacted by macroeconomic factors in Central Asia. The region's economic growth, inflation rates, and policies such as trade agreements and taxation affect the market's performance. Additionally, global economic trends, such as changes in consumer preferences and increasing demand for convenience food, also influence the market. National economic health, including GDP growth and unemployment rates, play a significant role in determining market growth. Fiscal policies, such as government subsidies and regulations, also impact the market's development. Other relevant financial indicators, such as exchange rates and consumer spending, also affect the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market's performance in Central Asia.

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.