Ready-to-Eat Meals - Central & Western Europe

Central & Western Europe

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$46.46bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.57% (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$138.50 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 5.78bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.9% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 16.0kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Convenience Food Market in Central & Western Europe is experiencing minimal growth, impacted by factors such as consumer preference for healthier options and increasing demand for convenience. This has resulted in a growing Ready-to-Eat Meals Market, driven by the convenience offered by online food services and rising health awareness among consumers.

Customer preferences: As consumers in Central & Western Europe continue to prioritize convenience and time-saving options, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand. This is driven by busy lifestyles and the need for quick, easy meal solutions. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards healthier options, with consumers seeking out meals that are nutritious and made with natural, sustainable ingredients. This shift towards healthier, convenient options is also influenced by the increasing awareness and importance of environmental sustainability and ethical food choices.

Trends in the market: In Central & Western Europe, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthy and nutritious options. There is a growing trend towards plant-based and vegan ready-to-eat meals, as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware. This trend is expected to continue, with industry players investing in innovative product offerings and sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, the rise of online grocery shopping and the convenience of home delivery is further driving the growth of the market. As a result, industry stakeholders must adapt to these trends and cater to the changing preferences of consumers in order to remain competitive in the market.

Local special circumstances: In Central and Western Europe, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is influenced by the region's high demand for convenience and time-saving options. The busy lifestyles of consumers, coupled with the increasing trend of single-person households, have led to a rise in demand for ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, strict regulations on food safety and quality, as well as cultural preferences for fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, have shaped the market dynamics and product offerings in this region.

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 & Western Europe. The region's economic health, fiscal policies, and global economic trends play a significant role in market performance. Countries with stable economies and favorable fiscal policies are experiencing faster market growth compared to regions with economic challenges and limited government support. Additionally, the increasing demand for convenience food due to the busy lifestyle of the population and the shift towards healthier food options is driving the growth of the market in Central & Western Europe.

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.