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Ready-to-Eat Meals - China

China
  • Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$148.90bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 8.48% (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$104.00 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 20.87bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 8.2% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 10.8kg in 2024.

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: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Volume

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Price

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Demographics

Most recent update: Mar 2024

Sources: Statista Market Insights, Statista Consumer Insights Global

Sales Channels

Most recent update: Nov 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Global Comparison

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Analyst Opinion

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in the Convenience Food Market of China is experiencing subdued growth due to various factors, such as the increasing health awareness among consumers and the convenience offered by online food services. Despite this, the market is still expected to see significant growth due to the rising demand for convenient and ready-to-eat meals in the busy lifestyles of Chinese consumers.

Customer preferences:
With the rise of busy and fast-paced lifestyles in China, convenience has become a top priority for consumers when it comes to their food choices. This has led to a significant increase in demand for ready-to-eat meals, as they offer a quick and easy solution for busy individuals. Furthermore, there has been a growing preference for healthier and more nutritious options, with a particular focus on traditional Chinese ingredients and flavors. This trend is driven by a shift towards more health-conscious and environmentally-friendly lifestyles, as well as a deeper appreciation for local culture and tradition.

Trends in the market:
In China, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand due to the fast-paced lifestyle of consumers. This has led to a rise in the availability of high-quality, convenient and healthy ready-to-eat meal options. Additionally, there is a growing trend of incorporating traditional Chinese ingredients and flavors into these meals, catering to the preferences of the local population. As the market continues to expand, we can expect to see further innovations and collaborations to meet the evolving needs of Chinese consumers.

Local special circumstances:
In China, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's large population and rapid urbanization. This has led to a growing demand for convenient and fast food options, resulting in the popularity of ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, the Chinese government's food safety regulations and initiatives to promote healthy eating habits, such as the "National Food for Health" program, have also played a significant role in shaping the market. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of e-commerce and mobile payment methods in China has led to a rise in online food delivery services, further driving the growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in the country.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in China is greatly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as the country's economic growth, government policies, and consumer spending habits. With a growing middle class and increasing disposable income, the demand for convenience food products, including ready-to-eat meals, is on the rise. Additionally, the rapid urbanization and busy lifestyles of consumers have led to an increasing demand for convenient and time-saving food options. Furthermore, the Chinese government's efforts to improve food safety regulations and invest in the food processing industry have also played a significant role in driving the growth of the ready-to-eat meals market in China.

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: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

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