Market Insights Consumer Food Convenience Food

Ready-to-Eat Meals - D-A-CH

D-A-CH

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$11.83bn in 2025. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.93% (CAGR 2025-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (US$164bn in 2025).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$116.80 are generated in 2025.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 1.78bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.8% in 2026.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 16.4kg in 2025.

Key regions: Russia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India

Market

Region

Region comparison

Currency

Analyst Opinion

The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in D-A-CH has seen minimal growth due to factors such as consumers' preference for freshly prepared meals and concerns over preservatives in convenience foods. However, the convenience and time-saving benefits of these products continue to drive demand.

Customer preferences: The demand for healthy and convenient food options is rising among busy consumers in the D-A-CH region. As a result, there is a growing preference for ready-to-eat meals that offer a balance of nutrition and convenience. This trend is fueled by the increasing health consciousness and hectic lifestyles of consumers, leading to a surge in demand for healthy and convenient food options. Moreover, there is a growing trend towards plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals, driven by the increasing focus on sustainable and ethical food choices. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online food delivery services, further boosting the demand for ready-to-eat meals.

Trends in the market: In the D-A-CH region, 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 sustainable options. This has led to a rise in plant-based and organic options, as well as a focus on reducing plastic packaging. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards personalized meal solutions, including customizable meal kits and delivery services. These trends are driven by consumer demand for convenience and health-consciousness, and are expected to continue shaping the market in the future. For industry stakeholders, adapting to these trends and offering more sustainable and personalized options will be crucial for remaining competitive in the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market.

Local special circumstances: In D-A-CH, 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 products. The busy lifestyles of consumers, coupled with the prevalence of dual-income households, have led to the popularity of ready-to-eat meals. In addition, the food culture in D-A-CH places a high value on quality and freshness, leading to a higher demand for locally-sourced ingredients in ready-to-eat meals. Furthermore, strict food safety regulations in the region ensure that these meals are of high quality, making them a trusted option for consumers.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending power, disposable income, and overall economic stability. Countries with strong economic growth and stable job markets tend to have higher demand for convenience food products, including ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, government policies and regulations, such as food safety standards and import/export regulations, can also impact market performance. Furthermore, the increasing trend of urbanization and busy lifestyles in the D-A-CH region is driving the demand for convenient and quick meal options, thus contributing to the growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market.

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.