Ready-to-Eat Meals - EMEA

EMEA

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$148.80bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.61% (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$60.92 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 24.29bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.0% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 8.8kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in the EMEA region has seen minimal growth, influenced by factors such as increasing demand for convenient food options, changing consumer preferences, and the rise of online food delivery services. This trend is expected to continue due to busy lifestyles and the need for quick and easy meal solutions.

Customer preferences: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market in EMEA has seen a rise in demand for healthier and more sustainable options. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the impact of food choices on personal health and the environment. As a result, there has been an increase in demand for plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals, as well as those with minimal processing and natural ingredients. This shift towards healthier and more sustainable options highlights a growing concern for personal and planetary well-being among consumers in the region.

Trends in the market: In EMEA, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a rise in demand for healthier and more diverse options. This includes a growing trend towards plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals, as well as the inclusion of functional ingredients like probiotics and superfoods. This shift towards healthier options is driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers and a desire for convenient yet nutritious meal options. As a result, industry stakeholders are investing in research and development to meet this demand and stay competitive in the market. Additionally, the rise of digital platforms and e-commerce is enabling easier access to a wider range of ready-to-eat meals, providing opportunities for market growth and expansion.

Local special circumstances: In Europe, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market is heavily influenced by cultural preferences and dietary habits. Countries such as France and Italy have a strong demand for fresh, minimally processed meals, while the UK and Germany have a higher demand for frozen and shelf-stable options. Additionally, strict regulations on food labeling and ingredients in the region have led to the rise of organic and natural ready-to-eat meal products. In contrast, countries in the Middle East and Africa have a growing demand for halal-certified ready-to-eat meals, catering to the religious and cultural needs of the population.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is greatly affected by macroeconomic factors in EMEA. Global economic trends, such as changing consumer preferences towards convenience and on-the-go meals, have a significant impact on the market. National economic health and fiscal policies also play a crucial role in shaping market growth, with countries with stable economies and supportive policies experiencing higher demand for ready-to-eat meals. Other relevant financial indicators, such as disposable income and food inflation rates, also influence market performance. Additionally, the rising urbanization rates in EMEA and shifting cultural norms towards fast-paced lifestyles are driving the demand for convenient food options, further contributing to market growth.

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.