Ready-to-Eat Meals - Hungary

Hungary

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$616.30m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.18% (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$61.66 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 142.60m kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.4% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 12.5kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

In Hungary, the Ready-to-Eat Meals market within the Convenience Food Market is experiencing minimal growth due to factors such as changing consumer preferences and increasing competition from traditional food options. Despite this, the market is expected to continue growing as convenience and time-saving options remain in demand.

Customer preferences: Consumers in Hungary are increasingly turning to ready-to-eat meals as a convenient and time-saving option for their busy lifestyles. This trend is driven by the growing number of dual-income households and the rise in single-person households. As a result, there is a higher demand for smaller portion sizes and healthier options, such as vegetarian and plant-based meals. This reflects a shift towards a more health-conscious and environmentally-friendly approach to eating, in line with global trends.

Trends in the market: In Hungary, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand due to changing consumer lifestyles and busy work schedules. As a result, there is a growing trend of healthier and more convenient options, such as plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, there is an increase in the use of online delivery platforms for these meals, making it easier for consumers to access them. This trend is expected to continue, with the potential for further innovation and expansion of the market. Industry stakeholders should focus on catering to this demand and adapting their offerings to meet the changing preferences of consumers.

Local special circumstances: In Hungary, the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is heavily influenced by the country's unique cultural background and geographical location. Due to the prevalence of traditional Hungarian cuisine and its strong influence on the local palate, there is a high demand for ready-to-eat meals that cater to traditional flavors and dishes. Additionally, Hungary's location in Central Europe also plays a role in the market dynamics, as it allows for easy access to a wide range of ingredients and influences from neighboring countries. Furthermore, regulatory factors, such as the country's strict food safety standards, also shape the market and drive the demand for high-quality convenience food options.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in Hungary is influenced by numerous macroeconomic factors. These include global economic trends, such as shifting consumer preferences towards convenience foods and increasing urbanization, which are driving market growth. Additionally, the national economic health of Hungary, with its stable GDP growth and rising disposable income, is creating a favorable environment for market expansion. Fiscal policies, such as government support for food industry innovation and investment in transportation infrastructure, are also contributing to the growth of the market. Other relevant financial indicators, such as consumer confidence and inflation rates, are closely monitored by market players to anticipate potential market shifts. Overall, these factors suggest a positive outlook for the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in Hungary, with strong potential for continued 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.