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  4. Convenience Food

Ready-to-Eat Meals - LATAM

LATAM
  • Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$40.90bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.79% (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$64.31 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 9.60bn 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 13.6kg 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

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 LATAM has shown minimal growth due to factors such as increased convenience and busy lifestyles. However, the overall Convenience Food Market in the region is experiencing steady growth, driven by consumer demand for quick and easy meal options.

Customer preferences:
In LATAM, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market is seeing a rise in demand for healthy and organic options, as consumers become more health-conscious. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the link between diet and overall well-being. Additionally, the rise in urbanization and busy lifestyles has resulted in a greater demand for convenient, on-the-go meal options. As a result, companies are increasingly investing in innovative and healthier ready-to-eat meal options to cater to these shifting consumer preferences.

Trends in the market:
In LATAM, 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 convenient options. This has led to the introduction of plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals, as well as a focus on clean labeling and sustainable packaging. This trend is expected to continue as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware. As a result, industry stakeholders should invest in research and development to meet these demands and differentiate themselves in the market. Additionally, collaboration with local farmers and suppliers can help ensure a steady supply of high-quality ingredients for these products.

Local special circumstances:
In LATAM, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's busy urban lifestyle and lack of time for meal preparation. Additionally, the tropical climate in many countries drives the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meals that do not require extensive cooking. Moreover, the regulatory environment in some countries, such as Mexico and Brazil, has led to the rise of innovative packaging solutions and extended shelf life for these products. These factors contribute to the unique dynamics of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in LATAM.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in LATAM is strongly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as disposable income levels, consumer spending patterns, and trade policies. Countries with stable economic conditions and a growing middle class are experiencing higher demand for convenience food products, leading to market growth. Additionally, government initiatives to promote foreign investment and trade liberalization are attracting more international players in the market, contributing to its expansion. Furthermore, the increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles in the region are driving the demand for ready-to-eat meals, as consumers seek convenient and time-saving food options.

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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