Ready-to-Eat Meals - Malawi

Malawi

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$253.80m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.19% (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$11.82 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 48.46m kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 0.6% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 2.2kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in Malawi is experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as low consumer awareness and limited availability of convenient food options. Despite this, the Convenience Food market within The Food market is slowly gaining traction due to changing lifestyles and busier schedules.

Customer preferences: With the rise of urbanization and busy lifestyles, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for convenient and quick meal options in Malawi. As a result, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market has experienced significant growth. This trend is also influenced by the growing number of working professionals and the increasing influence of Western food habits. Furthermore, there has been a shift towards healthier and more sustainable options, with consumers seeking out plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for consumers to access a variety of ready-to-eat meals, further driving the growth of this market.

Trends in the market: In Malawi, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand due to the increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles of its population. This trend is expected to continue, driven by the convenience and affordability of these meals. As a result, industry stakeholders are investing in expanding their product offerings and distribution channels to meet the growing demand. However, this trend also highlights the potential impact on traditional food markets and local agriculture, raising concerns about food security and sustainability. To address these challenges, there is a need for collaboration between the convenience food industry and local farmers to promote sustainable sourcing and support the country's economy.

Local special circumstances: In Malawi, the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is driven by the country's lack of access to modern cooking facilities and the increasing urbanization. With a large portion of the population living in urban areas and working long hours, there is a high demand for convenient and affordable meals. Additionally, due to limited infrastructure and resources, the market is dominated by locally produced and packaged meals, creating a unique local flavor in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market. Furthermore, the government's initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship and support small-scale businesses have also contributed to the growth of the market.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is also influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer purchasing power, population growth, and government policies. In countries with strong economic growth and increasing disposable incomes, there is a higher demand for convenient and ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, countries with supportive government policies and investments in food processing and distribution infrastructure are experiencing faster market growth compared to regions with limited government support. The increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles of consumers also drive the demand for ready-to-eat meals, as they offer convenience and time-saving solutions for busy individuals.

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.