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  4. Convenience Food

Ready-to-Eat Meals - NAFTA

NAFTA
  • Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$67.07bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.36% (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$131.40 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 8.72bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.4% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 16.2kg 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 Convenience Food Market in NAFTA is experiencing minimal growth, hindered by factors such as declining consumer interest in unhealthy options and increasing demand for fresh, nutritious meals. However, the market is still seeing steady growth due to the convenience offered by ready-to-eat meals and the busy lifestyles of consumers.

Customer preferences:
As convenience and time-saving become top priorities for consumers, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market has seen a rise in demand for healthy, pre-packaged meal options. This trend is especially prevalent in NAFTA countries, where busy lifestyles and a growing focus on health and wellness have led to an increase in sales of ready-to-eat meals. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce and on-demand delivery services has made it easier for consumers to access these convenient meal options, further driving the growth of the market.

Trends in the market:
In the NAFTA region, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthier, all-natural options. This trend is driven by an increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition and an emphasis on clean label products. As a result, companies are incorporating more plant-based and organic ingredients into their ready-to-eat meals. This trend is expected to continue as consumers become more health-conscious and demand for convenient, yet wholesome food options grows. Industry stakeholders should focus on adapting their product offerings and marketing strategies to cater to this trend, in order to remain competitive in the market.

Local special circumstances:
In Mexico, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing growth due to the busy lifestyles of the population and the increasing influence of Western eating habits. This has led to a demand for quick and easy meal options. Additionally, the country's close proximity to the United States has resulted in a heavy influence from American food trends. In Canada, the market is driven by the large urban population seeking convenience and healthy options. This has led to a rise in subscription-based meal delivery services and a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients.

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 patterns, disposable income levels, and consumer preferences for convenience and time-saving options. Additionally, changes in labor markets and workforce demographics have also impacted the market, as more individuals are seeking quick and easy meal solutions due to busy lifestyles and long working hours. Another significant factor is the increasing trend of urbanization, which has led to a rise in demand for convenience food options in cities with high population densities. Moreover, the growing emphasis on health and wellness among consumers has also influenced the market, leading to the rise of healthier ready-to-eat meal options with clean labels and natural ingredients. These macroeconomic factors have contributed to the overall growth and evolution of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market globally.

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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