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  4. Convenience Food

Ready-to-Eat Meals - Panama

Panama
  • Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$725.30m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.44% (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$160.20 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 146.80m kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.9% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 27.7kg 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 Panama is experiencing minimal growth due to several factors, such as the increasing demand for convenience food, changing consumer preferences, and the emergence of new players in the market. Despite its slow growth rate, the Convenience Food Market in Panama continues to be a key player in the overall Food Market, driven by the convenience and time-saving benefits it offers to consumers.

Customer preferences:
As convenience becomes increasingly important for busy consumers in Panama, there has been a growing demand for ready-to-eat meals that offer a quick and easy solution for mealtime. This trend is further fueled by the rise of dual-income households and the increasing number of working professionals. Additionally, the growing influence of Western food culture and the rise of urbanization have also contributed to the popularity of ready-to-eat meals in Panama.

Trends in the market:
In Panama, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthy and organic options. This trend is driven by the growing health consciousness among consumers and the increasing availability of such products in the market. As a result, industry players are focusing on expanding their product offerings and investing in sustainable sourcing and production methods. This trend is expected to continue, with potential implications for industry stakeholders including increased competition, changing consumer preferences, and the need for innovation in product development and marketing strategies.

Local special circumstances:
In Panama, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is shaped by the country's unique geographical location as a key transit hub for international trade. This has resulted in a diverse range of imported ingredients and flavors, influencing the local food culture. Additionally, Panama's growing tourism industry has led to an increase in demand for convenient and accessible meal options, promoting the growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market. The country's favorable tax and business regulations also make it an attractive market for international food brands looking to enter the region.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as changing consumer lifestyles, increasing disposable incomes, and rising urbanization. As more consumers have busy schedules and demand convenience, the demand for ready-to-eat meals has grown. Additionally, favorable government policies, such as tax incentives and subsidies, have also contributed to the market's growth. However, economic downturns and fluctuations in currency exchange rates can have a negative impact on the market's performance. Furthermore, increasing health consciousness and concerns about the nutritional value of convenience foods have also affected market growth. As a result, companies are investing in product innovation and marketing strategies to address these concerns and maintain market growth.

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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