Ready-to-Eat Meals - South Africa

South Africa

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$1.23bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.04% (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$20.22 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 225.70m kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 0.7% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 3.6kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in South Africa is facing minimal growth due to factors such as changing consumer preferences and increasing competition from other convenience food options. Despite this, the market continues to grow, driven by the convenience and time-saving benefits offered by these meals.

Customer preferences: As the demand for convenient and time-saving food options continues to rise, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market in South Africa has seen a surge in demand for healthier and more nutritious options. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and the desire for quick and easy meals that fit into busy lifestyles. As a result, there has been an increase in the availability of ready-to-eat meals that cater to specific dietary needs, such as plant-based and gluten-free options. Additionally, with the rise of social media and influencer culture, there has been a growing emphasis on the presentation and visual appeal of these meals, leading to a convergence of convenience and aesthetics in the market.

Trends in the market: In South Africa, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards healthier options, as consumers become more health-conscious. This trend is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and a growing interest in clean-label and organic options. As a result, companies are introducing new organic and plant-based ready-to-eat meals to cater to these consumer preferences. This change in consumer behavior is expected to continue, with potential implications for industry stakeholders, such as the need for product innovation and marketing strategies to target health-conscious consumers.

Local special circumstances: In South Africa, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's diverse cultural landscape. The popularity of traditional South African dishes, such as bobotie and bunny chow, have led to the incorporation of these flavors into ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, the country's high levels of urbanization and busy lifestyles have resulted in a demand for convenient and affordable meal options, driving the growth of the market. Government initiatives promoting food security and healthy eating also play a role in shaping the market, with an emphasis on locally sourced and nutritious ingredients.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market in South Africa is heavily influenced by various macroeconomic factors. Global economic trends, such as rising disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences for convenience and on-the-go food options, are driving the demand for ready-to-eat meals in the country. Additionally, the overall health of the national economy, including factors such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation, also play a significant role in shaping the market. Fiscal policies, such as taxes and subsidies, can also impact the affordability and availability of ready-to-eat meals in the country. Furthermore, other financial indicators, such as exchange rates and interest rates, can affect the cost of importing ingredients and packaging materials for these meals, ultimately influencing market performance.

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.