Ready-to-Eat Meals - South Korea

South Korea

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$6.58bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.43% (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$127.20 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 1.64bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.8% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 27.2kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in South Korea has seen minimal growth due to factors such as changing consumer preferences, reliance on traditional food culture, and limited availability of convenient options. This is in contrast to the rapid growth seen in the overall Convenience Food Market in the country. These challenges will need to be addressed for the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market to see significant growth.

Customer preferences: With the rise of single-person households and busy lifestyles, there is a growing demand for ready-to-eat meals in South Korea. This trend is driven by a shift towards convenience and efficiency, as consumers prioritize time-saving options in their hectic schedules. Additionally, the influence of Western culture has led to a preference for quick and easy meals, further fueling the growth of the ready-to-eat meals market. As a result, there has been an increase in the availability of a variety of ready-to-eat options, including traditional Korean dishes, catering to diverse consumer tastes and preferences.

Trends in the market: In South Korea, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthier options. This trend is driven by the increasing health-consciousness among consumers and the rise of the "wellness" trend. As a result, companies are focusing on developing nutritious and low-calorie options, using natural and organic ingredients. This trend is expected to continue, with more innovative and diverse options entering the market. It presents opportunities for industry stakeholders to tap into the growing health and wellness market and cater to the changing preferences of consumers in South Korea.

Local special circumstances: In South Korea, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's fast-paced lifestyle and high demand for convenience. This has led to a wide variety of ready-to-eat options being offered, including traditional Korean dishes and international cuisines. Additionally, strict regulations on food safety and labeling play a significant role in shaping consumer preferences and purchasing habits. Furthermore, South Korea's strong emphasis on technology and innovation has resulted in the introduction of advanced packaging and distribution methods, making the market highly competitive.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in South Korea is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, income levels, and population demographics. The country's strong economic growth and rising disposable income have led to an increase in demand for convenience foods, including ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, government initiatives promoting healthy eating and the growing trend of busy lifestyles have also contributed to the growth of this market. However, fluctuations in exchange rates and rising food prices can affect the affordability of these products, impacting 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.