Ready-to-Eat Meals - Southern Europe

Southern Europe

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$19.89bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 7.29% (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$84.03 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 3.38bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.1% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 12.6kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in Southern Europe is experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as consumer preference for convenience food and a slow adoption of digital technologies. Despite this, the market is expected to continue growing due to increasing health awareness and the convenience of online services.

Customer preferences: In Southern Europe, there has been a notable increase in demand for healthier and more convenient meal options, leading to a rise in the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market. This trend is driven by a growing focus on health and wellness, with consumers seeking out convenient, yet nutritious, meal solutions. This shift is also influenced by the busy lifestyles of urban populations, as well as an increasing awareness of the importance of a balanced diet. As a result, there has been a surge in the availability and variety of healthy, ready-to-eat meals in the market.

Trends in the market: In Southern Europe, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for healthier and more diverse options. This trend is driven by a growing number of health-conscious consumers seeking convenient and ready-to-eat meals that align with their dietary preferences and restrictions. As a result, companies are introducing new products that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. This trend is expected to continue, as consumers prioritize convenience and health in their food choices. Industry stakeholders should take note of this trend and adapt their product offerings accordingly to remain competitive in the market.

Local special circumstances: In Southern Europe, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's rich culinary traditions and strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Additionally, strict regulations on food labeling and safety standards shape the market, with consumers showing a preference for minimally processed, organic options. Furthermore, the Mediterranean diet trend has also contributed to the popularity of convenient, healthy ready-to-eat meals in this region.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in Southern Europe is also affected by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending patterns, disposable income levels, and employment rates. Countries with stable economies and higher levels of disposable income tend to have a higher demand for convenience foods, including ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, government policies and regulations related to food safety and labeling, as well as trade agreements and tariffs, can impact the availability and pricing of these products in the market. Overall, economic stability and favorable consumer purchasing power are crucial for driving growth in the ready-to-eat meals market in Southern Europe.

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.