Ready-to-Eat Meals - Thailand

Thailand

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$4.13bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 4.51% (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$57.46 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 1.03bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.5% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 12.9kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in Thailand is experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as the convenience of quick meals and changing consumer preferences. Despite this, the Convenience Food market in Thailand is still a significant player in the overall Food Market, driven by the rising demand for easy and hassle-free meal options.

Customer preferences: As convenience continues to be a key factor in consumer decision-making, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in Thailand has seen a rise in demand for healthier, more nutritious options. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the importance of balanced diets and a desire for convenient, yet healthy food choices. As a result, companies are now offering a wider range of ready-to-eat meals that cater to specific dietary needs and preferences, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Additionally, there is a noticeable shift towards locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, reflecting the cultural value of fresh and natural foods.

Trends in the market: In Thailand, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market is experiencing a surge in demand due to the changing lifestyles and busy schedules of consumers. This trend is expected to continue, with an increasing focus on convenience and healthy eating. Industry stakeholders are capitalizing on this trend by introducing more diverse and nutritious options, as well as incorporating technology to enhance the consumer experience. For instance, QR codes on packaging are being used to provide information on ingredients and nutritional values. This trend is significant as it caters to the evolving needs of consumers and has the potential to drive growth in the industry. However, it also poses challenges for traditional food manufacturers who may struggle to adapt to this trend. As the market continues to evolve, stakeholders will need to stay updated and innovative to remain competitive.

Local special circumstances: In Thailand, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's diverse cuisine and strong street food culture. This has led to a wide variety of ready-to-eat meal options, including traditional Thai dishes and fusion options. Additionally, the government's focus on promoting healthy eating habits has resulted in a growing demand for healthier ready-to-eat meal alternatives. Moreover, the country's increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles have also contributed to the popularity of ready-to-eat meals among consumers.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in Thailand is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending power, inflation rates, and trade policies. The country's growing economy and increasing urbanization have led to a rise in disposable income, resulting in higher demand for convenient and time-saving food options. Furthermore, the Thai government's efforts to improve infrastructure and attract foreign investment have also positively impacted the market. However, rising inflation rates and fluctuations in currency exchange rates may pose challenges for manufacturers and suppliers, affecting market growth. Additionally, trade policies and agreements, such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area, have opened up opportunities for international players to enter the market and compete with local brands, driving innovation and product diversity in the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market.

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.