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  4. Convenience Food

Ready-to-Eat Meals - Uganda

Uganda
  • Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$805.40m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 9.30% (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$16.13 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 280.00m kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 5.9% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 4.5kg 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 Uganda, within the Convenience Food market, is experiencing subdued growth due to various factors such as limited access to technology and consumer preference for traditional meals. Despite this, the market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Customer preferences:
The rising popularity of ready-to-eat meals in Uganda can be attributed to the increasing number of working individuals and busy lifestyles. This has led to a growing demand for convenient and easy-to-prepare meals that can be consumed on-the-go. Additionally, with the growing influence of Western culture, there has been a shift towards more Western-style convenience foods, such as frozen pizzas and microwaveable meals. This trend is expected to continue as more young adults and urban populations adopt a fast-paced lifestyle.

Trends in the market:
In Uganda, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles. This trend is expected to continue as more consumers seek convenient and time-saving options for meals. Additionally, there is a growing interest in healthier and more diverse ready-to-eat options, such as plant-based and ethnic meals. These trends are significant for industry stakeholders as they must adapt their product offerings to meet the evolving demands of the market. There is also potential for collaborations with digital platforms and delivery services to enhance accessibility and convenience for consumers. Overall, these trends have the potential to drive growth and profitability in the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in Uganda.

Local special circumstances:
In Uganda, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market is heavily influenced by the country's geographical and cultural factors. With a large portion of the population living in rural areas, there is a high demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meals that can be easily transported and consumed. Furthermore, the influence of Indian and Chinese cuisine in Uganda has led to the popularity of ready-to-eat meals with similar flavors and ingredients. Additionally, government regulations on food safety and labeling have a significant impact on the market, as consumers are becoming more health-conscious and looking for transparent information on the products they purchase.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in Uganda is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as the country's economic growth, consumer spending power, and government policies. With Uganda's economy growing steadily at an average of 6% annually, there is a growing middle class with higher disposable incomes, leading to an increased demand for convenience foods. Additionally, favorable government policies, such as tax incentives for food manufacturers, are also contributing to the growth of the market. However, challenges such as inflation, currency fluctuations, and limited access to financing for small and medium enterprises may hinder 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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