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Ready-to-Eat Meals - Western Asia

Western Asia
  • Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$13.47bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 4.82% (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$60.50 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 2.08bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.6% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 8.4kg 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 Western Asia is witnessing minimal growth due to factors such as low consumer awareness and the convenience of traditional home-cooked meals. Despite this, the Convenience Food Market is expected to see steady growth due to increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles.

Customer preferences:
In Western Asia, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market has seen a rise in demand for healthier and more diverse options. This trend is driven by the growing health consciousness among consumers, as well as the increasing influence of Western dietary preferences. As a result, there has been a surge in the availability of plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals, catering to the preferences of health-conscious individuals. Additionally, the convenience offered by these meals aligns with the fast-paced lifestyle of urban populations, making them a popular choice among busy individuals.

Trends in the market:
In Western Asia, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards healthier options, with a rise in demand for plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of health and wellness, as well as an increasing number of people adopting vegetarian or vegan diets. Additionally, there is a growing focus on convenience and time-saving, with a rise in single-serve and microwavable options. These trends are significant as they cater to the busy lifestyles of consumers and offer a guilt-free alternative to traditional fast food options. Industry stakeholders need to adapt to these changes by expanding their product offerings and incorporating healthier ingredients into their ready-to-eat meals. Failure to do so may result in losing out on a significant portion of the market share to competitors who are able to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers.

Local special circumstances:
In Western Asia, the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is heavily influenced by cultural and religious practices, with a strong demand for Halal-certified options. Additionally, the region has a large expat population, leading to a diverse range of flavors and cuisines. The market is also impacted by the region's hot climate, with a preference for shelf-stable and microwavable options. Government regulations also play a role, with strict labeling requirements for allergens and additives. These factors contribute to the unique dynamics of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in Western Asia, setting it apart from other markets in the Convenience Food Market within The Food market.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors, including global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and other relevant financial indicators. For instance, countries with stable economies and favorable fiscal policies are likely to experience higher demand for convenient food options, such as ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, as the global population continues to grow and urbanize, the demand for convenience food is expected to increase, particularly in Western Asia. Moreover, the rising disposable incomes of consumers in the region are also contributing to the growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market. On the other hand, economic instability, high inflation rates, and fluctuating exchange rates can negatively impact the growth of the market, as they may limit consumer spending power and lead to higher product prices. Overall, the economic landscape of a country plays a crucial role in shaping the performance of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market.

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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