Ready-to-Eat Meals - Worldwide

Worldwide

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to £466.20bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.47% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (£117bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of £60.16 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 101.60bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 4.6% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 11.1kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in the Convenience Food Market within The Food market Worldwide is experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as increasing demand for convenient food options, rising health consciousness, and the convenience of online ordering.

Customer preferences: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market has seen a rise in demand for plant-based and organic options, as consumers prioritize healthier and more sustainable food choices. This trend is fueled by the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of food production and the desire for clean and nutritious ingredients. Additionally, there is a growing preference for customizable meal options to cater to specific dietary needs and preferences.

Trends in the market: In the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market, there is a clear trend towards healthier and more diverse options. Consumers are demanding more plant-based and organic options, as well as meals that cater to specific dietary restrictions. This trend is expected to continue, with industry experts predicting a steady growth in the market for these types of meals. This presents opportunities for industry stakeholders to expand their product offerings and cater to a wider range of consumers, while also highlighting the importance of sustainability and transparency in the supply chain. As the demand for healthier and more diverse options increases, it is imperative for companies to adapt and innovate in order to stay competitive in the market. Failure to do so could result in losing market share to more agile and consumer-centric companies.

Local special circumstances: In Japan, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market is dominated by convenience stores and vending machines due to the country's high demand for fast and efficient food options. However, the market is shifting towards healthier options as consumers become more health-conscious. In China, the market is heavily influenced by the country's rapid urbanization and the rise of busy lifestyles, leading to a high demand for ready-to-eat meals that offer convenience and nutrition. Additionally, the Chinese government's regulations on food safety and labeling have had a significant impact on the market, with consumers becoming more selective in their food choices.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as changing consumer lifestyles, increasing urbanization, and rising disposable incomes. These factors are driving the demand for convenient and on-the-go food options, leading to the growth of the market. Additionally, government initiatives promoting food safety and hygiene, as well as investments in infrastructure and logistics, are contributing to the market's growth. On a global scale, the increasing trend of busy and hectic lifestyles is expected to further boost the demand for ready-to-eat meals, especially in developed countries. However, economic uncertainties and fluctuations in commodity prices can pose challenges to market growth.

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.