The Global Ready Meals Market is projected to reach approximately USD 283.2 billion by 2033, increasing from USD 164.3 billion in 2023. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% over the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.

The global ready meals market has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, driven by changing consumer lifestyles, urbanization, and the increasing demand for convenient food options. Ready meals, also known as pre-packaged or prepared meals, are food items that are pre-cooked and require minimal preparation, typically just heating before consumption. These meals are available in various forms, including frozen, chilled, canned, and dried meals, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences.

Market Drivers

  • Urbanization and Busy Lifestyles: One of the primary drivers of the ready meals market is the shift towards urban living, which often comes with hectic schedules and a reduced inclination to prepare meals from scratch. The convenience offered by ready meals makes them an attractive option for busy professionals, students, and single-person households.
  • Increasing Disposable Income: As disposable income levels rise, particularly in developing economies, consumers are more willing to spend on premium and convenient food products. This trend has led to the proliferation of ready meals that offer not only convenience but also high-quality ingredients and gourmet flavors.
  • Rising Awareness of Health and Wellness: While the ready meals market was initially associated with unhealthy, processed foods, there has been a significant shift towards healthier options. Consumers are increasingly seeking ready meals that are low in sodium, free from artificial preservatives, and made with organic or natural ingredients. This has prompted manufacturers to innovate and develop products that cater to health-conscious consumers.
  • Technological Advancements: The advancement of food preservation and packaging technologies has played a crucial role in the growth of the ready meals market. Improved freezing techniques, vacuum sealing, and modified atmosphere packaging have extended the shelf life of ready meals while preserving their nutritional value and taste. This has made it possible for manufacturers to offer a wider variety of ready meals that meet consumer demands for freshness and quality.

Market Segmentation

The ready meals market can be segmented based on product type, distribution channel, and region.

  • By Product Type: The market is segmented into frozen, chilled, canned, and dried meals. Frozen meals hold the largest market share, owing to their longer shelf life and wide availability. However, chilled meals are gaining popularity due to their perceived freshness and higher quality. Canned and dried meals also have a significant presence, particularly in regions with limited cold storage infrastructure.
  • By Distribution Channel: Ready meals are distributed through various channels, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and specialty stores. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the dominant distribution channels, offering a wide range of products and brands. However, the online retail segment is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing adoption of e-commerce and home delivery services.
  • By Region: Geographically, the ready meals market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Europe is the largest market for ready meals, driven by high consumer demand for convenience foods and a well-established retail infrastructure. North America also holds a significant market share, with the U.S. being a major contributor. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing dietary habits.

Get Sample Copy of Report: https://infinitymarketresearch.com/request-sample/1112

Key Players

Nestlé, Kellogg Company, General Mills Inc., Conagra Brands Inc., Dr. Oetker, Tyson Foods Inc., Nomad Foods, Unilever, Green Mill Foods, 2 Sisters Food Group, Other Key Players

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the positive growth outlook, the ready meals market faces several challenges. One of the key challenges is the perception of ready meals as being less healthy compared to freshly prepared meals. This has led to a demand for more transparent labeling and the inclusion of healthier ingredients in ready meals. Additionally, the market faces competition from other convenience food options, such as meal kits and quick-service restaurants.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for market players. The growing demand for plant-based and vegetarian ready meals offers a significant growth opportunity, as consumers increasingly seek sustainable and ethical food options. Moreover, the expansion of online retail channels provides manufacturers with the opportunity to reach a broader customer base and offer personalized meal solutions.

Conclusion

The ready meals market is poised for continued growth, driven by factors such as urbanization, changing consumer lifestyles, and technological advancements. While the market faces challenges related to health perceptions and competition, there are ample opportunities for innovation and expansion. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the ready meals market is expected to adapt and thrive, offering a diverse range of convenient and high-quality meal options.

About US:

We at Infinity Market Research hold expertise in providing up-to-date, authentic and reliable information across all the industry verticals. Our diverse database consists of information gathered from trusted and authorized data sources.


We take pride in offering high quality and comprehensive research solution to our clients. Our research solutions will help the clients in making an informed move and planning the business strategies. We strive to provide excellent and dedicated market research reports so that our clients can focus on growth and business development plans. We have domain-wise expert research team who work on client-specific custom projects. We understand the diverse requirements of our clients and keep our reports update based on the market scenario.


Contact US:
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Mail: sales@infinitymarketresearch.com
Website: https://infinitymarketresearch.com/