Ready Meals (Prepared Meals) Market size was valued at USD 132.61 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 185.29 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2030.
The ready meals (prepared meals) market is gaining significant traction across various regions due to the convenience and time-saving benefits they offer to consumers. These meals, which are fully or partially prepared, enable busy individuals to quickly heat and consume a nutritious meal. The market is segmented based on applications, which include Hypermarkets / Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Food Specialty Stores, Departmental Stores, Online Retailers, and others. Each of these subsegments plays a crucial role in the distribution of ready meals, catering to different consumer needs and preferences. The rising demand for ready-to-eat food solutions is propelling the growth of these segments as consumers seek convenience in their busy lifestyles.
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Hypermarkets and supermarkets represent one of the largest and most popular retail channels for ready meals. These large-scale retail outlets offer a wide variety of ready-to-eat meals, ranging from traditional frozen meals to fresh and refrigerated options. The key advantage of these outlets is their convenience, as they provide customers with access to numerous products across various food categories, including snacks, frozen foods, and meals. Additionally, the large foot traffic in these stores creates a significant opportunity for ready meal brands to reach a diverse consumer base. Many supermarkets also enhance the customer experience by offering meal kits and ready-to-heat meal options that cater to the growing demand for convenience, quality, and flavor.
With the continuous increase in consumer preference for convenience-driven food choices, hypermarkets and supermarkets are evolving to meet these demands by offering healthier, more premium ready meals. Brands are investing in innovative packaging and meal formulations that appeal to health-conscious consumers, including gluten-free, low-calorie, and organic options. Moreover, the integration of technology such as self-checkouts and online grocery shopping has made it even easier for customers to purchase ready meals. The expansive shelf space and competitive pricing strategies further solidify the position of hypermarkets and supermarkets as key drivers of the ready meals market.
Convenience stores are increasingly becoming a critical retail channel in the distribution of ready meals. These stores typically offer a limited yet strategically curated range of ready meals, making them an ideal choice for consumers seeking quick, accessible food options. The high density and strategic location of convenience stores, often near residential areas, gas stations, and busy intersections, allow them to cater to a diverse demographic. Ready meals in convenience stores often target consumers who are on the go, offering them a quick, convenient meal solution without the need for extended cooking or preparation. The availability of single-serve, ready-to-eat meals in these stores ensures a high level of convenience for busy individuals.
In addition to their convenience, these stores are adapting to consumer demand for healthier, fresh, and ready-to-eat meal options. By providing a variety of meals that are easy to consume, from salads to sandwiches to pre-cooked entrees, convenience stores are catering to a wide range of preferences. The rise of meal customization is also evident in these stores, where consumers can mix and match sides and main dishes to suit their tastes. With the increasing reliance on mobile and online ordering, many convenience stores are also beginning to offer delivery services, further boosting their ability to meet the growing demand for ready meals.
Food specialty stores are increasingly playing an important role in the ready meals market, offering consumers access to more niche, high-quality meal options. These stores often provide gourmet or region-specific ready meals that cannot be found in mainstream supermarkets. The demand for premium, organic, and artisanal ready meals is growing, and food specialty stores are well-positioned to meet this need by offering a curated selection of ready meals with high-quality ingredients. The focus on health, dietary preferences, and sustainability is a strong selling point for these stores, attracting consumers who are looking for meals that align with their values and lifestyle.
Food specialty stores also tend to offer specialized products for specific diets, such as gluten-free, vegan, or keto meals, catering to the increasing number of health-conscious consumers. As these stores often operate on a smaller scale than larger supermarkets, they can provide a more personalized shopping experience. This trend is especially prevalent in urban areas where there is a higher concentration of health-conscious consumers. In addition, these stores often focus on providing ready meals with a shorter shelf life, ensuring that meals are fresh and of the highest quality, a feature that is becoming increasingly important in the ready meals market.
Department stores are another key distribution channel for ready meals, although their presence in this market is less pronounced compared to supermarkets and convenience stores. Department stores often offer ready meals as part of their food section, typically in larger urban areas where they can capture a diverse demographic. These stores provide a variety of pre-packaged ready-to-eat meals and snacks, catering to consumers looking for a quick solution during their shopping trips. The availability of ready meals in department stores is typically focused on higher-end products, which may appeal to consumers who frequent these stores for premium goods.
Although not a primary focus for ready meals, department stores benefit from their large, diverse customer base. These stores often create unique partnerships with premium food brands to offer exclusive products, such as organic meals or locally sourced ready meals, targeting affluent shoppers. As the consumer demand for convenience food continues to rise, department stores are gradually increasing their ready meal offerings, making them a growing segment in the market. The convenience of one-stop shopping in these stores, combined with an expanded focus on quick, quality meals, positions them as an attractive option for busy consumers.
The online retail sector is rapidly transforming the ready meals market, offering a new level of convenience for consumers. Online retailers provide a broad range of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meal options that can be delivered directly to consumers’ homes, ensuring easy access to meals without the need to visit a physical store. The growing popularity of e-commerce platforms and the ability to shop from home have propelled online retailers to become an increasingly prominent sales channel in the ready meals market. Many of these platforms offer subscription-based models, where consumers can order pre-planned meals on a regular basis, streamlining their meal planning and grocery shopping routines.
In addition to offering traditional ready meals, online retailers have the flexibility to cater to niche markets, providing specialized dietary options such as organic, vegan, or gluten-free meals. With the growth of meal kit delivery services and the increasing interest in healthier and more sustainable food choices, online retailers are uniquely positioned to offer an ever-expanding array of meal options to meet diverse consumer needs. The added convenience of home delivery and the ability to customize meal preferences further strengthen the role of online retailers in shaping the future of the ready meals market.
The "Others" category in the ready meals market includes a variety of alternative channels that contribute to the distribution of prepared meals. These can include foodservice providers, vending machines, and specialized food delivery services. Vending machines, particularly in corporate offices, schools, and public spaces, have become a convenient option for consumers who need quick access to ready meals. Similarly, foodservice providers, including cafes, quick-service restaurants, and corporate catering, have embraced ready meals as part of their offerings, catering to consumers who prefer to eat in the workplace or at a social gathering. Additionally, specialized meal delivery services, like those offering freshly prepared meals for specific dietary needs, are becoming increasingly popular.
These alternative distribution channels allow for more tailored meal options and provide access to consumers who may not regularly shop at traditional retail outlets. The rise of food delivery apps, as well as subscription-based services for home delivery, has opened up new opportunities for ready meal providers to directly engage with customers. The increasing number of consumers seeking convenience and variety in their meals is contributing to the expansion of these alternative segments, which are expected to play an increasingly important role in the overall growth of the market.
The ready meals market is witnessing several key trends that are shaping its future. One of the most significant trends is the increasing demand for healthier options. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for ready meals that align with their dietary preferences, such as low-calorie, high-protein, vegan, and gluten-free options. This shift toward health-conscious eating is pushing brands to innovate and offer meals with cleaner ingredients, fewer preservatives, and more sustainable packaging solutions.
Another major trend is the rise of convenience-driven food choices. With busy lifestyles, consumers are increasingly opting for ready-to-eat meals that require little to no preparation. The growing popularity of meal kits and home delivery services is also contributing to this trend, providing consumers with greater flexibility and ease when it comes to meal planning and preparation. Additionally, the integration of digital technologies, such as online ordering platforms and mobile apps, is enhancing the consumer experience and enabling easier access to ready meals from a variety of retailers.
The ready meals market presents numerous opportunities for growth, particularly in the areas of health-focused products, sustainability, and digital transformation. There is a clear opportunity to tap into the increasing demand for meals that cater to specific dietary preferences, such as plant-based, gluten-free, and organic options. Brands that can offer nutritious, high-quality meals that are both convenient and affordable will continue to attract health-conscious consumers.
Another key opportunity lies in the growing importance of sustainability. As consumers become more environmentally aware, there is a rising demand for ready meals packaged in eco-friendly materials and produced with sustainable practices. Additionally, the continued expansion of e-commerce and meal delivery services provides an opportunity for brands to reach a wider audience and offer more personalized, convenient solutions to consumers. Brands that can
Top Ready Meals (Prepared Meals) Market Companies
Nestle
ConAgra
Unilever
Kraft Heinz
Campbell Soup
Hormel Foods
The Schwan Food
JBS
Sigma Alimentos
Iglo Group (Nomad Foods)
Sisters Food Group
Tyson Foods
Fleury Michon
Grupo Herdez
Greencore Group
Maple Leaf Foods
McCain
Advanced Fresh Concepts
Chao Xiang Yuan Food
Dr. Oetker
BRF S.A.
Berkshire
General Mills
Massa Leve
Tingyi Holding
Haidilao
Shuanghui International Holdings
Uni-President Enterprises Corporation
Regional Analysis of Ready Meals (Prepared Meals) Market
North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico, etc.)
Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, etc.)
Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain, etc.)
Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, etc.)
Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, and Egypt, etc.)
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Ready Meals (Prepared Meals) Market Insights Size And Forecast