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Add to CartReady Meals Market
By Type;
Canned & Preserved Ready Meals, Chilled Pizza, Chilled Ready Meals, Dried Ready Meals, Frozen Pizza, Frozen Ready Meals and Prepared SaladsBy End User;
Residential and Food ServicesBy Distribution Channel;
Store-Based Retailing [Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Discounters, Convenience Stores and Others] and Online RetailingBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Ready Meals Market Overview
Ready Meals Market (USD Million)
Ready Meals Market was valued at USD 209,168.87 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 370,258.65 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.5%.
Ready Meals Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 8.5 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 8.5 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 209,168.87 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 370,258.65 Million |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
| Report Pages | 386 |
Major Players
- Nestlé SA
- Conagra Brands, Inc.
- Nomad Foods Ltd.
- Unilever PLC
- The Kraft Heinz Company
- Bakkavor Group plc
- Tyson Foods, Inc.
- General Mills, Inc.
- McCain Foods Limited
- Hormel Foods Corporation
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Ready Meals Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Ready Meals Market is rapidly gaining traction as consumers increasingly prioritize convenience, affordability, and quick preparation. Demand has surged by nearly 30%, driven by busy urban lifestyles and changing eating habits. Ready meals provide a balance between time efficiency and taste variety, positioning them as a preferred choice for working professionals and households seeking hassle-free meal options.
Key Drivers Accelerating Growth
The market is propelled by a rise in dual-income households and increasing demand for on-the-go food solutions. Nearly 45% of consumers prefer ready meals as they reduce cooking time significantly. Additionally, the growing preference for healthy formulations, such as low-fat and high-protein meals, is reshaping purchasing behavior.
Innovations Transforming the Market
Advances in food preservation technologies and packaging solutions have enhanced the appeal of ready meals. Around 40% of product launches now emphasize organic ingredients and clean-label claims. Companies are introducing microwave-friendly and eco-friendly packaging, aligning with consumer expectations of convenience and sustainability.
Strategic Collaborations and Expansion
Leading manufacturers are engaging in partnerships, acquisitions, and product innovations to strengthen their portfolio. Nearly 35% of companies have expanded into plant-based ready meals, addressing the rising demand for vegan and vegetarian diets. Such strategic moves are widening consumer choices while reinforcing brand competitiveness.
Ready Meals Market Key Takeaways
- Market Size & Growth The global ready meals market was valued at approximately USD 169.76 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 289.29 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period.
- Frozen Meals Segment Frozen ready meals held a 53.47% market share in 2024 and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.66% through 2030, driven by consumer trust in preservation methods and extended shelf life.
- Consumer Trends There is a growing demand for healthier, plant-based, and allergen-free ready meals, with free-from alternatives advancing at a 3.96% CAGR.
- Regional Insights North America dominated the market in 2024, accounting for 41% of global sales, followed by Europe with 24%, and Asia-Pacific with 20%.
- Distribution Channels Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the primary distribution channels, with online retail experiencing the fastest growth due to digital adoption and changing consumer behavior.
- Key Players Leading companies in the market include Nestlé, General Mills, Conagra Brands, Tyson Foods, and Greencore Group, focusing on product innovation and expanding production capacities.
Ready Meals Market Recent Developments
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In September 2023, Nucleus Gene Technology entered China's pre-cooked food sector by registering agriculture businesses and food trademarks. The Shenzhen-based company established Wuhan Nucleus Gene Agricultural Science and Technology, focusing on rice-based rapid meals and snacks, agricultural production, and research. Plans include building molecular biological breeding and rice processing facilities on a 3,392 m² area, with funding sought for product development in Jiangxi and Hubei provinces.
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In July 2023, DIG in New York launched meal boxes featuring unique entrées and sides, offering a more affordable alternative to dining out, though prices remain close to mid-range restaurant meals.
Ready Meals Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Ready Meals Market has been segmented by Type, End User, Distribution Channel and Geography.
Ready Meals Market, Segmentation by Type
The Type dimension reflects how formats address convenience, nutrition, and taste preferences across regions. Companies balance premiumization with value packs, expand ethnic and better-for-you offerings, and leverage packaging formats that extend shelf life without compromising sensory quality. Consolidation with regional processors and chef-led collaborations strengthens innovation pipelines and accelerates market penetration.
- Canned & Preserved Ready Meals
Canned & preserved meals provide long ambient shelf life, robust supply resilience, and cost-effective nutrition. Brands enhance appeal with clean-label sauces, higher protein, and reduced sodium, while easy-open lids and recyclable metal formats support sustainability and pantry-loading behavior.
- Chilled Pizza
Chilled pizza targets fresh perception and rapid preparation with artisanal bases and premium toppings. Retailers prioritize attractive in-store displays and limited-time flavors, while improved cold-chain logistics maintain quality and reduce shrink in high-traffic stores.
- Chilled Ready Meals
Chilled ready meals compete on freshness cues, diverse cuisines, and portion-controlled formats for lunch and dinner. Producers deploy modified-atmosphere packaging and transparent labeling to meet clean-label expectations and support differentiated price points.
- Dried Ready Meals
Dried meals deliver light weight, long shelf life, and simple storage, appealing to students, outdoor users, and value seekers. Recipe upgrades, fortified ingredients, and recyclable sachets improve nutrition and sustainability positioning within this cost-conscious segment.
- Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza scales globally through efficient cold-chain networks and high-speed production lines. Stone-baked styles, gluten-free bases, and premium cheeses drive mix upgrades, while crisping sleeves and air-fryer guidance enhance at-home results.
- Frozen Ready Meals
Frozen ready meals lead in variety and waste reduction, leveraging IQF vegetables, protein-rich recipes, and family-size trays. Investments in automation and energy-efficient tunnels lower unit costs and support margin stability in inflationary cycles.
- Prepared Salads
Prepared salads cater to health-oriented consumers seeking fresh taste and portable solutions. High-barrier bowls, separate dressings, and functional inclusions like grains and pulses sustain texture, while local sourcing and seasonal SKUs boost freshness perception.
Ready Meals Market, Segmentation by End User
The End User split captures divergent service models and consumption occasions. Residential demand centers on convenience, meal planning, and better-for-you claims, while food services emphasize throughput, consistency, and labor efficiency. Co-manufacturing partnerships and menu engineering ensure reliable supply and scalable quality across both environments.
- Residential
Residential buyers drive supermarket and online growth with preference for quick, nutrition-forward options and clear preparation guidance. Loyalty programs, bundle deals, and subscription models increase repeat purchase and category stickiness across weekdays and weekend occasions.
- Food Services
Food services adopt ready meals and components to stabilize labor costs and speed service, particularly in convenience-led formats and institutional catering. Tray-sealed and bulk cook-chill solutions improve consistency, food safety, and waste management across multi-site operations.
Ready Meals Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel
Distribution Channel dynamics shape visibility, trial, and pricing power as retailers refine planograms and digital discovery tools. Store-based formats capture impulse and basket-building missions, while online retailing scales with targeted promotions, reviews, and last-mile cold-chain innovation. Joint business planning aligns assortment, private label, and promotional cadence to protect margins and expand penetration.
Store-Based RetailingStore-Based Retailing remains the primary route-to-market, benefiting from footfall, adjacency to fresh items, and immediate availability. Category leaders collaborate on in-aisle signage, meal-solution endcaps, and cross-category bundles to increase conversion and trade up shoppers to premium tiers.
- Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
Supermarkets & hypermarkets drive volume through broad assortments, competitive pricing, and chilled and frozen displays. In-store bakeries and food-to-go counters complement ready meals, while loyalty data guides localized planograms and promotions.
- Discounters
Discounters win on price and streamlined ranges, offering high-turn staples and rotating limited editions. Efficient sourcing, private-label strength, and value packs help maintain affordability without sacrificing quality cues.
- Convenience Stores
Convenience stores target immediate consumption and top-up missions with microwaveable and snackable formats. Hot-hold cabinets, grab-and-go fridges, and contactless checkout enhance speed and basket size during peak dayparts.
- Others
Others include club stores, specialty grocers, and institutional outlets that tailor pack sizes to specific missions. Cross-merchandising with beverages and desserts elevates meal occasions and supports trial of new cuisines.
Online retailing accelerates discovery with curated storefronts, subscription bundles, and targeted promotions. Dark stores, micro-fulfillment, and insulated packaging improve delivery reliability, while reviews and influencer content enhance trust and reduce returns. Retail media networks optimize audience targeting and raise category ROAS across campaigns.
Ready Meals Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Ready Meals Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
North America
North America benefits from strong frozen infrastructure, high private-label penetration, and diversified ethnic cuisines. Retail media and data-driven planograms sharpen assortment by trip mission, while meal-kit collaborations expand adjacency. Premium chilled ranges and protein-forward recipes support margin resilience and repeat purchase.
Europe
Europe is shaped by stringent labeling and sustainability targets, propelling recyclable trays and lower-salt formulations. Discounters expand share with quality private label, while established brands invest in chef-led lines and regional specialties. Convenience-led urban formats and click-&-collect broaden access and reduce food waste.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific leads growth through urbanization, rising dual-income households, and rapid e-commerce adoption. Localized flavors, spice profiles, and rice/noodle bases anchor innovation, while investment in cold-chain and last-mile improves consistency. Cross-border marketplaces and social commerce amplify discovery and trial.
Middle East & Africa
Middle East & Africa expands from a low base, supported by modern retail, tourism, and foodservice partnerships. Halal-certified lines, ambient formats, and heat-tolerant packaging address climate and regulatory needs. Retailers prioritize ready-to-heat solutions for quick-service and convenience missions.
Latin America
Latin America advances via affordability strategies, localized recipes, and strengthening discounters and wholesalers. Investments in regional processing and packaging reduce import dependence and enhance freshness. Digital payments and delivery apps extend reach to new shopper cohorts and secondary cities.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Ready Meals Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Shifting Consumer Lifestyles and Busy Schedules
- Increasing Number of Dual-Income and Single-Person Households
- Globalization of Food Culture
- Demand for International Cuisines
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Technological Advancements in Food Processing and Packaging- Technological advancements have revolutionized the food processing and packaging sector within the Global Ready Meals Market, enhancing efficiency, quality, and shelf life. Cutting-edge processing technologies, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), microwave-assisted thermal sterilization (MATS), and sous-vide cooking, have enabled manufacturers to preserve the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of ready meals while extending their shelf life.
These innovative techniques ensure that ready meals maintain their freshness and taste without the need for excessive preservatives or additives, meeting consumer demands for healthier and more natural food options. In addition to processing innovations, advancements in packaging technology have played a crucial role in improving the convenience and sustainability of ready meals. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly packaging materials, such as biodegradable plastics, compostable packaging, and recyclable materials, to minimize environmental impact and meet consumer preferences for sustainable packaging solutions.
Furthermore, packaging innovations, such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging, help extend the shelf life of ready meals by creating optimal storage conditions, preventing spoilage, and maintaining product quality from production to consumption. Overall, technological advancements in food processing and packaging continue to drive innovation and growth within the Global Ready Meals Market, offering consumers convenient, high-quality meal options while addressing sustainability concerns.
Restraints:
- Concerns Over Food Safety and Quality
- Sustainability Challenges
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Competition from Fresh and Home-Cooked Meals- The Global Ready Meals Market faces stiff competition from fresh and home-cooked meals, as consumers increasingly prioritize health, taste, and customization. Fresh meals, often perceived as healthier and more nutritious than their ready-made counterparts, appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking minimally processed food options.
Additionally, fresh meals offer the flexibility to incorporate seasonal ingredients and accommodate specific dietary preferences, providing a level of customization and control not typically found in ready meals. As a result, consumers may opt for fresh meals when seeking a higher quality dining experience or when prioritizing freshness and nutritional value over convenience. Moreover, the convenience and affordability of home-cooked meals present another challenge to the ready meals market.
With the proliferation of online recipes, meal kit delivery services, and cooking tutorials, consumers have greater access to convenient home-cooking solutions that rival the ease of ready meals. Home-cooked meals offer consumers the opportunity to tailor dishes to their taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and portion sizes, empowering them to create personalized and satisfying meals without compromising on convenience. As a result, the ready meals market must continually innovate to differentiate itself from fresh and home-cooked alternatives, offering unique value propositions such as convenience, variety, and time-saving benefits to remain competitive in an evolving culinary landscape.
Opportunities:
- Innovation in Healthier and More Natural Ingredients
- Catering to Specific Dietary Preferences
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Expansion into Emerging Markets- Expansion into emerging markets presents significant growth opportunities for the Global Ready Meals Market, driven by factors such as urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increasing disposable incomes. Emerging economies in regions like Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to a rise in dual-income households and a growing demand for convenient meal solutions.
Ready meals offer a convenient and time-saving option for busy urban consumers, catering to their hectic lifestyles and providing quick and easy meal solutions without compromising on taste or nutrition. Moreover, as urbanization progresses, consumers in emerging markets are increasingly adopting Western dietary habits and embracing convenience foods, further fueling the demand for ready meals.
Furthermore, expansion into emerging markets allows ready meal manufacturers to tap into new consumer demographics and cultural preferences, offering tailored product offerings to meet local tastes and preferences. By adapting recipes, flavors, and packaging to resonate with the cultural and dietary preferences of consumers in emerging markets, manufacturers can capitalize on the growing demand for convenient meal solutions. Additionally, the development of distribution channels and retail infrastructure in emerging economies presents opportunities for ready meal brands to increase market penetration and reach underserved consumer segments.
Ready Meals Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Ready Meals Market is marked by intense competition as food manufacturers and retailers compete to capture expanding consumer demand. Leading players are adopting strategies such as collaboration, merger, and partnerships to enhance product portfolios and distribution reach. Nearly 65% of the market is dominated by top companies, ensuring sustainable growth through product innovation.
Market Structure and Concentration
The market reflects a semi-consolidated structure, with approximately 55%–60% share concentrated among leading brands. Larger firms capitalize on scale advantages, while emerging companies drive innovation through niche offerings. This structure supports competitive expansion, with producers adopting differentiated strategies to balance cost efficiency and evolving consumer preferences for convenience-based meals.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Key brands focus on multichannel strategies encompassing retail, online platforms, and foodservice distribution. Nearly 45% of sales are driven by partnerships with supermarket chains and e-commerce providers. Such collaboration initiatives strengthen brand recognition and customer loyalty, supporting consistent growth across ready meals categories including frozen, chilled, and shelf-stable products.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
More than 40% of producers are investing in advanced preservation techniques, packaging solutions, and healthier formulations. Continuous technological advancements improve shelf life and product quality, making innovation central to competitiveness. Strategic merger activities further accelerate R&D capabilities, ensuring faster expansion into emerging segments such as plant-based and premium ready meal offerings.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
Nearly 50% of expansion efforts are concentrated in Europe and Asia-Pacific, where rising urbanization and busy lifestyles fuel demand. Local firms enhance reach through partnerships with retailers, while global companies adapt strategies to local tastes and regulations. This regional momentum ensures steady growth and competitive presence across both developed and emerging markets.
Future Outlook
The future outlook suggests that around 55% of industry growth will be supported by health-focused innovation, premium meal solutions, and expanded distribution. Companies will continue prioritizing collaboration, merger, and partnerships to strengthen their portfolios. Ongoing technological advancements will accelerate scalable expansion, ensuring long-term competitiveness within the ready meals industry.
Key players in Ready Meals Market include:
- Nestlé
- General Mills, Inc.
- Conagra Brands, Inc.
- The Kraft Heinz Company
- Tyson Foods, Inc.
- McCain Foods Limited
- Unilever PLC
- Nomad Foods Ltd.
- Dr. Oetker
- Hormel Foods Corporation
- Campbell Soup Company
- Kellogg Company
- 2 Sisters Food Group
- Iceland Foods Ltd.
- Green Mill Foods
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Distribution Channel
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Ready Meals Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Shifting Consumer Lifestyles and Busy Schedules
- Increasing Number of Dual-Income and Single-Person Households
- Globalization of Food Culture
- Demand for International Cuisines
- Technological Advancements in Food Processing and Packaging
- Restraints
- Concerns Over Food Safety and Quality
- Sustainability Challenges
- Competition from Fresh and Home-Cooked Meals
- Opportunities
- Innovation in Healthier and More Natural Ingredients
- Catering to Specific Dietary Preferences
- Expansion into Emerging Markets
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Ready Meals Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Canned & Preserved Ready Meals
- Chilled Pizza
- Chilled Ready Meals
- Dried Ready Meals
- Frozen Pizza
- Frozen Ready Meals
- Prepared Salads
- Ready Meals Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Residential
- Food Services
- Ready Meals Market, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Store-Based Retailing
- Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
- Discounters
- Convenience Stores
- Others
- Online Retailing
- Store-Based Retailing
- Ready Meals Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Ready Meals Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Nestlé
- General Mills, Inc.
- Conagra Brands, Inc.
- The Kraft Heinz Company
- Tyson Foods, Inc.
- McCain Foods Limited
- Unilever PLC
- Nomad Foods Ltd.
- Dr. Oetker
- Hormel Foods Corporation
- Campbell Soup Company
- Kellogg Company
- 2 Sisters Food Group
- Iceland Foods Ltd.
- Green Mill Foods
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market