Ready-to-Eat Foods Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Bakery Products [Bread, Cakes & Pastries, and Others], Ready Meals [Chilled meals, Frozen meals, and Canned meals] Breakfast Cereals, Instant Snacks [Savory Snacks and Sweet Snacks], Meat Products, Instant Noodles, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, Online Retail Stores, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global ready-to-eat foods market size was valued at USD 404.78 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 425.39 billion in 2025 to USD 626.13 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.68% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the ready to eat foods market with a market share of 33.41% in 2024.

Some of the prominent manufacturers of ready-to-eat products include Nissin Foods Holdings, Nestle SA, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., General Mills Inc., McCain Foods Limited, and Conagra Brands.

Ready-to-eat foods are a more convenient type of food. They are prepared, processed, and packed by the producer for direct consumption without the need for cooking or other processing. Although they are prepared and packed, users can reheat them for a better taste or preference. Bakery products, salads, prepared meals, cooked meat, smoked fish, breakfast cereals, salads, pizza, instant noodles, and packed snacks are some of the prominent ready-to-eat foods in the global market.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Emerging Demand for Quick Meals Will Propel Market Growth

Convenience is one of the strong factors continuously shifting the industry landscape globally. In today's fast-paced lifestyles, a larger number of users in urban cities are facing a time crunch for meal preparation. To minimize the hassle of cooking, the majority of consumers are relying on prepared and RTE food options, as they can be quickly prepared and require minimal heating before consumption. In 2024, "The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association," a U.S.-based association, conducted a survey named "Atomik Survey," which showed that 83% of individuals consume frozen food as it eases the process of meal planning and adds convenience. Along with the rising convenience, the ease of storing food items for a more extended period is another added benefit. Prepared foods, especially frozen meat, instant noodles, and breakfast cereals, can be stored for a year, which makes it more cost-effective and convenient, especially for consumers who are busy with their work and professional lives.

Advancements in Technological Aspects to Propel Industry Progression

The food processing sector is dynamic, with evolving consumer preferences and thus, the advanced technology plays a pivotal role in catering to these new demands. Using advanced technologies allows producers to streamline their processes, leading to optimized energy consumption and a shortened manufacturing period. Adoption of novel technologies will also provide access to manufacturers to enhance the shelf-life of the prepared foods. For instance, in January 2020, NuTy Foods, an Indian start-up, launched an extended-shelf life ready-to-eat curries and meals to the market. These products are manufactured using non-thermal cold pasteurization aided with HPP (High-Pressure Processing) technology. The rising adoption of next-generation technologies and production process techniques in the RTE foods sector to strengthen the global ready-to-eat foods market share in the food industry.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Poor Supply Chain Infrastructure in Developing Countries to Hamper Market Growth

Proper and effective storage, warehousing, and transportation facilities are essential for keeping the quality and freshness of prepared foods, especially for prepared meals and frozen packed foods. The lack of proper cold chain infrastructure creates formidable challenges for the prepared food industry. Cold chain logistics encompasses temperature-controlled distribution, transportation, and storage facilities, which are vital in maintaining the safety of frozen products. The low adoption rate of advanced technology results in a broken or underutilized cold chain and, as a result, leads to losses that both manufacturers and operators face. Therefore, improper cold storage and poor technological advancements in the supply chain may restrict the global ready-to-eat foods market growth.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Innovations in Packaging is Likely to Influence Market Growth

In the prepared food sector, branding and packaging are a few of the significant factors responsible for captivating customers and brand loyalty. As sustainability stands with utmost importance for consumers, RTE food producers must try new branding and packaging strategies and choose the correct material for packaging that can preserve the taste, value, and color of the product. As ready-to-eat foods companies are seeking sustainable packaging solutions, packaging industry players are developing innovative solutions to accommodate industry leaders' requirements. For instance, in May 2024, Sabert Corporation, one of the leading manufacturers of innovative food packaging products and solutions, launched Pulp Ultra containers, a line of coated molded fiber solutions that provide resistance against moisture, oil, and grease. The newly developed sustainable packaging solution is one of the ideal packaging for freshly prepared meals, ready-to-eat foods, and packed & processed foods.

Ready-to-Eat Foods Market Trends

Increasing New Product Launches to Drive the Industry in the Upcoming Years

Consumers are opting for organic, natural, and plant-based food products, which support their changing diet practices. Globally, organic and plant-based food products have been rapidly growing in the last decade, which forces prepared meal companies to develop new products in the particular category. It is likely to propel the industry in the upcoming years. For instance, in March 2023, Betagro PCL (BTG), a Thailand-based food company, introduced Meatly! A premium plant-based ready-to-eat meal in three spicy Thai dishes, namely Lon Tao Chiew bean paste, Nam Prik Long Rua chili paste, and Kua Kling minced pork. The increasing number of new product launches in the plant-based food category will drive the ready-to-eat food manufacturing sector in the near future. 

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Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the ready-to-eat foods industry. Since consumers were restricted from going out and eating outside, the consumption of home-made food was relatively higher. Therefore, they preferred to purchase ready-to-eat processed and packed meal products from nearby retail outlets. As a result, RTE food demand experienced rapid growth during the pandemic. According to the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and FMI—the Food Industry Association, online frozen foods, including frozen dinners/entrees, meat, poultry, and seafood, increased by approximately 75% in 2020, as compared to 2019. However, the strict restriction on retail stores created a challenge to connect the consumers. Therefore, manufacturers worked on their existing models to navigate their business and reach the consumer base, which led to the adoption of innovative models and technology upgradation within the present business framework.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Product Type Analysis

Increasing Demand for Frozen Meals Drives Prepared Meal Sales

Based on product type, the market is segmented into bakery products, ready meals, breakfast cereals, instant snacks, meat products, instant noodles, and others.

Bakery products are further segmented into bread, cakes, and pastries, and others. The ready meals segment covers information on sub-segments, including chilled meals, frozen meals, and canned meals. Instant snacks are also further categorized as savory snacks and sweet snacks.

The ready meals segment holds a dominating share of the global market, with rising consumer demand for prepared and quick meal products. A number of companies are introducing novel products to accommodate the rising consumer demand for prepared meals, which will positively influence the segment’s growth in the upcoming years. A larger number of working women, adults, and working bachelors prefer ready-to-cook & ready-to-eat foods, including frozen packed meals, over fresh products. On the basis of IHM PUSA's survey conducted in India, nearly 73.7% of consumers aged between 30 to 40 years prefer to purchase RTE frozen food products.

Instant noodles are the fastest-growing segment of the global market. The emerging popularity of Asian cuisines is significantly fueling the demand for instant noodles in the global space. Furthermore, increasing new product launches and collaborations & partnerships to expand geographical presence will drive the segment's growth in the upcoming years. For instance, in March 2023, Cup Noodles, a U.S.-based brand, revealed its new edition of Breakfast Ramen. This product is blended with maple syrup, sausages, eggs, and pancakes.

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By Distribution Channel Analysis

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Dominate with Hustle-free Purchasing and Product Availability Factors 

The market is segmented by distribution channel into hypermarkets/supermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, online retail stores, and others.

The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment holds the largest share of the global market. Mass retailers offer a wide variety of ready-to-eat food products at competitive prices. The expanding network of supermarket outlets across the global market is another supportive factor in increasing the sales of RTE food products globally. Furthermore, key players are launching their products in multiple sales channels, including supermarkets & hypermarkets, which will drive the segment’s growth. For instance, in December 2023, Genio Della Pizza, an American Frozen Pizza brand, launched frozen pizzas in four different flavors such as Margherita, The Bianca, Broccoli Rabe, and Marinara. The products are available across multiple sales channels, including Whole Foods Market, Bristol Farms, Fresh Direct, Go Puff, Goldbelly, and others across New York.

Convenience stores have exhibited rapid growth in the demand for RTE food products as these stores are easily accessible to consumers. Furthermore, these stores adopt several emerging digital technologies to advertise products and to offer cashless payment options.

Online retailing is emerging across the global market as it provides more flexibility in shopping. Attractive online advertisements and discounts on RTE food products appeal to consumers to buy the products through this mode of sales channel. Furthermore, transparency, testimonials on the products, and door delivery factors influence the segment's sales growth.

READY-TO-EAT FOODS MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

The market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Europe

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Europe holds the largest market share and accounted for USD 135.25 billion in 2024. Most of the RTE food products, such as bread, bakery products, frozen meals, salads, pizza, pasta, and breakfast cereals, are a staple food in many European countries, such as Germany, Italy, France, Spain, the U.K, and the Netherlands. The rising plant-based food products, along with gluten-free, natural, and organic food trends, are further influencing the market growth. Additionally, established players, such as Nestle SA, Nomad Foods Limited, and Associated British Foods plc, are engaging in developing novel products to set a new trend in the industry.

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Germany dominates the European RTE foods market by accounting for more than 20% of the share. Prepared salads, vegetables, bakery products, and ready meals are key products that consumers often purchase in the country. According to the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), an association stated that Europe imported frozen vegetables amounted to USD 3.26 billion in 2021. Increasing import and consumption of prepared salads and ready-to-consume food products in the country to drive the market in the near future.

North America

North America is one of the prominent markets that hold a considerable share of the global RTE foods market. Increasing bakery products, frozen meals, instant noodles, and breakfast cereal products are largely contributing to the industry’s growth. The number of working women across the region is gradually increasing, especially in urban cities. As working women handle both professional and family-associated work, they are seeking easy to prepare food products. According to Cargill Inc., proprietary research conducted in 2020, in the U.S., approximately 55% of women prefer convenient foods, including RTE frozen food products, when preparing dinner.

The emerging popularity of convenient and nutritious food among adults and youths is driving the ready-to-eat food manufacturing industry in the U.S. Over the past decade, instant noodles consumption has been rapidly growing in the U.S., which is strongly contributing to the prepared foods industry growth.

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Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is an emerging market that is set to exhibit the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The industry is emerging with a promising growth rate fueled by changing consumers' lifestyles & their food preferences, spending on convenience food products, and evolving industry players' penetration strategies. The sector contributes significant growth, creating employment and increasing exports. Therefore, governments, especially from emerging economies such as India and China are highly involved in improving the sector by developing friendly policies. The National Bureau of Statistics of China estimated that the prepared foods market will grow at 35%, 30%, and 18.30% in 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively.

South America

The rapidly shifting consumer demand for healthy, clean-label, and fortified food is driving the market in South America. Additionally, international key players are adopting several strategies, including partnership, collaboration, and distribution channel strengthening to stay competitive in the market. Nestle SA, General Mills, and McCain are investing in expanding their production plant in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. It will strongly contribute to the industry's growth. For instance, in July 2019, McCain Foods, a global pioneer in manufacturing frozen foods, invested nearly USD 100 million to build a new plant in the city of Araxá in Minas Gerais State. The new plant started its functionality in the first half of 2021.

Middle East & Africa

Over the past few years, the food industry has observed significant growth across the Middle East & African countries, such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Consumers' hectic lifestyles are one of the primary factors propelling the demand for “on-the-go,” convenient, and ready-to-eat food in these countries. Furthermore, international players are introducing their product portfolio in the region to gain business opportunities, which will drive market growth. For instance, in August 2022, Seara Foods, a Brazilian food brand, introduced its complete halal portfolio containing 120 frozen foods in Saudi Arabia.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Players Focus to Expand Product Offerings will Assist to Strengthen their Market Share

The global market share exhibits a highly fragmented structure with a presence of international and regional players. The major players, such as Nissin Foods Holdings, Nestle SA, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., General Mills Inc., McCain Foods Limited, and Conagra Brands Inc., are setting new trends and expectations among users by using their innovation, research & developments, new product developments, and market penetration activities. These companies account for around 57% of the total market share. A few drivers, including new product launches paired with the adoption of new technologies and geographical expansion, are likely to assist key market players in staying ahead of the competitive curve. For instance, in December 2023, Nissin Foods (USA) Co., Inc., a subsidiary of Japanese parent Nissin Foods Holdings, released its new Hot & Spicy Fire Wok Packets, a square ramen pack. These noodles offer a bold chili flavor and are available across Walmart stores and via the firm’s website.

Major Players in the Market

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LIST OF KEY READY-TO-EAT FOOD COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Nissin Foods Holdings (Japan)


• Nestle SA (Switzerland)


• Ajinomoto Co. Inc (Japan)


• General Mills Inc. (U.S.)


• Conagra Brands Inc. (U.S.)


• Unilever PLC (U.K.)


• Associated British Foods Plc (U.K.)


• The Kellogg Company (U.S.)


• Mars Inc (U.S.)


• McCain Foods Limited (Canada)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2024: Crafty Ramen, a Canadian-based ramen manufacturer, collaborated with Kabo, a dog food delivery service in Canada, to launch a “Ramen Pup Cup.” Through this partnership, Crafty Ramen’s noodles and Kabo’s approved dog food are blended to produce a nutritious ramen meal specifically for dogs.


• August 2024: Mars Food & Nutrition, a business segment of global food company Mars Incorporated, expanded its ready-to-eat meals product range by launching Ben’s Original Street Food in the U.S. and Canada and Ben’s Original Lunch Bowls and Favourites in the U.K.


• April 2024: Newman’s Own, Inc., an American company specializing in producing food & beverage products, expanded its product offerings by launching new frozen pizza into its portfolio. The recently launched thick crust, frozen Sourdough Pizzas are made with premium ingredients and available in Uncured Pepperoni & Ricotta, Meatball, and Five Cheese flavors.


• March 2024: Kevin’s Natural Foods, one of the emerging processed food brands in the U.S., introduced its new frozen entrée bowls that are made with chicken and beef. The newly launched products are available in Thai Coconut Curry Chicken, Beef Bolognese, Korean BBQ Chicken, Chicken Burrito Bowl, Parmesan Basil Chicken, Roasted Tomato Chicken Pasta, Orange Chicken, and Savory Mushroom Chicken flavors.


• November 2023: Nissin Foods, a Japanese ramen maker, announced a USD 228 million investment to enhance its base in the U.S. market. The firm purchased a 640,640–square–foot building in South Carolina and will be operational by 2025.

INVESTMENT ANALYSIS AND OPPORTUNITIES:

With the increasing demand for convenience food across the globe, regional players and start-up business entities are seeking financial assistance to strengthen their product range, brand recognition, and geographical presence. Increasing financial assistance and venture capital investments in the ready-to-eat foods manufacturing industry are likely to drive product sales. For instance, in February 2024, Stocked Foods, the U.K.-based frozen food manufacturer operating on both B2C and B2B markets founded by Charlie Gilpin and Sam Moss, raised nearly USD 62,000 in investment from Steven Bartlett. The company focused on utilizing these funds for product development and other business operations.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report includes quantitative and qualitative insights into the market using different research methodologies. This global market growth forecast also offers a detailed regional analysis, market analysis, trends, dynamics, regional forecast, global forecast, and market rate for all possible segments. It provides various key insights, an overview of related markets, the competitive landscape, the forecast period, recent industry developments, such as mergers & acquisitions, the regulatory scenario in critical countries, and key industry trends.

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Report Scope & Segmentation