Ready Meals - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Ready Meals was valued at US$220.1 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$308.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Ready Meals market.

Ready Meals - Key Trends and Drivers

Ready meals, also known as prepared meals or convenience meals, have rapidly become a significant segment of the global food industry, catering to the escalating demand for quick and easy meal solutions. These meals are fully or partially cooked, requiring minimal preparation, which makes them highly attractive to busy individuals and families. The convenience factor, paired with significant advancements in food preservation and packaging technologies, has considerably enhanced the appeal of ready meals. Modern ready meals are meticulously designed to offer a balance of taste, nutrition, and convenience. They often feature a variety of cuisines and dietary options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie choices, ensuring they meet the diverse preferences and needs of consumers. The market for ready meals extends across supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail platforms, reflecting their widespread acceptance and accessibility across different demographics.

Several key trends have profoundly shaped the evolution of the ready meals market. One prominent trend is the increasing focus on health and wellness, which has prompted manufacturers to create healthier ready meal options that cater to the nutritional needs of health-conscious consumers. This includes the incorporation of organic ingredients, the reduction of artificial additives, and the enhancement of nutritional profiles to meet various dietary requirements. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in premium ready meals that offer gourmet and restaurant-quality experiences at home, attracting a more affluent consumer base looking for convenience without compromising on quality. Technological advancements in food processing, such as high-pressure processing (HPP) and advanced freezing techniques, have significantly improved the quality, taste, and shelf life of ready meals. Moreover, the increasing popularity of plant-based diets has led to a surge in vegetarian and vegan ready meal offerings, reflecting broader dietary shifts and preferences among consumers.

The growth in the ready meals market is driven by several factors. Changing consumer lifestyles, particularly the increasing demand for convenience due to busy work schedules and urban living, are primary drivers of this market expansion. The proliferation of single-person households and smaller family units also boosts demand for single-serve ready meals, which cater to individuals seeking quick and easy meal solutions without the hassle of cooking. Technological innovations in food processing and packaging have made it possible to produce ready meals that retain their freshness and quality over extended periods, expanding their appeal to a wider audience. The rise of e-commerce and food delivery services has further enhanced the accessibility of ready meals, catering to the growing preference for online shopping and home delivery. Additionally, targeted marketing strategies that emphasize the quality, variety, and health benefits of ready meals are attracting a broader consumer base. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of ready meals as consumers sought convenient and safe meal solutions amid lockdowns and social distancing measures. Collectively, these factors create a robust and dynamic market environment, driving continuous growth and innovation in the ready meals sector, with ongoing developments expected to cater to evolving consumer demands and preferences.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the Ready Meals market, presented in terms of units. The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

Segments: Type (Frozen & Chilled, Dried, Canned); Distribution Channel (Supermarket & Hypermarket, Convenience Stores, Online).

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Frozen & Chilled segment, which is expected to reach US$156.6 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 5.8%. The Dried segment is also set to grow at 4.9% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $56.9 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 9.1% CAGR to reach $73.0 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Ready Meals Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Ready Meals Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Ready Meals Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Bakkavor Group Ltd., Conagra Brands, Inc., Fleury Michon, Greencore Group PLC, Kerry Group PLC and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 47 companies featured in this Ready Meals market report include:

• Bakkavor Group Ltd.
• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• Fleury Michon
• Greencore Group PLC
• Kerry Group PLC
• Nestle SA
• Northern Foods (1991) Ltd.
• Premier Foods PLC

Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025

Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.

The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.

What’s Included in This Edition:

• Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
• Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
• Strategic insights into geographic shifts

Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:

• Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
• Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
• Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry