Microwavable Foods Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product (Shelf Stable Food, Frozen Food and Chilled Food), Packaging (Sleeves, Trays, Folding Cartons, Cups, Tubs & Bowls, Bags, Pouches and Other Packagings), Packaging Methods, Distributio

Microwavable Foods Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product (Shelf Stable Food, Frozen Food and Chilled Food), Packaging (Sleeves, Trays, Folding Cartons, Cups, Tubs & Bowls, Bags, Pouches and Other Packagings), Packaging Methods, Distribution Channel and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Microwavable Foods Market is accounted for $115.76 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $176.37 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Microwavable foods require minimal preparation time and can be cooked using a conventional microwave oven. It includes shelf stable, chilled& frozen meals (beef, pork, poultry, seafood, vegetarian meals, frozen & chilled pizza), and soups. These foods are considered to have nutritional benefits, as their cooking does not involve added fat. The fast-paced lifestyle of individuals has enforced them to seek convenient solutions such as microwavable foods, replacing traditional cooked meals. As well as saving on time, microwaves provide a cost-effective cooking method as they are far more energy efficient compared to conventional ovens, grills and hobs.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increase in popularity of quick service restaurants

The population bases of growing economies like China, India, and Brazil are huge, and QSRs like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Subway, and Dunkin' Donuts are expanding rapidly. Due to the increase in disposable income and rapid urbanisation, which result in increased consumption of microwaveable items, QSR chains in India are predicted to grow their business by an astonishing eightfold. Therefore, it is anticipated that the increasing popularity of fast food restaurants would create a significant opportunity for the producers of microwaveable foods.

Restraint:

Environmental impact

Every year, the environment is exposed to millions of tonnes of carbon monoxide because to microwaves. The environmental and health effects of ready-made meals are up to 35% greater than those of identical homemade meals. Furthermore, skin burns or cataracts may result from prolonged exposure to high microwave levels. Significant issues include the usage of single-use packaging and the production of food waste. As a result, this component is carefully examining market demand.

Opportunity:

Raising use of frozen microwavable food

Food that can be microwaved from frozen is widely liked across the world since it provides higher nutritional benefits and tastes similar to fresh cuisine. Frozen microwaveable foods fulfil consumers' constant need for a healthier meal that is easier to prepare and tastes better. The process of freezing helps preserve the items' key dietary ingredients, which are necessary for the body to synthesise a variety of minerals and vitamins. Additionally, manufacturers' research and operational excellence have focused on continuing to develop their current goods, thereby meeting market demand.

Threat:

Health and nutrition concerns

While microwaveable foods are practical, their nutritional worth is a subject of debate. Compared to freshly made meals, some customers believe that these goods are less healthful. There is a potential for increased risk for certain malignancies. On occasion, they can emit dangerous radiation and ruin food's nutritional value. Foods may have hot or cold spots due to the microwave's uneven temperature distribution. All of these factors have the potential to cause major health problems, which is impeding market expansion.

Covid-19 Impact

The demand for convenience goods has surged as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Due to their low cost, people frequently bought ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook meals throughout the epidemic. Global dining patterns have been altered by the rigorous lockdown measures that have been enacted in all restaurants, hotels, and shopping centres. This issue has also led a lot of people to start eating prepared meals that may be shipped to their homes from a range of supermarkets or hypermarkets, as well as home-cooked meals. Additionally, other research indicates that there is little risk of transmission through food products or packaging. As a result, the market did well throughout the epidemic.

The frozen food segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The frozen food segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, due to its adaptability, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Food that has been frozen is ready to eat and very simple. Foods that have been frozen keep their vitamins and minerals and don't alter in terms of their protein, carbohydrate, or fat composition. They provide nutritional knowledge and offer satisfaction guarantees. Frozen food may be quickly and easily heated in the microwave. Frozen food has a longer shelf life and can save waste. They provide affordable food options.

The patterned susceptors segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The patterned susceptors segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR growth during the forecast period. A susceptor is a thin microwave-absorbing device that works to transfer heat from the microwaves to the food load. Susceptors enable the heating of extremely thin materials, such as steel strips or wires, to high temperatures at more cost-effective low and medium magnetic field frequencies. The demand for the category is increasing because of its flawless crisping and browning.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the growing popularity of fast food restaurants. Due to rising disposable income and rapid urbanisation, which both increase the demand for microwaveable dishes, the business of QSR chains is anticipated to increase eight-fold in India. Additional drivers of the market include the expansion of nuclear families, an increase in the proportion of women working outside the house, a spike in disposable money, an improvement in the standard of life, and the quick growth of huge retail chains.

Region with highest CAGR:

Europe is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Due to people's hectic lifestyles and the increase in the number of working women, Europe has seen tremendous development in the production and consumption of microwaveable meals. In terms of value, Germany is the region's largest contributor, followed by the UK, Russia, and France. Germany maintains its leadership largely as a result of its creative approaches to food intake, long-standing history of snacking, streamlined preparation methods, and consumption of processed RTE foods.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Microwavable Foods Market include Kellogg Company, Ajinomoto Foods Inc., The Kraft Heinz Company, Schwan’s Company, Bellisio Foods, Inc., Nestle S.A., McCain Foods Limited, Hormel Foods Corporation, Maple Leaf Foods Inc, Conagra Brands Inc, Campbell Soups Company, General Mills Inc, Pinnacle Foods Inc, Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation, Unilever Plc and Nomad Foods.

Key Developments:

In July 2023, Conagra Brands, Inc., one of North America's leading branded food companies, has unveiled more than 50 new products this summer across the company's frozen, grocery and snacks divisions. As consumer needs evolve, Conagra's iconic brands have crafted new recipes that deliver contemporary, flavourful food in dynamic ways.

In February 2023, Nestle announced the launch of its new line of microwavable meals in the UK. The meals are made with natural ingredients and are designed to be quick and easy to prepare.

In December 2022, General Mills, Inc. is launching meal preparation kits under its Betty Crocker, Annie’s Organic, Old El Paso and Pillsbury brands. The kits focus on providing consumers with either fully prepared, ready-to-eat meal options or the essential building blocks for simple homemade dishes.

In April 2022, Nomad Foods-the frozen food company which owns brands including Birds Eye, Findus and Igloo has partnered an Open Innovation Portal as it invites partners to share solutions that could be scaled to help shape the future of food and support more sustainable diets.

Products Covered:
• Shelf Stable Food
• Frozen Food
• Chilled Food

Packagings Covered:
• Sleeves
• Trays
• Folding Cartons
• Cups, Tubs & Bowls
• Bags
• Pouches
• Other Packagings

Packaging Methods Covered:
• Patterned Susceptors
• New Tray-Lidding Methods
• New Cook Bag Techniques

Distribution Channels Covered:
• Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Other Distribution Channels

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements



Companies Mentioned
Kellogg Company
Ajinomoto Foods Inc.
The Kraft Heinz Company
Schwan’s Company
Bellisio Foods, Inc.
Nestle S.A.
McCain Foods Limited
Hormel Foods Corporation
Maple Leaf Foods Inc
Conagra Brands Inc
Campbell Soups Company
General Mills Inc
Pinnacle Foods Inc
Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation
Unilever Plc
Nomad Foods