Prepared Meals Market Forecasts to 2028 - Global Analysis By Product (Frozen Meals, Canned Meals, Chilled Meals, Prepared Salads and Dried Ready Meals), Type (Vegetarian, Non-vegetarian and Vegan), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail and Other Distribution Channels), End User (Residential and Food Services) and Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Prepared Meals Market is accounted for $159.98 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $265.36 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. Fresh and frozen packaging is used for prepared meals. They need to be prepared a little in addition to being heated. The demand for high-pressure processing (HPP) technology has increased due to consumers' preference for packaged ""ready meals"" with fewer preservatives and a longer shelf life. This technology eliminates pathogens and other spoilage microorganisms by applying pressure that is spread by water. Using this cutting-edge technology, shelf life can be increased by two to three times without the use of preservatives.
According to the British Federal Association, in April 2021, the frozen category grew ahead of the retail channel at 11.5% and also ahead of its chilled and fresh categories.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Increased Demand for Convenience Foods
Since they save time and effort for working professionals with busy schedules, the demand for ready-to-eat and convenience foods has rapidly increased. Because of their growing fascination with cutting-edge packaged foods, Millennials and Generation Z are driving the introduction of high-end products. Furthermore, those who consider themselves ""foodies"" are driving up demand for higher-quality, more nutrient-dense ready-to-eat foods.
Restraint:
Health concerns
Because of consumer concerns about their health and their misconceptions about the effects of ready meals, this further hinders the market growth. Consumers have also been turned off to these meals as a result of incidents like the UK's horse meat scandal. Additionally, the market for ready meals has restricted growth prospects because manufacturers cannot assure consistency and quality using the current transportation and storage systems.
Opportunity:
Increasing Penetration of Several Food Manufacturers
For consumers with hectic schedules require food options that combine quality, flavour, nutrition, and fuss-free preparation, prepared meals are an easy and convenient lifestyle alternative. After convenience, health is the most significant trend driving market innovation. Manufacturers are emphasising pre-made meals with ingredients that have clear health benefits, like oats and antioxidants. Producers are currently introducing natural and healthier ready meals as a result of rising consumer demand for prepared meals.
Threat:
Availability of counterfeit products
Due to the widespread use of food products that have been inaccurately branded, adulteration of ready meals containing fake ingredients causes significant financial loss to major players. Counterfeiting is the issue the sector faces. Additionally, the reputation and brand loyalty of well-known brands are frequently tarnished by counterfeiting, and as a result, leading market players encounter obstacles in widening their markets.
Covid-19 Impact
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic pressuring many consumers to stay at home and necessitating the purchase of prepared meal products, demand for prepared meals has increased and currently outperforms supply. The pandemic ramped up this growth by deterring people from dining out and encouraging them to switch to online grocery stores. Demand was seen for both ready-made meals purchased online and for delivery of meals from restaurants. More online meal options and more intense competition resulted from consumers' demand for convenience and food products that can be consumed while on the go.
The frozen meals segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The market segment for frozen meals held the largest share globally during the forecast period because, when compared to chilled products, the product has a longer shelf life, which helps maintain the product's nutritional value and freshness. Additionally, frozen ready meals are a more practical alternative to chilled products, driving up demand for frozen prepared meals.
The non-vegetarian segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The non-vegetarian segment held the highest CAGR for ready meals in 2021, and it is anticipated that it will continue to hold this position throughout the forecast period as the non-vegetarian demand has benefited from consumer demand for protein-rich foods like chicken nuggets with added value, sausages, and salami. Due to growing hygienic concerns with fresh products on the market, frozen non-vegetarian packaged food is becoming more popular among consumers.
Region with largest share:
Owing to aspects like the introduction of more exotic products, the drive toward premiumization, and the influence of private labels, Europe is predicted to account for the largest market share during the projection period. Additionally, the U.K. dominates the consumption of these meals in Europe. Half of the ready meal sales in Europe are composed of the U.K., France, and Germany. Moreover, the hectic lifestyles of consumers are fueling an increase in the demand for convenience food products, which is boosting market expansion in this region.
Region with highest CAGR:
Due to the region's growing target population, the Asia-Pacific region is predicted to experience the highest growth during the forecast period. The market is expanding as a result of rising consumer disposable income and increased awareness of ready-meal products. Furthermore, the demand for pre-packaged meals will also grow as a result of rising living standards and rapid industrialization in emerging economies like India. Additionally, the increased participation of women in the Japanese labour force has aided the development of ready meals by increasing demand for reducing the time and effort required to prepare breakfast and dinner meals.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Prepared Meals market include Green Mill Foods, Tyson Foods, McCain Foods, Nestle S.A., ConAgra Brands, Millennium Foods, Sister Food Group, Kellogg Company, Nomad Foods, Unilever, Fridge Foods Group, General Mills, Gourmet Foods, Dr. Oetker and J.M. Smucker Co.
Key Developments:
In September 2021, BOSH launched its first range of vegan packaged eatables in Morrisons. The product range includes Shepherd’s Pie and Chilli Non-Carne, which have been made in collaboration with packaged meal specialist Oscar Mayer.
In January 2021, India-based The Taste Company expanded its product portfolio to include non-vegetarian pre-packed meals. These are made with traditional home-style cooking methods to eliminate the need for preservatives or artificial colors.
Products Covered:
• Frozen Meals
• Canned Meals
• Chilled Meals
• Prepared Salads
• Dried Ready Meals
Types Covered:
• Vegetarian
• Non-vegetarian
• Vegan
Distribution Channels Covered:
• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail
• Other Distribution Channels
End Users Covered:
• Residential
• Food Services
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 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
- 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
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