Global Ready Meals Market - Forecasts from 2025 to 2030

The global ready meals market is expected to grow from USD 236.820 billion in 2025 to USD 328.412 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 6.76%.

The ready meals market is witnessing significant growth, driven by rising living standards, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing demand for convenient meal solutions. Ready meals, which are precooked and prepacked, require only heating before consumption, making them highly appealing to the expanding working-class population and those with busy lifestyles. The surge in corporate culture, particularly in developed nations, has further amplified demand, as these meals offer the taste of traditional dishes with minimal preparation time. The market is supported by the growing popularity of frozen and chilled ready meals, which cater to the needs of time-constrained consumers, especially young professionals. However, challenges such as concerns over nutritional content and competition from fresh meal options may pose constraints to growth.

Market Drivers

Growing Frozen Food Consumption

The increasing consumption of frozen food products is a primary driver of the ready meals market. Frozen ready meals provide unmatched convenience, requiring minimal preparation time, which resonates with adolescents and the working population leading hectic lifestyles. According to the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), frozen food sales in the U.S. reached $72.2 billion in 2022, reflecting strong consumer demand. The e-commerce platform has further boosted sales, with a significant portion of frozen food shoppers purchasing through online grocery stores. The Fresh Food Trends survey by Supermarket News indicated that 65% of respondents plan to expand their ready meal assortments over the next 12 months, signaling sustained market growth driven by convenience and innovation.

Rising Demand for Frozen and Chilled Products

Frozen and chilled ready meals are gaining traction due to their long shelf life, ease of preparation, and variety, including options like chicken and beef dishes. The rising employment ratio, reported at 60.3% in the U.S. in May 2023 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, underscores the growing workforce's reliance on time-saving meal solutions. The convenience of these products aligns with the needs of busy consumers, further driving market demand. E-commerce platforms have enhanced accessibility, contributing to the rapid growth of frozen and chilled ready meal sales.

Geographical Outlook

North America: United States

The United States dominates the ready meals market in North America, driven by evolving demographics, including a rise in single-person households and working parents who prioritize convenience. Modern lifestyles, characterized by limited time for meal preparation, have made ready meals an attractive option, offering quick solutions with minimal cooking and cleanup. The market is further supported by innovations catering to consumer demand for convenient dining experiences.

Key Developments

In 2023, notable advancements shaped the ready meals market. In May, Kraft Heinz launched its "Homebake 425°/:30" line, featuring 15 frozen meal items that require just 30 minutes of heating, catering to time-conscious consumers seeking variety and convenience. This launch reflects the industry's focus on expanding product portfolios to meet evolving consumer preferences. The emphasis on e-commerce and innovative product offerings continues to drive market growth, with companies leveraging online platforms to reach broader audiences.

The ready meals market is poised for continued expansion, fueled by rising disposable incomes, a growing working population, and the convenience of frozen and chilled products. The U.S. leads as a dominant market, supported by demographic shifts and a preference for time-saving meal solutions. Innovations like Kraft Heinz's 2023 product launch and the increasing role of e-commerce underscore the market's dynamic growth. While challenges like nutritional concerns persist, the focus on convenience and product variety positions the ready meals market for sustained success, particularly in North America.

Key Benefits of this Report:

• Insightful Analysis: Gain detailed market insights covering major as well as emerging geographical regions, focusing on customer segments, government policies and socio-economic factors, consumer preferences, industry verticals, and other sub-segments.
• Competitive Landscape: Understand the strategic maneuvers employed by key players globally to understand possible market penetration with the correct strategy.
• Market Drivers & Future Trends: Explore the dynamic factors and pivotal market trends and how they will shape future market developments.
• Actionable Recommendations: Utilize the insights to exercise strategic decisions to uncover new business streams and revenues in a dynamic environment.
• Caters to a Wide Audience: Beneficial and cost-effective for startups, research institutions, consultants, SMEs, and large enterprises.

What do businesses use our reports for?

Industry and Market Insights, Opportunity Assessment, Product Demand Forecasting, Market Entry Strategy, Geographical Expansion, Capital Investment Decisions, Regulatory Framework & Implications, New Product Development, Competitive Intelligence

Report Coverage:

• Historical data from 2022 to 2024 & forecast data from 2025 to 2030
• Growth Opportunities, Challenges, Supply Chain Outlook, Regulatory Framework, and Trend Analysis
• Competitive Positioning, Strategies, and Market Share Analysis
• Revenue Growth and Forecast Assessment of segments and regions including countries
• Company Profiling (Strategies, Products, Financial Information, and Key Developments among others.

Segmentation:

By Product

• Frozen & Chilled Ready Meals
• Canned Ready Meals
• Dried Ready Meals

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline
• Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Others
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• USA
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others