Market Insights Consumer Food Convenience Food

Ready-to-Eat Meals - Europe

Europe

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to €82.97bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.32% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (€138bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of €98.32 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 12.84bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.4% in 2025.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 13.8kg in 2024.

Key regions: Russia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India

Marché

Région

Comparaison de régions

Monnaie

Analyst Opinion

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in Europe is experiencing minimal growth, impacted by factors such as increasing consumer demand for convenient food options and the rising trend of online food delivery services. This has contributed to the overall growth of the Convenience Food market in the region.

Customer preferences: As more people lead busy and fast-paced lives, there has been a growing demand for convenient and healthy food options. This has led to a rise in the popularity of ready-to-eat meals, which offer a quick and easy solution for those with limited time. Additionally, the increasing focus on healthy eating and wellness has also driven the development of ready-to-eat meals made with fresh, natural ingredients. This trend is particularly evident in Europe, where there is a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability in food choices.

Trends in the market: In Europe, there is a clear shift towards healthier and more sustainable options in the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market. Consumers are increasingly seeking out plant-based, organic, and ethically sourced options, leading to a rise in products that cater to these preferences. In addition, there is a growing trend of using food delivery apps and meal kit services for convenient and healthy meal options. This trajectory towards healthier and more sustainable choices has significant implications for industry stakeholders, as they will need to adapt and innovate to meet the changing demands of consumers. This may include developing new product lines, sourcing ingredients from sustainable sources, and utilizing technology to streamline production and distribution processes. Overall, the trend towards healthier and more sustainable options in the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in Europe is likely to continue in the future.

Local special circumstances: In Europe, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market is heavily influenced by the region's diverse cultural and culinary traditions. The demand for convenience and time-saving options varies between different countries, with some prioritizing traditional home-cooked meals while others prefer on-the-go options. Additionally, regulatory differences across the region, such as strict food labeling and packaging laws in some countries, can impact product offerings and consumer preferences. This creates a complex and dynamic market, with companies needing to adapt their strategies to cater to these unique local factors.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in Europe is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, disposable income, and economic stability. Countries with strong economic growth and stable fiscal policies are experiencing higher demand for convenience food products, including ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, the increasing trend of busier lifestyles and changing dietary preferences among consumers is driving the growth of this market. Moreover, the rising urbanization and growing population in Europe are also contributing to the growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market, as these factors are expected to increase the demand for convenient and quick meal solutions.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.