The global ready meals market size was valued at $138.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $408.0 billion by 2031 growing at a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period.
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Key drivers of the ready meals market include the growing preference of these meals by the working population and students for time-saving, convenience, and small efforts involved in cooking. The growing trend of organic food products in the ready meals sector and easy availability through distribution channels will bolster the ready meals market growth in the coming years, Allied Market Research said.
The covid 19 lockdown, the rise of remote working culture, and increasing demand for instant meals will bolster the market expansion during the forecast period. Furthermore, the growing focus of manufacturers on packaging will also contribute to the growth of the market. However, the growing perception of bad health effects and adulteration of food products will restrict the ready meals market during the forecast period.
The working population and students prefer convenience foods such as ready-to-eat meals due to less time involved, low cost, a brilliant alternative to junk food, and minimal to no effort for cooking food. The time taken to prepare has reduced dramatically and the quantity along with variety has increased. Thus the growing popularity of packaged, time-saving food products will accelerate the growth of the ready meals market during the forecast period.
The growing trend for organic food products will drive the increasing consumption of ready meals among health-conscious consumers. The demand is picking up, especially due to the presence of wholesome nutrients and growing awareness of consumers regarding the health benefits of organic food sources. Moreover, the easy availability through online retailers and rise in the number of delivery services will propel the ready meals market in the coming years.
The covid 19 impact and the ensuing lockdowns have increased the demand for instant food products. Moreover, the shift to the remote working culture has exacerbated the demand further. As ready-to-eat meals are more convenient, consume less time, and are healthy the consumption is going to rise further in the upcoming years. Also, manufacturers are focussing on advanced packaging solutions that maintain superior food quality, texture, shelf life, color, and taste. These factors will aid in the growth of the ready meals market during the forecast period.
Ready meals or instant meals have certain ill effects on health. All frozen or packaged foods are not considered healthy. Some of them may cause health diseases in the form of diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and weakening of muscles. In addition to it, the growing adulteration in food products is also contributing to the problem. Consumers have increased levels of awareness regarding their health and diet. This is expected to restrain the ready meals market in the subsequent years.
Based on type, the frozen pizza segment is expected to provide lucrative opportunities for growth in the ready meals market share. However, the chilled pizza segment will grow the fastest at a CAGR of 14.1%. Frozen pizza will maintain dominance due to the quick-cooking method, interesting ingredients mix, low cost, and enhanced nutritional quantity. ■
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