Global Prepared Food Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by CMI Team, the global Prepared Food market is expected to record a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032. In 2022, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 149.90 billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 215.91 Billion.

The prepared food market refers to the industry involved in the production, packaging, and distribution of ready-to-eat or convenience food products. Prepared foods are meals or food products that have been partially or fully cooked, processed, and packaged to be conveniently consumed by consumers with minimal or no additional preparation required.

These food products are typically pre-packaged and can include a wide range of items such as frozen meals, canned soups, microwaveable snacks, pre-cut fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, salads, and more.

The prepared food market caters to consumers who seek convenient, time-saving options for meals and snacks, often driven by factors such as busy lifestyles, lack of time for cooking, and the desire for quick and easy solutions for their dietary needs.

Prepared Food Market – Significant Growth Factors

The prepared food market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key factors. Here are some of the significant growth factors contributing to the expansion of the prepared food market:

• Busy Lifestyles: The increasing prevalence of busy and fast-paced lifestyles has led to a growing demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food options. Consumers seek quick and hassle-free meal solutions that require minimal preparation time, making prepared foods an attractive choice.

• Changing Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences and eating habits have shifted towards convenient and on-the-go food options. The demand for ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and pre-packaged foods has risen as consumers prioritize convenience, variety, and ease of consumption.

• Time Constraints: Modern consumers often face time constraints due to hectic work schedules, family commitments, and other responsibilities. As a result, they are seeking time-saving alternatives for meal preparation. Prepared foods offer the convenience of quick and effortless meal options that can be easily incorporated into their busy schedules.

• Urbanization and Population Growth: Rapid urbanization and population growth have contributed to the increased demand for prepared foods. In urban areas, where time is limited and convenience is valued, consumers often rely on prepared foods to meet their dietary needs. The growing urban population, especially in developing regions, is fueling the demand for such food products.

• Increasing Disposable Income: Rising disposable incomes in many parts of the world have led to higher purchasing power and increased spending on convenience foods. Consumers are willing to pay for the convenience and quality offered by prepared food products, leading to market growth.

• Innovation and Product Development: Manufacturers in the prepared food industry are continuously innovating and developing new products to meet evolving consumer demands. They are introducing healthier, organic, and nutritionally balanced options, catering to specific dietary preferences, such as gluten-free, vegan, or allergen-free products. These innovations are driving consumer interest and contributing to market growth.

• Expanding Retail Channels: The availability and accessibility of prepared foods have expanded through various retail channels. Supermarkets, convenience stores, online platforms, and food delivery services are offering a wide range of prepared food options to meet the demands of different consumer segments. This increased accessibility has positively influenced market growth.

• Rising Food Safety Standards: Consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety and hygiene. Prepared food manufacturers are implementing stringent quality control measures and adhering to food safety regulations, assuring consumers of the safety and quality of their products. This focus on food safety has boosted consumer confidence in prepared foods and supported market growth.

Prepared Food Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The prepared food market has witnessed several mergers and acquisitions in recent years, reshaping the industry landscape. Here are some notable mergers and acquisitions in the prepared food market:

• Nestlé’s Acquisition of Sweet Earth: In 2017, Nestlé, a global food and beverage company, acquired Sweet Earth, a plant-based food manufacturer. This acquisition enabled Nestlé to expand its portfolio in the rapidly growing plant-based and vegetarian food segment, capitalizing on the increasing consumer demand for alternative protein sources.

• Tyson Foods’ Acquisition of Hillshire Brands: In 2014, Tyson Foods, one of the largest meat processors in the world, acquired Hillshire Brands, a leading provider of prepared meats and convenience food products. This strategic acquisition allowed Tyson Foods to diversify its product offerings and strengthen its presence in the prepared food market.

• Conagra Brands’ Acquisition of Pinnacle Foods: In 2018, Conagra Brands, a major packaged food company, acquired Pinnacle Foods, known for brands like Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, and Vlasic. This acquisition expanded Conagra’s product portfolio, particularly in frozen and refrigerated foods, enhancing its position in the prepared food market.

• Kraft Heinz’s Merger: In 2015, Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company merged to form Kraft Heinz, creating one of the largest food and beverage companies globally. This merger brought together iconic brands from both companies and enabled Kraft Heinz to leverage its scale and resources in the prepared food market.

• Nomad Foods’ Acquisition of Goodfella’s Pizza: In 2018, Nomad Foods, a European frozen food company, acquired Goodfella’s Pizza, a leading frozen pizza brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This acquisition expanded Nomad Foods’ presence in the frozen prepared food category, strengthening its position in the European market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

Prepared Food Market – Significant Threats

While the prepared food market presents significant growth opportunities, it also faces certain threats and challenges. Here are some significant threats that the prepared food market may encounter:

• Health and Nutrition Concerns: Increasing consumer awareness about health and nutrition has led to growing concerns about the nutritional content and ingredients used in prepared food products. Consumers are seeking healthier options with natural and organic ingredients, lower levels of preservatives, and reduced sodium and sugar content. Failure to address these concerns can lead to decreased consumer trust and preference for alternative healthier food choices.

• Intense Competition: The prepared food market is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. Large food conglomerates, local and regional manufacturers, and private label brands all compete for consumer attention. This intense competition can lead to pricing pressures, increased marketing expenses, and the need for continuous product innovation to stay ahead in the market.

• Changing Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences and tastes are constantly evolving, driven by factors such as cultural diversity, dietary trends, and shifting consumer lifestyles. The prepared food market needs to adapt to these changing preferences by offering a diverse range of options, including plant-based, gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-free choices. Failure to meet changing consumer demands can result in reduced market share and loss of revenue.

• Food Safety Concerns: Food safety is a critical aspect of the prepared food market. Any incidents of foodborne illnesses or product recalls can severely damage consumer trust and brand reputation. Maintaining high food safety standards, implementing rigorous quality control measures, and ensuring proper storage and handling of prepared food products are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with food safety concerns.

• Supply Chain Disruptions: The prepared food market heavily relies on an efficient and reliable supply chain to ensure the availability of ingredients, packaging materials, and distribution channels. Disruptions in the supply chain, such as natural disasters, transportation issues, or global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, can impact the production and distribution of prepared food products. These disruptions can lead to increased costs, product shortages, and delays, affecting overall market performance.

• Regulatory Compliance: The prepared food market is subject to various regulations related to food labeling, ingredient sourcing, packaging, and manufacturing practices. Adhering to these regulations requires significant investments in research and development, quality control systems, and compliance measures. Non-compliance can result in penalties, legal issues, and damage to brand reputation.

• Environmental Sustainability: Increasing consumer awareness about environmental sustainability is influencing purchasing decisions. The prepared food market needs to address concerns related to packaging waste, carbon emissions, and sustainable sourcing practices. Failing to adopt environmentally friendly practices can negatively impact consumer perception and competitiveness in the market.

Report Scope

Category-Wise Insights

Product Type:

In 2023, the frozen segment emerged as the dominant market leader and is anticipated to maintain its stronghold in the prepared food market throughout the forecast period. The remarkable growth of this segment can be attributed to the unparalleled convenience offered by frozen food products.

According to the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), frozen foods outperformed other grocery retail categories, including fresh produce, in terms of both value and volume percentage growth in 2022. This trend highlights the increasing consumer preference for frozen food due to its convenience and longer shelf life. Moreover, the continuous launch of innovative products in the frozen segment further fuels its growth.

For example, in March 2022, FatBroccoli introduced a range of frozen packaged meals in the UAE, showcasing locally sourced 100% natural ingredients. Such product launches not only cater to the demand for convenience but also address consumers’ desire for high-quality, nutritious, and locally sourced food options.

By Meat Type:

In 2023, the non-vegetarian segment emerged as the dominant force in the ready meals market and is projected to maintain its leadership position throughout the forecast period. The growing consumer demand for protein-rich food items, including value-added chicken nuggets, sausages, and salami, has been a significant driver for the non-vegetarian segment.

Consumers are increasingly seeking convenient and nutritious options that cater to their protein requirements, boosting the demand for non-vegetarian ready meals. Furthermore, the preference for frozen non-vegetarian packaged food has been on the rise due to concerns regarding hygiene and freshness associated with fresh products available in the market. This shift in consumer behavior has further fueled the growth of the non-vegetarian segment within the ready meals market.

By Distribution Channel:

In 2023, supermarkets and hypermarkets emerged as the major contributors to the global ready meals market. Developed countries like the U.K. and the U.S. have witnessed a surge in the popularity of ready meals, and as a result, most supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores now offer a wide range of convenient ready-to-eat food options.

For instance, Jempson’s, an independent supermarket, introduced a selection of prepared meals in its local kitchen in January 2021. The range includes appetizing dishes such as lasagna, toad in the hole, fish pie, and honey & mustard chicken. This initiative showcases the growing emphasis on offering consumers a diverse range of ready meals that cater to their convenience and taste preferences.

Prepared Food Market – Regional Analysis

The prepared food market exhibits regional variations in terms of consumption patterns, preferences, and market dynamics. Here is a regional analysis of the prepared food market:

• North America: North America holds a significant share in the prepared food market. The region is characterized by busy lifestyles and a high demand for convenient food options. The United States and Canada are key markets, with consumers seeking ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, and other convenient food products. The presence of major food manufacturers, extensive retail networks, and a strong culture of eating out contribute to the growth of the prepared food market in this region.
• Europe: Europe is another prominent market for prepared food. Countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain have a high demand for ready meals, chilled and frozen convenience foods, and on-the-go snacks. The region’s well-developed food industry, urbanization, and changing consumer lifestyles drive the growth of the prepared food market in Europe.
• Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific region presents immense growth potential for the prepared food market. Rapid urbanization, a growing middle-class population, and changing dietary habits contribute to the increasing demand for convenient food options. Countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations witness a rising preference for ready-to-eat meals, frozen snacks, and other prepared food products. Moreover, the expansion of modern retail channels and the influence of Western eating habits further propel the market growth in this region.
• Latin America: Latin America represents a growing market for prepared food. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina witness a rising demand for convenience food due to changing lifestyles and urbanization. Ready meals, frozen foods, and snacks are gaining popularity among consumers looking for quick and easy meal solutions.
• Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa region show potential for the prepared food market. Urbanization, a growing expatriate population, and an increasing number of women in the workforce drive the demand for convenient food options. Ready-to-eat meals, frozen food products, and traditional snacks cater to the needs of consumers in this region.

List of the prominent players in the Prepared Food Market:

• ConAgra Brand Inc.
• Tutila Ahara Pvt. Ltd.
• Kraft Heinz Company
• Green Mill Restaurants LLC
• Regal Kitchen Foods Ltd.
• BRF S.A.
• Nestle SA
• Nomad Foods Ltd.
• Kerry Group plc
• FiveStar Gourmet Foods Inc.
• Others

The Prepared Food Market is segmented as follows:

By Product

• Frozen
• Chilled
• Canned
• Shelf-stable

By Meal Type

• Vegetarian
• Non-vegetarian
• Vegan

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America