Market Overview

The global prepared meals market size was valued at USD 178.83 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 190.71 billion in 2025 to USD 291.27 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.24% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the prepared meals market with a market share of 33.65% in 2024.

List of Key Players Covered in the Report

• General Mills (U.S.)
• NestleA.(Switzerland)
• Tyson Foods (U.S.)
• ConAgra Brands (U.S.)
• Dr Oetker (Germany)    
• Green Mill Foods (U.S.)
• Unilever (U.K.)
• M. Smucker Co. (U.S.)
• McCain Foods (Canada)
• Kellogg Company (U.S.)

Segments

The global ready meals market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer preference for frozen and chilled options.

• By Product: Frozen meals represent the largest and most popular market segment, outperforming chilled and canned meals.
• By Distribution: Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the distribution landscape, holding a substantial market share due to their extensive brand selection and convenient accessibility.
• By Geography: The market analysis covers five key regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Source: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/prepared-meals-market-105002

Report Coverage

The report presents a holistic study of the market along with current trends and future anticipations to establish proximate investment gains. An in-depth analysis of any upcoming opportunities, threats, competitions or driving factors is also mentioned in the report. Step by step, a thorough regional analysis is offered. The COVID-19 impacts have been added to the report to help investors and business owners understand the threats better. The top players in the market are identified and their strategies to bolster the prepared meals market growth are shared in the report.

Driving Factors

Convenience Food Demand Rises, Supporting Market Growth

A convergence of consumer trends is reshaping the convenience food market. Key demographics, including time-constrained professionals, Millennials, and Generation Z, are fueling innovation toward premium packaged meals. This trend is amplified by discerning "foodies" who demand sophisticated, nutritious options. Consequently, there is a growing market need for portable, high-quality food solutions, compelling brands to develop new products that meet these evolving consumer expectations.

Prepared Meals Market Trends

The prepared meals market is booming, driven by consumer demand for convenience without compromising on health. Key trends include a surge in plant-based, gluten-free, and ‘clean label’ options using natural, high-quality ingredients. Global cuisines and ethnically diverse flavors are gaining significant popularity, moving beyond traditional fare.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscription services are disrupting retail, offering personalization for specific diets like keto or vegan. Furthermore, sustainability is a growing focus, influencing packaging choices and ingredient sourcing. The market is shifting towards fresh, premium offerings over traditional frozen meals, reflecting a more discerning consumer base.

Regional Insights

Europe Dominated Backed by Increasing Premiumization

In 2021, Europe overtook Asia as the largest market. The introduction of more exotic items, the drive toward premiumization, and the influence of private labels are just a few of the causes that are predicted to cause the industry to expand dramatically.

Due to rising processed food demand and rising income levels among the populace, the market in North American nations such as the U.S. and Canada is anticipated to experience significant growth.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience tremendous growth in the near future. Other developing nations such as India, the Philippines, Singapore, and Australia are growing quickly due to their great potential and low saturation. Japan and China still hold a sizable prepared meals market share.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players Sign Significant Contracts to Make Remarkable Changes in the Market

The players operating in the market often employ numerous tactics that will aid the market growth and product demand. Among the pool of strategies, one such notable strategy to expand the business prospect is signing multimillion contracts with government bodies and securing a profitable revenue for their own company.

Key Industry Development

• April 2025 – DDC Enterprise Ltd., a leading multi-brand Asian company, signed a strategic agreement with Hewen Agricultural Technology Limited, a premium prepared-meal producer, to excel in D2C delivery of RTE food products, including meals, across Mainland China.
• July 2024 – Mars Food & Nutrition, a Mars, Incorporated business segment offering ready meals, launched new products to expand its ready meals space. Ben’s Original Street Food is a range of entrées being launched across the U.S. and Canada in four different meal bowls. Ben‘s Original Lunch Bowls include a range of tasty grain and vegetable bowls across the U.K.