Ready-to-Eat Food Market Forecast 2035 | Key Driver, Restraint, and Growth Opportunity | Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Amul, McCain Foods Limited., Nestlé S.A. and More

Ready-to-Eat Food Market Forecast 2035
According to the report, the global ready-to-eat food market is likely to grow from USD 167.9 billion in 2025 to USD 359.9 billion in 2035 at a moderate CAGR of 7.2% during the time period. The global RTE food market is seeing sustained growth on account of the evolving consumer lifestyles characterized by search for time, working couples, and urbanization.

The growing single-serve packaging of fine frozen meals for hurried consumers, particularly in metro cities, occurs as a major growth element for the RTE sector. Foods of the present-day world use modern packaging technologies, such as MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) and HPP (High-pressure Processing), to leverage food safety and shelf life on higher grounds. This strengthening of consumer confidence has thus become affiliated with packaged food. The food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash have further added to the visibility and accessibility of RTE options from a global perspective.

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Growth of higher double digits was witnessed in the frozen RTE portfolio in Europe in 2024 by companies such as Nomad Foods that can be attributed to higher sales through retail and e-commerce channels. On top of this, the increasing popularity of plant-based and ethnic RTE cuisines is attracting health-conscious as well as culturally inclined consumers, thus giving the market an added push. Collectively, these developments are nudging RTE foods from niche to mainstream and are getting it accepted as a versatile meal solution

"Key Driver, Restraint, and Growth Opportunity Shaping the Global Ready-to-Eat Food Market
The rapid growth of professionals worldwide, especially in developing countries such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia, is the prime urge behind the Ready to Eat (RTE) food market. Long working hours and hectic lifestyles have caused consumers to prefer diet options that are quicker and convenient. The upward trend concerning behavior is driving demand for packaged meals, prepared meals, and frozen entrees. ITC Ltd., for example, enlarged the RTE Indian meals segment in 2024 to cater to urban professionals with premium products marketed under the brand name Kitchens of India in tier-1 and tier-2 cities.

The rising awareness regarding health hazards faced because of preservatives, sodium, and artificial additives used in numerous RTE products is another reason for the growth of the RTE food market. Problems of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases scare away any health-conscious consumer. According to a study conducted in 2024 and published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health, 42% of urban millennials avoid eating RTE meals because of the processed nature of the ingredients and questionable labeling.

This is a big opportunity with the rise of refrigerated RTE foods with cleaner labels and lesser processes. Manufacturers have been capitalizing on consumers' preference for fresh alternatives to frozen or canned meals. In April 2024, Nestlé entered the premium end of the refrigerated RTE pasta and grain bowl segment in Europe under the Lean Cuisine brand, with the idea to combine convenience with health and freshness.

"Impact of Global Tariff Policies on the Ready-to-Eat Food Market Growth and Strategy"
Prices and market access for RTE products are greatly dependent on the tariff rate. High import duties on processed and packaged food products can make it costly for RTE brands to sell across borders; hence they lose their price advantage in economically less strong countries. For example, India charges import duties of around 30-50% on packaged imported foods, including RTE meals. This makes it impossible for an average consumer to opt for a foreign brand, hence encouraging them to choose a local alternative. Such tariff barriers also hold back smaller international players from entering emerging markets due to inconceivable margins and regulatory impediments.

Tariffs also impact the supply chains as manufacturers now must revisit their sourcing strategy and production hubs. To mitigate tariff costs, many companies are hence seeking to move manufacturing facilities or organize their supply chains regionally. One pertinent example is U.S.-based Kraft Heinz, which in early 2024 further developed its production of RTEs in Mexico as a means to circumvent raised U.S.-China tariffs and as well catering efficiently to the North and Latin American markets. The point is to show how the changes of tariffs can have their effects on long-term investment, on whether regional manufacturing will be present or not, and on product availability in the international RTE market.

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Expansion of Global Ready-to-Eat Food Market
"Diversified Lifestyles, Retail Expansion, and Health Innovations Fuel Global Ready-to-Eat Food Market Growth"
Rapid urbanization and hectic work schedules remain driving forces that propel the growth of the global Ready-to Eat (RTE) food industry. The United Nations estimates that presently 56.18% of the world's population lives in urban areas, while by 2050, this figure will have risen to 68%. Such scenarios created due to movement from rural to urban areas have also given rise to a market for meals that require very little preparation and cooking time. Nestlé responded to this change in consumer preference by introducing microwavable global cuisine meal kits via their Maggi brand for the urban millennial tastes. With consumers continuing to demand foods that can be prepared, served, and consumed at record speeds, RTE food sales are predicted to witness steady growth, particularly in metropolitan centers.

With omnichannel retail promoting greater reach for RTE food items, the RTE market will probably see an expansion, particularly in developing economies. Grocery players on e-commerce platforms, like BigBasket (India) and Ocado (UK), associate with RTE brands for expedited delivery and enhanced product visibility. Such steps in the food-retail business populate Tier II and Tier III cities with even niche and premium varieties of RTE food, aiding broader market expansion.

On the innovative product-sale front, health consciousness holds much sway in driving market growth. With diets based on low calories, organic products, and fortified RTE foods, the brands are now diversifying their portfolios. In 2024, Conagra Brands initiated a line of plant-based, high-protein frozen meals under the Healthy Choice label for U.S. consumers looking for wellness-oriented convenience. These innovations, combined with greater transparency concerning labels and cleaner ingredients, enable RTE manufacturers to appeal to a larger crowd, including those that focus on fitness and dietary restrictions, pushing global growth.

Regional Analysis of Global Ready-to-Eat Food Market
Europe leads the global RTE food market, driven by the well-established retail environmental system, changes in eating habits, and the demand for sustainable convenience foods. European customers place much value on RTE foods that contribute to their health and environmental concerns and particularly in countries such as Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands. The demand for organic, clean-label, and plant-based RTE food products has skyrocketed. New product launches include Aldi Süd expanding its "Just Organic" RTE offering in Germany during April 2024 to cater to the increasing consumer demand for minimally processed and ECO-certified meals. Urbanization and an aging population need an easy meal option in the midst of this transition toward health and sustainability, which is a major demand driver in the region.

Rapid growth in the RTE food market has been witnessed in North America, owing to rising dual-income households, on-the-go consumption patterns, and demand for premium and ethnically varied convenience meals. This trend is further buoyed by Millennial and Gen Z consumers who give priority to time-saving options and the palate for international cuisine. In 2024, May, Nestlé USA slashed a broader line of globally inspired RTE Lean Cuisine bowls, including Korean BBQ, Indian curry, and Mediterranean quinoa. Being available online and offline, amid price enlightenments and food preservation and packaging method technologies, thus accelerating the major prospect in the region.

Prominent players operating in the global ready-to-eat food market are Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation), Bakkavor Group plc, Campbell Soup Company, Conagra Brands, Inc., Dr. Oetker GmbH, General Mills Inc., Hormel Foods Corporation, ITC Limited., Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Mars, Incorporated, McCain Foods Limited., Nestlé S.A., Nomad Foods Ltd., PepsiCo, Inc., Sigma Alimentos, S.A. de C.V., The Kellogg Company, The Kraft Heinz Company, Tyson Foods, Inc., Unilever PLC and Other Key Players.

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The global ready-to-eat food market has been segmented as follows:
Global Ready-to-Eat Food Market Analysis, by Product Type
Cereal-Based RTE Foods

Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (cornflakes, muesli, granola)

Oats and porridge cups

Energy and nutrition bars

Meat/Poultry/Seafood-Based RTE Foods

Canned meats (tuna, chicken, sausages)

Deli meats and cold cuts

Ready-to-eat meat curries or meals

Vegetarian/Vegan RTE Foods

Plant-based ready meals

Salads and veg wraps

Vegan protein snacks

Snack Foods

Chips and crisps

Popcorn

Pretzels

Trail mix

Dairy-Based RTE Foods

Yogurt and drinkable yogurt

Cheese snacks

Milk-based desserts

Bakery & Confectionery

Pastries, croissants, and muffins

Brownies and cake slices

Pre-packaged desserts

Frozen RTE Meals

Frozen pizzas and pasta

Frozen entrées and ethnic foods

Microwaveable meal trays

Others (RTE soups and stews, Fruit cups, etc.)

Global Ready-to-Eat Food Market Analysis, by Packaging Type
Cans and Jars

Trays and Tubs

Boxes and Cartons

Pouches and Sachets

Bottles (for liquids/smoothies)

Flexible Packaging (MAP and vacuum-sealed)

Microwave-safe containers

Others

Global Ready-to-Eat Food Market Analysis, by Distribution Channel
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Convenience Stores

Online Retailers (E-commerce)

Specialty Food Stores

Vending Machines

Food Service Outlets (cafés, airports, institutions)

Others

Global Ready-to-Eat Food Market Analysis, by End-User
Households

Working Professionals/Students

Catering Services

Institutions (schools, hospitals, military)

Travel & Hospitality (airlines, railways, hotels)

Others

Global Ready-to-Eat Food Market Analysis, by Region
North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East

Africa

South America

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This release was published on openPR.