Global Ready Meals Market Report (2026–2036)
Market Overview
The global Ready Meals market was valued at USD 94.9 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 131 billion by 2036, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during 2026–2036. Ready meals are pre-packaged, convenient food products designed to reduce preparation and cooking time, catering to consumers with busy lifestyles. They are available in frozen, chilled, canned, and dried formats, serving both single and multiple portions. Growth is driven by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing demand for convenience foods across developed and emerging markets.
Key Players
- Nestlé S.A.
- ConAgra Brands, Inc.
- Unilever Group
- Kraft Heinz Company
- Campbell Soup Company
- Hormel Foods Corporation
- The Schwan Food Company
- JBS S.A.
- Sigma Alimentos, S.A. de C.V.
- Iglo Group (Nomad Foods)
- 2 Sisters Food Group
- Tyson Foods, Inc.
- Fleury Michon
- Grupo Herdez
- Greencore Group plc
- Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
- McCain Foods Limited
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
- CJ CheilJedang Corporation
- General Mills, Inc.
- PepsiCo (Quaker Foods)
Segments Analysis
By Product Type
- Frozen & Chilled Ready Meals (largest segment, ~62% share; includes pizzas, pasta, meat-based meals)
- Canned Ready Meals (long shelf life, popular in emergency and institutional use)
- Dried Ready Meals (instant noodles, soups, dehydrated meals, growing in Asia-Pacific)
By Application
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets (dominant channel, ~60% share)
- Independent Retailers (~19% share, strong in rural and semi-urban areas)
- Convenience Stores (~15% share, impulse and on-the-go purchases)
- Others (online platforms, specialty stores, institutional catering)
Regional Analysis
- Europe: Largest consumption market (~34% share), driven by strong demand for frozen and chilled meals.
- North America: Second-largest market (~31% share), with high penetration of convenience foods and premium ready meals.
- Asia-Pacific: Fastest-growing region, led by China, India, and Japan; rising middle-class incomes and urbanization fuel demand.
- Latin America: Emerging demand in Brazil and Mexico, supported by retail expansion and growing preference for packaged foods.
- Middle East & Africa: Niche but expanding, driven by urbanization, tourism, and increasing adoption of Western-style convenience foods.
Porter’s Five Forces
- Threat of New Entrants – Moderate; entry barriers are low, but brand recognition and distribution networks are critical.
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers – Moderate; reliance on raw materials like meat, dairy, and packaging.
- Bargaining Power of Buyers – High; consumers demand affordability, variety, and healthier options.
- Threat of Substitutes – High; fresh food delivery, meal kits, and dining out compete directly.
- Industry Rivalry – High; fragmented market with global giants and regional players competing on price, innovation, and distribution.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Convenience and time-saving appeal
- Wide product variety across frozen, canned, and dried categories
- Strong presence of global brands
Weaknesses
- Perception of ready meals as less healthy
- Dependence on cold-chain logistics for frozen products
Opportunities
- Rising demand for premium, organic, and plant-based ready meals
- Expansion into emerging markets with growing middle-class populations
- Growth in online grocery and food delivery platforms
Threats
- Regulatory pressures on labeling and nutrition standards
- Competition from meal kits and fresh food delivery services
- Volatility in raw material prices (meat, dairy, grains)
Trend Analysis
- Increasing demand for plant-based and vegan ready meals
- Rising popularity of premium and ethnic cuisine ready meals
- Growth in online retail and direct-to-consumer channels
- Expansion of health-oriented ready meals (low-sodium, gluten-free, organic)
- Focus on sustainable packaging and eco-friendly production
Drivers & Challenges
Drivers
- Busy lifestyles and urbanization fueling convenience food demand
- Rising disposable incomes and preference for premium products
- Technological advancements in freezing and packaging improving quality
Challenges
- Negative perception of ready meals as processed and unhealthy
- High competition from substitutes like meal kits and restaurants
- Supply chain disruptions impacting raw material availability
Value Chain Analysis
- Upstream: Suppliers of raw materials (meat, dairy, grains, vegetables, packaging)
- Midstream: Manufacturers, R&D labs, food processors, branding and marketing teams
- Downstream: Retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores, e-commerce platforms
- End Users: Households, working professionals, students, institutional buyers
Quick Recommendations for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers: Invest in plant-based, premium, and health-oriented ready meals to capture evolving demand.
- Investors: Focus on companies innovating in sustainable packaging and online distribution.
- Retailers: Strengthen online presence and expand premium ready meal offerings.
- Policy Makers: Encourage transparent
Table of Contents
Global Ready Meals Market Research Report 2026
1 Industry Overview of Ready Meals
1.1 Definition and Specifications of Ready Meals
1.1.1 Definition of Ready Meals
1.1.2 Specifications of Ready Meals
1.2 Classification of Ready Meals
1.2.1 Frozen & Chilled Ready Meals
1.2.2 Canned Ready Meals
1.2.3 Dried Ready Meals
1.3 Applications of Ready Meals
1.3.1 Hypermarkets and Supermarkets
1.3.2 Independent Retailers
1.3.3 Convenience Stores
1.3.4 Others
1.4 Market Segment by Regions
1.4.1 North America
1.4.2 Europe
1.4.3 China
1.4.4 Japan
1.4.5 Southeast Asia
1.4.6 India
2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Ready Meals
2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers
2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Ready Meals
2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Ready Meals
2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Ready Meals
3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Ready Meals
3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Ready Meals Major Manufacturers
3.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Ready Meals Major Manufacturers
3.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Ready Meals Major Manufacturers
3.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Ready Meals Major Manufacturers
4 Global Ready Meals Overall Market Overview
4.1 E Overall Market Analysis
4.2 Capacity Analysis
4.2.1 E Global Ready Meals Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis
4.2.2 Ready Meals Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)
4.3 Sales Analysis
4.3.1 E Global Ready Meals Sales and Growth Rate Analysis
4.3.2 Ready Meals Sales Analysis (Company Segment)
4.4 Sales Price Analysis
4.4.1 E Global Ready Meals Sales Price
4.4.2 Ready Meals Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)
5 Ready Meals Regional Market Analysis
5.1 North America Ready Meals Market Analysis
5.1.1 North America Ready Meals Market Overview
5.1.2 North America E Ready Meals Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.1.3 North America E Ready Meals Sales Price Analysis
5.1.4 North America Ready Meals Market Share Analysis
5.2 Europe Ready Meals Market Analysis
5.2.1 Europe Ready Meals Market Overview
5.2.2 Europe E Ready Meals Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.2.3 Europe E Ready Meals Sales Price Analysis
5.2.4 Europe Ready Meals Market Share Analysis
5.3 China Ready Meals Market Analysis
5.3.1 China Ready Meals Market Overview
5.3.2 China E Ready Meals Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.3.3 China E Ready Meals Sales Price Analysis
5.3.4 China Ready Meals Market Share Analysis
5.4 Japan Ready Meals Market Analysis
5.4.1 Japan Ready Meals Market Overview
5.4.2 Japan E Ready Meals Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.4.3 Japan E Ready Meals Sales Price Analysis
5.4.4 Japan Ready Meals Market Share Analysis
5.5 Southeast Asia Ready Meals Market Analysis
5.5.1 Southeast Asia Ready Meals Market Overview
5.5.2 Southeast Asia E Ready Meals Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.5.3 Southeast Asia E Ready Meals Sales Price Analysis
5.5.4 Southeast Asia Ready Meals Market Share Analysis
5.6 India Ready Meals Market Analysis
5.6.1 India Ready Meals Market Overview
5.6.2 India E Ready Meals Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.6.3 India E Ready Meals Sales Price Analysis
5.6.4 India Ready Meals Market Share Analysis
6 Global E Ready Meals Segment Market Analysis (by Type)
6.1 Global E Ready Meals Sales by Type
6.2 Different Types of Ready Meals Product Interview Price Analysis
6.3 Different Types of Ready Meals Product Driving Factors Analysis
6.3.1 Frozen & Chilled Ready Meals Growth Driving Factor Analysis
6.3.2 Canned Ready Meals Growth Driving Factor Analysis
6.3.3 Dried Ready Meals Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7 Global E Ready Meals Segment Market Analysis (by Application)
7.1 Global E Ready Meals Consumption by Application
7.2 Different Application of Ready Meals Product Interview Price Analysis
7.3 Different Application of Ready Meals Product Driving Factors Analysis
7.3.1 Hypermarkets and Supermarkets of Ready Meals Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.2 Independent Retailers of Ready Meals Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.3 Convenience Stores of Ready Meals Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.4 Others of Ready Meals Growth Driving Factor Analysis
8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Ready Meals
8.1 Nestle
8.1.1 Company Profile
8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.1.2.1 Product A
8.1.2.2 Product B
8.1.3 Nestle Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.1.4 Nestle Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.2 ConAgra
8.2.1 Company Profile
8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.2.2.1 Product A
8.2.2.2 Product B
8.2.3 ConAgra Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.2.4 ConAgra Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.3 Unilever
8.3.1 Company Profile
8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.3.2.1 Product A
8.3.2.2 Product B
8.3.3 Unilever Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.3.4 Unilever Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.4 Kraft Heinz
8.4.1 Company Profile
8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.4.2.1 Product A
8.4.2.2 Product B
8.4.3 Kraft Heinz Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.4.4 Kraft Heinz Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.5 Campbell Soup
8.5.1 Company Profile
8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.5.2.1 Product A
8.5.2.2 Product B
8.5.3 Campbell Soup Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.5.4 Campbell Soup Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.6 Hormel Foods
8.6.1 Company Profile
8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.6.2.1 Product A
8.6.2.2 Product B
8.6.3 Hormel Foods Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.6.4 Hormel Foods Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.7 The Schwan Food
8.7.1 Company Profile
8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.7.2.1 Product A
8.7.2.2 Product B
8.7.3 The Schwan Food Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.7.4 The Schwan Food Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.8 JBS
8.8.1 Company Profile
8.8.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.8.2.1 Product A
8.8.2.2 Product B
8.8.3 JBS Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.8.4 JBS Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.9 Sigma Alimentos
8.9.1 Company Profile
8.9.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.9.2.1 Product A
8.9.2.2 Product B
8.9.3 Sigma Alimentos Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.9.4 Sigma Alimentos Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.10 Iglo Group(Nomad Foods)
8.10.1 Company Profile
8.10.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.10.2.1 Product A
8.10.2.2 Product B
8.10.3 Iglo Group(Nomad Foods) Ready Meals Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.10.4 Iglo Group(Nomad Foods) Ready Meals Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.11 Sisters Food Group
8.12 Tyson Foods
8.13 Fleury Michon
8.14 Grupo Herdez
8.15 Greencore Group
8.16 Maple Leaf Foods
8.17 McCain
8.18 Advanced Fresh Concepts
9 Development Trend of Analysis of Ready Meals Market
9.1 Global Ready Meals Market Trend Analysis
9.1.1 Global 2018-2025 Ready Meals Market Size (Volume and Value) Forecast
9.1.2 Global 2018-2025 Ready Meals Sales Price Forecast
9.2 Ready Meals Regional Market Trend
9.2.1 North America 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Forecast
9.2.2 Europe 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Forecast
9.2.3 China 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Forecast
9.2.4 Japan 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Forecast
9.2.5 Southeast Asia 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Forecast
9.2.6 India 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Forecast
9.3 Ready Meals Market Trend (Product Type)
9.4 Ready Meals Market Trend (Application)
10 Ready Meals Marketing Type Analysis
10.1 Ready Meals Regional Marketing Type Analysis
10.2 Ready Meals International Trade Type Analysis
10.3 Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of Ready Meals by Region
10.4 Ready Meals Supply Chain Analysis
11 Consumers Analysis of Ready Meals
11.1 Consumer 1 Analysis
11.2 Consumer 2 Analysis
11.3 Consumer 3 Analysis
11.4 Consumer 4 Analysis
12 Conclusion of the Global Ready Meals Market Professional Survey Report
Methodology
Analyst Introduction
Data Source
List of Tables and Figures
Figure Picture of Ready Meals
Table Product Specifications of Ready Meals
Table Classification of Ready Meals
Figure Global Production Market Share of Ready Meals by Type in
Figure Frozen & Chilled Ready Meals Picture
Table Major Manufacturers of Frozen & Chilled Ready Meals
Figure Canned Ready Meals Picture
Table Major Manufacturers of Canned Ready Meals
Figure Dried Ready Meals Picture
Table Major Manufacturers of Dried Ready Meals
Table Applications of Ready Meals
Figure Global Consumption Volume Market Share of Ready Meals by Application in
Figure Hypermarkets and Supermarkets Examples
Table Major Consumers in Hypermarkets and Supermarkets
Figure Independent Retailers Examples
Table Major Consumers in Independent Retailers
Figure Convenience Stores Examples
Table Major Consumers in Convenience Stores
Figure Others Examples
Table Major Consumers in Others
Figure Market Share of Ready Meals by Regions
Figure North America Ready Meals Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)
Figure Europe Ready Meals Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)
Figure China Ready Meals Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)
Figure Japan Ready Meals Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)
Figure Southeast Asia Ready Meals Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)
Figure India Ready Meals Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)
Table Ready Meals Raw Material and Suppliers
Table Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Ready Meals in
Figure Manufacturing Process Analysis of Ready Meals
Figure Industry Chain Structure of Ready Meals
Table Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Ready Meals Major Manufacturers
Table Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Ready Meals Major Manufacturers
Table R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Ready Meals Major Manufacturers
Table Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Ready Meals Major Manufacturers
Table Global Capacity, Sales , Price, Cost, Sales Revenue (M USD) and Gross Margin of Ready Meals E
Figure Global E Ready Meals Market Size (Volume) and Growth Rate
Figure Global E Ready Meals Market Size (Value) and Growth Rate
Table E Global Ready Meals Capacity and Growth Rate
Table Global Ready Meals Capacity (K Units) List (Company Segment)
Table E Global Ready Meals Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate
Table Global Ready Meals Sales (K Units) List (Company Segment)
Table E Global Ready Meals Sales Price (USD/Unit)
Table Global Ready Meals Sales Price (USD/Unit) List (Company Segment)
Figure North America Capacity Overview
Table North America Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K Units) of Ready Meals E
Figure North America E Ready Meals Sales Price (USD/Unit)
Figure North America Ready Meals Sales Market Share
Figure Europe Capacity Overview
Table Europe Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K Units) of Ready Meals E
Figure Europe E Ready Meals Sales Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Europe Ready Meals Sales Market Share
Figure China Capacity Overview
Table China Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K Units) of Ready Meals E
Figure China E Ready Meals Sales Price (USD/Unit)
Figure China Ready Meals Sales Market Share
Figure Japan Capacity Overview
Table Japan Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K Units) of Ready Meals E
Figure Japan E Ready Meals Sales Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Japan Ready Meals Sales Market Share
Figure Southeast Asia Capacity Overview
Table Southeast Asia Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K Units) of Ready Meals E
Figure Southeast Asia E Ready Meals Sales Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Southeast Asia Ready Meals Sales Market Share
Figure India Capacity Overview
Table India Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K Units) of Ready Meals E
Figure India E Ready Meals Sales Price (USD/Unit)
Figure India Ready Meals Sales Market Share
Table Global E Ready Meals Sales (K Units) by Type
Table Different Types Ready Meals Product Interview Price
Table Global E Ready Meals Sales (K Units) by Application
Table Different Application Ready Meals Product Interview Price
Table Nestle Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Nestle Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Nestle Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table ConAgra Information List
Table Product Overview
Table ConAgra Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure ConAgra Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table Unilever Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Unilever Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Unilever Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table Kraft Heinz Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Kraft Heinz Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Kraft Heinz Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table Campbell Soup Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Campbell Soup Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Campbell Soup Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table Hormel Foods Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Hormel Foods Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Hormel Foods Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table The Schwan Food Information List
Table Product Overview
Table The Schwan Food Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure The Schwan Food Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table JBS Information List
Table Product Overview
Table JBS Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure JBS Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table Sigma Alimentos Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Sigma Alimentos Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Sigma Alimentos Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table Iglo Group(Nomad Foods) Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Iglo Group(Nomad Foods) Ready Meals Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K Units), Ex-factory Price (USD/Unit)
Figure Iglo Group(Nomad Foods) Ready Meals Business Region Distribution
Table Sisters Food Group Information List
Table Tyson Foods Information List
Table Fleury Michon Information List
Table Grupo Herdez Information List
Table Greencore Group Information List
Table Maple Leaf Foods Information List
Table McCain Information List
Table Advanced Fresh Concepts Information List
Figure Global 2018-2025 Ready Meals Market Size (K Units) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Global 2018-2025 Ready Meals Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Global 2018-2025 Ready Meals Sales Price (USD/Unit) Forecast
Figure North America 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Volume (K Units) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure China 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Volume (K Units) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Europe 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Volume (K Units) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Southeast Asia 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Volume (K Units) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Japan 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Volume (K Units) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure India 2018-2025 Ready Meals Consumption Volume (K Units) and Growth Rate Forecast
Table Global Sales Volume (K Units) of Ready Meals by Type 2018-2025
Table Global Consumption Volume (K Units) of Ready Meals by Application 2018-2025
Table Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of Ready Meals by Region
Key Players
- Nestlé S.A.
- ConAgra Brands, Inc.
- Unilever Group
- Kraft Heinz Company
- Campbell Soup Company
- Hormel Foods Corporation
- The Schwan Food Company
- JBS S.A.
- Sigma Alimentos, S.A. de C.V.
- Iglo Group (Nomad Foods)
- 2 Sisters Food Group
- Tyson Foods, Inc.
- Fleury Michon
- Grupo Herdez
- Greencore Group plc
- Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
- McCain Foods Limited
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
- CJ CheilJedang Corporation
- General Mills, Inc.
- PepsiCo (Quaker Foods)
Segments Analysis
By Product Type
- Frozen & Chilled Ready Meals (largest segment, ~62% share; includes pizzas, pasta, meat-based meals)
- Canned Ready Meals (long shelf life, popular in emergency and institutional use)
- Dried Ready Meals (instant noodles, soups, dehydrated meals, growing in Asia-Pacific)
By Application
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets (dominant channel, ~60% share)
- Independent Retailers (~19% share, strong in rural and semi-urban areas)
- Convenience Stores (~15% share, impulse and on-the-go purchases)
- Others (online platforms, specialty stores, institutional catering)
Regional Analysis
- Europe: Largest consumption market (~34% share), driven by strong demand for frozen and chilled meals.
- North America: Second-largest market (~31% share), with high penetration of convenience foods and premium ready meals.
- Asia-Pacific: Fastest-growing region, led by China, India, and Japan; rising middle-class incomes and urbanization fuel demand.
- Latin America: Emerging demand in Brazil and Mexico, supported by retail expansion and growing preference for packaged foods.
- Middle East & Africa: Niche but expanding, driven by urbanization, tourism, and increasing adoption of Western-style convenience foods.
