The Ready Meals Market Report Segments the Industry Into Product Type (Frozen Ready Meals, Chilled Ready Meals, and More), Ingredient (Conventional and Free-From), Category (Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, and More), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

The Prepared Meal Manufacturing industry is reaping the rewards of growing demand for convenient meal options among time-pressed consumers. Driven by busy lifestyles, consumers increasingly seek ready-made options that offer quick and easy meal solutions without sacrificing taste. However, the industry is under pressure as health-consciousness grows, which is spurring customers towards healthier alternatives like meal kits, hybrid cooking formats and takeaways that don’t sacrifice convenience. While the industry is actively working to shed its unhealthy image by reformulating products and focusing on cleaner labels, entrenched perceptions remain, negatively affecting revenue. Prepared meal manufacturing revenue is expected to fall at a compound annual rate of 1.9% over the five years through 2025-26 to £4.9 billion, though it’s slated to inch up by 0.3% in 2025-26. In recent years, revenue has been bolstered by rising food prices, allowing producers to charge more for their products. Rising input costs, including labour and raw materials, are further prompting manufacturers to increase prices to maintain profitability. However, higher prices have risked alienating price-sensitive consumers, with some consumers turning to more affordable options like home cooking, holding revenue down. On the other hand, high food prices have benefitted sales of frozen meals, which offer consumers greater value. Producers are actively working to transform frozen foods’ image of being unhealthy to attract a broader audience. However, frozen meals face stiff competition; a growing preference for quality food experiences is leading to increased import penetration, as consumers favour authentic, culturally rich flavours. This trend has prompted manufacturers to shift focus onto chilled meals, which face less import competition due to their shorter shelf life. Profit is expected to nudge upwards in 2025 to 7.6% of revenue, reflecting producers' ability to pass on rising input costs through higher prices. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.8% over the five years through 2030-31 to £5.7 billion. Flavour innovation will remain key as producers seek to meet growing demand for healthier, convenient meal options. The proposed acquisition of Bakkavor by Greencore, two of the largest companies in the industry, would significantly alter the industry's competitive landscape, if approved. The new business would likely dominate supermarket supply contracts, forcing rival producers to prioritise operational efficiencies to stay competitive. It may also spark further consolidation activity as other manufacturers fight to keep up. Manufacturers will face a growing threat from takeaways and meal box services, as producers across rival industries compete to position themselves as the solution for consumers seeking healthy, convenient meals. Sustainability will also play an increasingly important role in engaging consumers and complying with tightening regulations.

The Europe Ready Meals Market Report is Segmented by Type (Frozen Ready Meals, Chilled Ready Meals, and More), Ingredients (Conventional and Free-Form), Category (Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience/Grocery Stores and More), and Geography (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

The UK Frozen Ready Meals market is poised to reach a value of USD 2,007.3 million in 2025, and further expand at a CAGR of 6.4% to reach USD 3,734.9 million by the year 2035.

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Frozen Ready Meals Market Size 2025-2029

The frozen ready meals market size is forecast to increase by USD 66.3 billion, at a CAGR of 11% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing popularity of private-label offerings. Consumers are increasingly opting for these brands due to their affordability and perceived quality. New product launches continue to enter the market, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences. However, challenges persist in the warehousing and distribution of frozen foods, which can impact product quality and increase operational costs.
Effective temperature control and efficient logistics solutions are essential for companies to mitigate these challenges and maintain customer satisfaction. To capitalize on market opportunities, businesses must focus on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships. By addressing these factors, they can differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape and meet the evolving demands of health-conscious and convenience-driven consumers.

What will be the Size of the Frozen Ready Meals Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in sterilization methods, such as sous vide cooking, and thermal processing parameters. These techniques ensure food safety while preserving texture and nutrient retention. Modified atmosphere packaging and temperature monitoring systems further extend shelf life and enhance flavor stability. Sous vide cooking, for instance, has led to a 20% increase in sales for one major frozen food manufacturer. Energy efficiency improvements, including batch cooking technology and portion control packaging, contribute to cost optimization strategies. Ingredient standardization and preservation techniques ensure consistent product quality. Food safety protocols, such as HACCP compliance and allergen control measures, are essential in the industry.
Automated packaging systems and ingredient traceability systems further streamline production and distribution. Rapid freezing techniques and ingredient sourcing are key factors in maintaining product formulation and flavor stability. The frozen food market is projected to grow by 5% annually, with a focus on improving food safety, reducing food waste, and catering to consumer preferences. Innovations in microwave reheating methods, packaging material selection, and frozen food storage continue to shape the industry landscape.

How is this Frozen Ready Meals Industry segmented?

The frozen ready meals industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Frozen entree
  Frozen pizza
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The frozen entree segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is witnessing significant growth, with the frozen entrees segment accounting for approximately 30% of the market revenue in 2024. This segment includes single-serve dinners/entrees, handheld entrees, and multi-serve dinners/entrees. The trend is driven by increasing consumer preference for convenient, nutritious, and diverse meal options. Advanced sterilization methods, such as sous vide cooking and thermal processing, ensure food safety and maintain the desired texture and flavor. Modified atmosphere packaging and automated packaging systems extend shelf life, while temperature monitoring systems and microwave reheating methods enhance convenience. Allergen control measures and ingredient traceability systems cater to consumers with dietary restrictions.

Energy efficiency improvements and portion control packaging promote cost optimization. Industry experts anticipate the market to expand at a steady pace, reaching a significant value by 2027. For instance, the market's growth is fueled by the integration of rapid freezing techniques, which help preserve nutrients and improve ingredient standardization. Food safety protocols, chilled distribution chains, and transport logistics ensure product quality from production to consumption. Consumer preference surveys indicate a growing demand for meal assembly processes, which offer customizable and healthier meal options. In conclusion, the market is a dynamic and evolving industry that caters to the changing needs and preferences of modern consumers.

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The Frozen entree segment was valued at USD 26.30 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysi

Number of Businesses statistics on the Prepared Meal Manufacturing industry in the UK

United Kingdom (UK) frozen food (Potato Products, Fruit & Vegetable, Meat & Poultry, Ready Meals, Seafood & Fish Products) Market by share, size, analysis, growth, opportunity.

Frozen British Meals Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global frozen British meals market size reached USD 5.7 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust consumer demand and evolving food preferences. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% through the forecast period, with a forecasted value of USD 9.8 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by increasing urbanization, busy lifestyles, and the rising popularity of British cuisine on a global scale. As per our latest research, the market continues to benefit from innovative product launches, enhanced distribution channels, and a growing trend towards convenience-oriented food solutions.

The growth of the frozen British meals market is underpinned by a significant shift in consumer behavior towards convenient and ready-to-eat meal options. Urbanization and the proliferation of dual-income households have led to time-constrained consumers who are increasingly seeking meal solutions that are quick to prepare without compromising on taste or nutrition. British meals, traditionally known for their hearty and diverse flavors, have found resonance with a global audience, further fueling market expansion. Additionally, manufacturers are focusing on improving product quality, nutritional value, and packaging, which enhances shelf life and consumer appeal. The integration of advanced freezing technologies has also played a pivotal role in preserving the authentic taste and texture of these meals, making them a preferred choice among consumers seeking both convenience and quality.

Another significant factor contributing to market growth is the rising awareness regarding food safety and hygiene, especially post-pandemic. Consumers are increasingly opting for frozen meals, perceiving them as safer alternatives due to minimal human handling and advanced packaging standards. The adoption of innovative freezing methods, such as flash freezing and vacuum sealing, ensures that the nutritional content and freshness of British meals are retained. Moreover, the growing trend of premiumization within the frozen foods sector has led to the introduction of gourmet and restaurant-style British meals, catering to a more discerning customer base. Leading brands are capitalizing on this trend by offering meal kits and chef-crafted dishes, further elevating the market's growth trajectory.

The frozen British meals market is also experiencing a surge in demand for healthier and more sustainable options. The increasing prevalence of vegetarianism and veganism is prompting manufacturers to diversify their product portfolios with plant-based and allergen-free alternatives. This, coupled with the growing emphasis on clean-label ingredients and transparent sourcing practices, is attracting health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, collaborations between food manufacturers and online retail platforms are facilitating broader market reach, especially in emerging economies where e-commerce penetration is rising rapidly. The synergy between traditional British culinary heritage and modern food technology continues to unlock new growth avenues for the market.

Regionally, Europe remains the dominant market for frozen British meals, owing to the strong cultural affinity for British cuisine and well-established cold chain infrastructure. North America is witnessing rapid growth, driven by increasing interest in international cuisines and the proliferation of specialty food retailers. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market, bolstered by changing dietary patterns, urbanization, and the expansion of modern retail formats. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also registering steady growth, although at a comparatively moderate pace, due to rising disposable incomes and growing exposure to Western food trends. Overall, the global market is characterized by dynamic regional trends and evolving consumer preferences, setting the stage for sustained growth through 2033.

Product Type Analysis

The frozen British meals market is segmented by product type into ready meals, meat & poultry, fish & seafood, vegetarian & vegan meals, and others. Ready meals represent the largest segment, accounting for a significant share of the market in 2024, as consumers increasingly gravitate towards complete meal solutions that require minimal preparation time. These products typically include traditional British dishes such as shepherd’s pie,

Europe's prepared meal manufacturing industry is witnessing significant evolution, driven primarily by shifts in consumer preferences towards healthier, more convenient and sustainable food options. As lives get busier, many Europeans are gravitating towards ready-to-eat meals to save time, without compromising taste or nutritional value. The surge in vegetarian and vegan diets has prompted manufacturers to incorporate more plant-based options to cater to this growing demographic. This changing landscape underscores the industry’s responsiveness to consumer demands, showcasing a blend of innovation and adaptation in meeting the diverse needs of European consumers. Vegan and vegetarian meal options have seen a dramatic surge in popularity across Europe, with countries like Germany reporting a doubling of their vegan population from 2016 to 2020. The UK leads in the consumption of ready meals, highlighting an overarching trend towards convenience that spans across Europe. Furthermore, environmental sustainability has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing consumer choices, encouraging manufacturers to adopt green practices, from sustainable sourcing to eco-friendly packaging. Collectively, these trends point towards a conscious consumer base that values time, health, sustainability and inclusivity in their dietary choices. Nevertheless, the industry has been hampered by massive inflationary pressures, which have caused industry revenue to slump at an estimated compound annual rate of 3.2% over the five years through 2024, reaching €25.8 billion, including a projected 3% slump in 2024 alone. The industry’s outlook is robust, set against a backdrop of growing e-commerce and environmental consciousness. Home-delivered ready-meals are poised for growth, leveraging the power of online shopping to bring convenience and variety right to consumers' doorsteps. Additionally, the push towards sustainability is anticipated to shape the future of meal manufacturing, with companies that prioritise eco-friendly practices expected to gain a competitive edge. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus will likely remain on aligning with consumer values around health, convenience, and sustainability, ensuring that prepared meals not only satisfy hunger but also reflect the conscientious choices of a modern Europe. In all, revenue is set to recover from recent drops, growing at a projected compound annual rate of 3.3% over the five years through 2029.

Europe's prepared meal manufacturing industry is witnessing significant evolution, driven primarily by shifts in consumer preferences towards healthier, more convenient and sustainable food options. As lives get busier, many Europeans are gravitating towards ready-to-eat meals to save time, without compromising taste or nutritional value. The surge in vegetarian and vegan diets has prompted manufacturers to incorporate more plant-based options to cater to this growing demographic. This changing landscape underscores the industry’s responsiveness to consumer demands, showcasing a blend of innovation and adaptation in meeting the diverse needs of European consumers. Vegan and vegetarian meal options have seen a dramatic surge in popularity across Europe, with countries like Germany reporting a doubling of their vegan population from 2016 to 2020. The UK leads in the consumption of ready meals, highlighting an overarching trend towards convenience that spans across Europe. Furthermore, environmental sustainability has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing consumer choices, encouraging manufacturers to adopt green practices, from sustainable sourcing to eco-friendly packaging. Collectively, these trends point towards a conscious consumer base that values time, health, sustainability and inclusivity in their dietary choices. Nevertheless, the industry has been hampered by massive inflationary pressures, which have caused industry revenue to slump at an estimated compound annual rate of 3.2% over the five years through 2024, reaching €25.8 billion, including a projected 3% slump in 2024 alone. The industry’s outlook is robust, set against a backdrop of growing e-commerce and environmental consciousness. Home-delivered ready-meals are poised for growth, leveraging the power of online shopping to bring convenience and variety right to consumers' doorsteps. Additionally, the push towards sustainability is anticipated to shape the future of meal manufacturing, with companies that prioritise eco-friendly practices expected to gain a competitive edge. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus will likely remain on aligning with consumer values around health, convenience, and sustainability, ensuring that prepared meals not only satisfy hunger but also reflect the conscientious choices of a modern Europe. In all, revenue is set to recover from recent drops, growing at a projected compound annual rate of 3.3% over the five years through 2029.

The Europe Ready To Eat Food Market Report is Segmented by Product Type (Instant Breakfast/Cereals, Instant Soups and Snacks, Ready Meals, and More), Category (Conventional, Organic/Clean Label), Distribution Channels (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, and More), and Geography (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Sweden, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Discover the projected growth of the prepared dishes and meals market in the UK, with consumption expected to rise over the next decade. By 2035, the market volume is anticipated to reach 1.5M tons and value to increase to $13.9B.

In 2007, **** billion British pounds was spent on chilled ready meals and main meal accompaniments. This figure had nearly doubled at **** billion British pounds in 2022.

Learn about the increasing demand for prepared dishes and meals in the UK and how the market is projected to grow over the next decade. Market performance is expected to expand with a +2.9% CAGR, reaching 1.5M tons in volume and $12.3B in value by the end of 2035.

Global UK Prepared Meals is segmented by Application (Consumers, Businesses, Travelers), Type (Retail, Convenience stores, Quick service restaurants) and Geography(North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA)

"Global Ready Meals (Prepared Meals) Market – Outlook to 2020: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics" is a broad level market review of Global Ready Meals’ market by country. The research handbook provides the up-to-date market size data for period 2011-2015 and illustrative forecast to 2020 covering key market aspects like Sales Value and Volume for Ready Meals and its variants Ambient Ready Meals, Chilled Ready Meals, Dried Ready Meals and Frozen Ready Meals. The research handbook also provides analytics on Sales by Brands and by Distribution Channel. Read More

The Europe Frozen Food Market Report is Segmented by Product Type (Frozen Fruits and Vegetables, Frozen Meat and Poultry, Frozen Ready Meals, and More), Product Category (Ready-To-Eat and Ready-To-Cook), Distribution Channel (Foodservice and Retail) and Geography (Germany, United Kingdom, France, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Analysis of the UK prepared dishes and meals market, including consumption, production, imports, and exports. Forecasts a CAGR of +2.7% in volume and +4.2% in value from 2024 to 2035, reaching 1.5M tons and $13.9B.

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Frozen And Convenience Food Market Size 2024-2028

The frozen and convenience food market size is valued to increase USD 468.9 billion, at a CAGR of 8.09% from 2023 to 2028. Growing consumer inclination toward vegan frozen foods will drive the frozen and convenience food market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a 49% growth during the forecast period.
By Distribution Channel - Offline segment was valued at USD 422.90 billion in 2022
By Type - Convenience food segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 110.16 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 468.90 billion
CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 8.09%

Market Summary

The market has witnessed significant expansion in recent years, fueled by shifting consumer preferences and the increasing demand for time-saving solutions. According to market data, the global frozen food market was valued at over USD128 billion in 2020, with convenience foods accounting for a substantial portion of this figure. This trend is driven by several factors, including the escalating need for convenience in today's fast-paced world and the growing consumer inclination toward plant-based diets. The convenience food sector, which includes ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and beverages, has experienced remarkable growth due to its ability to cater to the busy lifestyles of modern consumers.
Frozen foods, in particular, have gained popularity due to their extended shelf life and ease of preparation. However, this market segment faces challenges, such as health concerns related to the high sodium, sugar, and preservative content in many frozen food products. Despite these challenges, the market continues to evolve, with innovations in product development and manufacturing processes aimed at addressing consumer demands for healthier, more convenient options. For instance, companies are focusing on reducing sodium and sugar content, increasing the use of natural ingredients, and offering more plant-based and vegan alternatives. These efforts are expected to drive the market's future growth, as consumers increasingly seek out healthier, more convenient food solutions.

What will be the Size of the Frozen And Convenience Food Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Frozen And Convenience Food Market Segmented ?

The frozen and convenience food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Type

  Convenience food
  Frozen food


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    Japan


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market continues to evolve, with the offline segment holding a dominant position, accounting for approximately 75% of global sales. This segment includes supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and local merchants, offering a wide variety of products such as frozen fruits, vegetables, ready meals, and snacks. Consumer preference for convenience, competitive pricing, and a vast selection of brands and stock-keeping units (SKUs) contribute to the growth of this distribution channel. In the production process, advanced technologies like IQF freezing, high-pressure processing, and vacuum packaging are employed to ensure extended shelf life and maintain food texture.

HACCP implementation, ingredient declaration standards, and food safety certifications are crucial for maintaining quality control and consumer trust. The market also prioritizes supply chain visibility and efficient refrigerated transport logistics to ensure product freshness and reduce waste. Notably, meal kit assembly lines and automated packaging systems have gained traction, streamlining production processes and optimizing costs.

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The Offline segment was valued at USD 422.90 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 49% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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In The market, the European region held a significant market share in 2023. Key contributors to this growth include the UK, Germany, and Spain. Factors fueling the expansion of the Euro

Europe's prepared meal manufacturing industry is witnessing significant evolution, driven primarily by shifts in consumer preferences towards healthier, more convenient and sustainable food options. As lives get busier, many Europeans are gravitating towards ready-to-eat meals to save time, without compromising taste or nutritional value. The surge in vegetarian and vegan diets has prompted manufacturers to incorporate more plant-based options to cater to this growing demographic. This changing landscape underscores the industry’s responsiveness to consumer demands, showcasing a blend of innovation and adaptation in meeting the diverse needs of European consumers. Vegan and vegetarian meal options have seen a dramatic surge in popularity across Europe, with countries like Germany reporting a doubling of their vegan population from 2016 to 2020. The UK leads in the consumption of ready meals, highlighting an overarching trend towards convenience that spans across Europe. Furthermore, environmental sustainability has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing consumer choices, encouraging manufacturers to adopt green practices, from sustainable sourcing to eco-friendly packaging. Collectively, these trends point towards a conscious consumer base that values time, health, sustainability and inclusivity in their dietary choices. Nevertheless, the industry has been hampered by massive inflationary pressures, which have caused industry revenue to slump at an estimated compound annual rate of 3.2% over the five years through 2024, reaching €25.8 billion, including a projected 3% slump in 2024 alone. The industry’s outlook is robust, set against a backdrop of growing e-commerce and environmental consciousness. Home-delivered ready-meals are poised for growth, leveraging the power of online shopping to bring convenience and variety right to consumers' doorsteps. Additionally, the push towards sustainability is anticipated to shape the future of meal manufacturing, with companies that prioritise eco-friendly practices expected to gain a competitive edge. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus will likely remain on aligning with consumer values around health, convenience, and sustainability, ensuring that prepared meals not only satisfy hunger but also reflect the conscientious choices of a modern Europe. In all, revenue is set to recover from recent drops, growing at a projected compound annual rate of 3.3% over the five years through 2029.