Ready Meals Market - Australia | Industry Size, Share, Forecast...

Ready Meals Market - Australia | Industry Size, Share, Forecast 2034

Posted 2025-03-20 11:56:32

Australia Ready Meals Market Outlook

The Australia ready meals market reached a value of USD 1,776.71 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.66% between 2025 and 2034, reaching an estimated value of almost USD 2,898.96 million by 2034. The market's growth is driven by the increasing demand for convenience, busy lifestyles, and changing consumer eating habits. Ready meals provide a quick and easy solution for consumers looking for fast, nutritious, and diverse meal options. As Australians become more health-conscious and time-starved, the market for ready meals continues to evolve, with a growing focus on healthier, more diverse, and sustainably sourced products.

The growth in online shopping and the increasing availability of ready meals in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores have contributed significantly to the accessibility of these products. With more Australians opting for convenience without sacrificing quality, the demand for ready meals, including vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian options, is expected to rise.

Australia Ready Meals Market Trends

Several key trends are shaping the Australian ready meals market, including the demand for healthier options, the growth of vegan and plant-based products, and technological advancements in meal preparation and distribution.

Rising Demand for Healthier Ready Meals: As consumers become more health-conscious, they are increasingly looking for ready meals that are nutritious, low in preservatives, and free from artificial ingredients. The demand for ready meals with reduced sugar, lower sodium, and higher protein content is on the rise. Additionally, products that cater to specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, low-carb, and organic options, are becoming more popular.
Growth of Plant-Based and Vegan Meals: Vegan and plant-based ready meals are experiencing significant growth as more Australians adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, or ethical reasons. Vegan ready meals, such as plant-based burgers, salads, and stews, are gaining popularity, with many companies introducing innovative vegan meal solutions to meet the growing demand. The rise in plant-based eating has become a defining trend in the Australian food industry, and ready meals are no exception.
Convenience and On-the-Go Consumption: With busy work schedules and lifestyle changes, consumers are increasingly opting for ready meals that are quick to prepare, portable, and easy to consume. Meal kits and ready-to-eat meals that require minimal preparation are in high demand, especially among working professionals, students, and families with young children. The convenience of ordering ready meals online is also contributing to the growing popularity of these products.
Focus on Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging: Sustainability is becoming an important consideration for both consumers and food manufacturers. As awareness of environmental issues grows, consumers are increasingly seeking ready meals that are sustainably sourced and packaged. Brands are responding by using eco-friendly packaging materials, reducing plastic waste, and offering more sustainable sourcing of ingredients. This trend aligns with the broader movement towards sustainable eating and environmental responsibility.
Technological Advancements in Meal Preparation: Technological advancements in food processing and packaging have made it easier to produce ready meals that maintain their nutritional value, flavor, and texture while extending shelf life. Innovations in refrigeration, freezing, and vacuum sealing allow ready meals to stay fresh for longer periods, making them more convenient for consumers. Additionally, improvements in online platforms and delivery systems have made it easier for consumers to order and receive ready meals, contributing to market growth.

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Australia Ready Meals Market Growth

The Australian ready meals market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.66% between 2025 and 2034, driven by the increasing demand for convenient, healthy, and diverse meal options. As more consumers seek to save time and effort in meal preparation while maintaining a balanced diet, ready meals are emerging as an attractive option. The growth of online food delivery platforms, increased availability in retail stores, and the expansion of product offerings across various categories, such as vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian, are expected to propel the market forward.

The market's growth is also supported by evolving consumer preferences, with many Australians seeking ready meals that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, low-calorie, or high-protein. Additionally, the growing popularity of meal kits and home-delivered ready meals is expected to play a significant role in the market's expansion.

Market Segmentation

The Australian ready meals market can be segmented by meal type, product type, end-use, distribution channel, and region. These segments reflect varying consumer preferences, dietary needs, and purchasing behaviors, providing valuable insights into the key drivers of market growth.

Breakup by Meal Type

Vegan: The vegan ready meal segment is seeing significant growth in Australia. As more consumers embrace plant-based diets, the demand for vegan ready meals, which include options like vegan burgers, salads, and stir-fries, is increasing. Vegan meals are often viewed as healthier and more sustainable compared to traditional meat-based options, contributing to the rising popularity of this segment.
Non-vegetarian: Non-vegetarian ready meals, which include meat-based options like chicken, beef, and pork, continue to be a staple in the Australian ready meals market. The demand for non-vegetarian options is driven by the popularity of protein-rich meals and the variety of options available, including meals for different occasions and tastes.
Vegetarian: Vegetarian ready meals are popular among health-conscious consumers and those seeking to reduce their meat intake. This segment is growing as more Australians opt for plant-based meals that include vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy products. Vegetarian ready meals are often positioned as nutritious, light, and quick to prepare, appealing to a wide consumer base.

Breakup by Product Type

Dried Ready Meals: Dried ready meals are convenient, lightweight, and have a long shelf life, making them ideal for consumers who seek shelf-stable meals with minimal storage requirements. These meals typically require rehydration with water and are a popular choice for camping, travel, and emergency preparedness.
Chilled Pizza: Chilled pizza is a popular type of ready meal, with a growing market for both traditional and gourmet varieties. Consumers are looking for convenient pizza options that can be quickly heated and enjoyed at home. Chilled pizzas offer a fresh alternative to frozen pizzas and are growing in popularity in supermarkets and convenience stores.
Frozen Pizza: Frozen pizza continues to be a favorite in the ready meals market due to its convenience, affordability, and wide variety of flavors. This segment remains popular among families and individuals seeking a quick and satisfying meal option.
Canned Preserved Ready Meals: Canned ready meals are another staple in the market, offering long shelf life and convenience. These meals are typically made with a variety of ingredients and provide a quick, easy, and affordable solution for consumers. Canned meals are particularly popular in emergency food supplies and for consumers looking for cost-effective meal options.
Chilled Ready Meals: Chilled ready meals, which require refrigeration, are seeing increased demand as they offer fresher options compared to frozen or canned meals. These meals are often considered healthier due to the lack of preservatives and longer shelf life associated with frozen options.
Prepared Salads: Prepared salads, which include pre-cut vegetables, grains, and dressings, are a growing category within the ready meals market. These salads are popular among health-conscious consumers seeking light, nutritious, and quick meal solutions.

Breakup by End Use

Residential: The residential segment dominates the ready meals market as more consumers opt for convenient meal solutions at home. Ready meals cater to busy individuals, families, and young professionals looking for quick, easy, and nutritious meal options without the need for extensive preparation or cooking time.
Food Services: The food services segment, which includes restaurants, cafes, and catering services, is also contributing to the growth of the ready meals market. Foodservice providers are increasingly using ready meals to streamline kitchen operations, reduce preparation time, and meet the growing demand for fast, nutritious meal options.

Breakup by Distribution Channel

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the primary distribution channel for ready meals, as they offer a wide selection of products in one convenient location. Consumers prefer to shop at these stores for the variety of meal options available, including frozen, chilled, and canned ready meals.
Convenience Stores: Convenience stores are an important distribution channel for ready meals, particularly for consumers seeking quick meal solutions on the go. Convenience stores typically offer smaller, single-serving ready meals that cater to consumers who want quick, easy meal options.
Online Channels: Online channels are rapidly growing as a distribution channel for ready meals. E-commerce platforms allow consumers to order meals from the comfort of their home and have them delivered to their doorstep. Online sales offer convenience, a wider product range, and the ability to compare prices, contributing to the growth of this distribution channel.
Others: Other distribution channels include health food stores, direct-to-consumer sales, and food delivery services. These channels cater to specific market segments and offer niche products, such as organic or specialty diet meals, to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers.

Breakup by Region

New South Wales: New South Wales, with major urban centers like Sydney, represents the largest market for ready meals in Australia. The region’s high population, urbanization, and busy lifestyle contribute to its market dominance.
Victoria: Victoria, particularly Melbourne, is another key market for ready meals, driven by the state's demand for convenience and healthy food options.
Queensland: Queensland’s growing population and increasing interest in healthy eating are contributing to the rising demand for ready meals in this region.
Australian Capital Territory: The Australian Capital Territory’s growing interest in convenient, nutritious meals is driving the demand for ready meals, particularly in urban areas like Canberra.
Western Australia: Western Australia is also experiencing growth in the ready meals market, driven by urban development, increasing demand for healthy snacks, and convenience products.
Others: Other regions, including Tasmania and Northern Territory, contribute to the overall demand for ready meals, though their market share is smaller compared to the larger states.

Market Key Players

MarleySpoon Pty Ltd: MarleySpoon is an Australian leader in the meal kit and ready meals market, offering customers a wide range of meal options delivered directly to their doors.
Grocery Delivery eServices Australia Pty Ltd: A major player in the online ready meals segment, providing convenient meal delivery services for consumers across Australia.
Youfoodz Pty Ltd: Youfoodz specializes in providing healthy, pre-packaged ready meals, with a focus on nutrition and convenience for busy consumers.
Chefgood Pty Ltd: Chefgood offers a variety of meal options, including healthy, nutritious ready meals, with a focus on delivering convenient, fresh meals to consumers.
Macros: Macros provides a selection of ready meals and meal prep solutions for health-conscious consumers, emphasizing high-protein, low-calorie meals for active lifestyles.
Soulara: Soulara offers plant-based ready meals, catering to the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian food options in the ready meals market..
Others: Other notable players in the Australian ready meals market include local and international brands offering diverse options to meet the growing demand for convenient and healthy meals.