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RTE products market projected to grow 7.2% through 2026

Growth will be driven by a rise in the number of working women, a growing millennial population, and on-the-go consumption habits, says new report.

A new publication, “Ready-to-eat Food Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026,” from Future Market Insights reports that the global ready-to-eat food products market is projected to register a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. Analysts at Future Market Insights predict that a rise in the number of working women, a growing millennial population, and on-the-go consumption habits are factors likely to boost the growth of the global RTE food products market during the forecast period.

Say analysts, “A large number of innovations in packaging technology such as the introduction of advanced microwave technology have shifted the focus toward consumption of packaged foods in developed countries such as the U.S., Germany, and Russia; and this in turn has led to a significant increase in the demand for ready-to-eat food products globally.”

However, unhealthy substitutes and low quality and taste coupled with an increasing shift towards a healthier lifestyle are likely to hinder market growth in the coming years.

The global RTE food products market is segmented on the basis of Product Type (Meat/Poultry, Cereal Based, Vegetable Based, Others), Packaging (Canned, Frozen or Chilled, Retort, Others), and Distribution Channel (Hypermarket/Supermarket, Convenience/Departmental Store, Specialty Store, Online Store, Others).

Among the key insights of the report:

  • The Meat/Poultry product type segment is estimated to be valued at $44.54 billion in 2016, and is likely to expand at a CAGR of 7.7% over the forecast period. This segment is expected to dominate the market in terms of value from 2016 to 2026.
  • The Frozen or Chilled packaging segment is estimated to account for 40% value share by the end of 2016. This segment is expected to account for a major market share in terms of value over the forecast period
  • The Hypermarket/Supermarket distribution channel segment is estimated to be valued at $38.66 billion by the end of 2016, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period to be valued at $67.08 billion by the end of 2026. Sales of RTE food products through the Hypermarket/Supermarket channel are expected to support segment growth over the forecast period.

Regional projections

The global RTE food products market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Japan. Asia Pacific, excluding Japan (APEJ), Eastern Europe, and North America are expected to register high growth rates between 2016 and 2026. The RTE food products market in North America is expected to register significant value over the forecast period owing to increasing per capita consumption of RTE food in this region.

By the end of 2016, the North American market is estimated to be valued at $39.02 billion, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period to be valued at $78.73 billion by the end of 2026. The Asia Pacific market is estimated to be valued at $17.73 billion by the end of 2016, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.4% over the forecast period to be valued at $39.78 billion by the end of 2026.

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