Key Facts
• Prepared food market to exceed $110 trillion in 2024, driven by demand.
• Average monthly spending on prepared food per person: approximately $76.
• Popularity of ready-to-eat meals like Seven-Eleven’s grilled mackerel ($3.97).
• Key growth factors: aging population, smaller households, improved taste, and time-saving.
• Major retailer AEON launched a new factory in June 2024, tripling production capacity.
• Prepared food innovations include “negi-filled croquette bowl” and “salad sushi rolls.”
• Prepared food consumption equates to $2.50 per day per person.
• Industry investments focus on enhancing quality and expanding production facilities.
Summary
The prepared food market is experiencing significant growth, projected to surpass $110 trillion in 2024. On average, individuals spend $76 monthly on ready-to-eat meals, equating to $2.50 daily. Factors such as an aging population, smaller households, improved taste, and time-saving benefits drive this trend. Popular items like Seven-Eleven’s grilled mackerel highlight the convenience and appeal of these products. Retailers, including AEON, are investing heavily in production, with new factories tripling output capacity. Additionally, creative recipes, such as croquette bowls and salad sushi rolls, showcase the versatility of prepared foods. This market expansion reflects changing lifestyles and growing consumer demand for convenience and quality.
