Australia Ready Meals Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

According to this report, the Australia ready meals market size reached about AUD 2.84 billion in 2024. Supported by changing consumer lifestyles, increasing demand for convenience, and a growing focus on health and nutrition, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.70% between 2025 and 2034, reaching almost AUD 4.93 billion by 2034.

One of the main drivers behind the Australia ready meals market expansion is the increasing demand for convenience. As Australians become busier, particularly in urban areas, the need for quick and easy meal solutions has grown. Ready meals provide an ideal solution, offering consumers the convenience of a freshly prepared meal without the time and effort required to cook from scratch. This has led to the increasing popularity of ready-to-eat meals, ready-to-cook options, and frozen meals, which can be easily stored and prepared at home.

The rise in dual-income households and the increasing number of working professionals will reshape the Australia ready meals market trends. As more Australians juggle busy work schedules, family commitments, and personal activities, time-saving meal solutions have become an essential part of daily life. Ready meals cater to this demand by offering quick and easy alternatives to traditional cooking, allowing consumers to enjoy a nutritious meal without the need for extensive preparation or cooking time.

Another key factor contributing to the growth of the Australia ready meals market is the increasing focus on health and nutrition. While convenience is important, consumers are becoming more health-conscious and seeking meals that offer balanced nutrition. As a result, there has been a shift towards healthier ready meal options, such as low-calorie, low-fat, high-protein, and plant-based meals.

Manufacturers are responding to this trend by introducing ready meals that cater to various dietary preferences and health goals, including gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, vegan, and organic options. This shift towards healthier ready meals is attracting a broader consumer base, including those looking to maintain a balanced diet, manage their weight, or follow specific dietary lifestyles.

The Australia ready meals market development is also being influenced by the growing interest in international cuisines and flavours. Australian consumers are increasingly exploring new food experiences, and ready meals provide an easy way to enjoy diverse and exotic flavours without the need for extensive cooking skills or ingredients. Manufacturers are offering a wide range of international ready meal options, from Asian and Mediterranean to Latin American and Middle Eastern cuisines. This variety allows consumers to enjoy a global culinary experience from the comfort of their homes, further driving the market's growth.

Despite the positive growth trends, the Australia ready meals market faces some challenges, such as the price sensitivity of consumers. While ready meals offer convenience, they are often perceived as more expensive than preparing meals from scratch. This can limit their appeal to budget-conscious consumers, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. Additionally, the increasing competition in the market means that manufacturers need to continuously innovate and differentiate their products to maintain consumer interest and loyalty.

The increasing prevalence of food delivery services also poses a challenge to the ready meals market. While food delivery services provide similar convenience to ready meals, they may offer a broader range of dining options and cater to specific tastes and preferences. As a result, ready meal manufacturers will need to adapt by offering unique, high-quality products that stand out from both other ready meal brands and food delivery services.

Looking ahead, the Australian ready meals market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by the advancements in food technology and packaging. The development of packaging solutions that extend the shelf life of ready meals while preserving their taste and nutritional value has made them more appealing to consumers. Innovations such as vacuum-sealed packaging, improved freezing techniques, and the use of natural preservatives have improved the quality and convenience of ready meals. These innovations allow manufacturers to offer a wider range of ready meals with enhanced freshness, taste, and nutritional content, further driving the market's expansion.

Market Segmentation

The market can be divided based on meal type, product type, end use, distribution channel, and region.

Market Breakup by Meal Type

• Vegan
• Non-vegetarian
• Vegetarian

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Dried Ready Meals
• Chilled Pizza
• Frozen Pizza
• Canned Preserved Ready Meals
• Chilled Ready Meals
• Chilled Pizza
• Frozen Ready Pizza
• Prepared Salads

Market Breakup by End Use

• Residential
• Food Services

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Channels
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Australian Capital Territory
• Western Australia
• Others

Competitive Landscape

The report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in the Australia ready meals market.

Some of the major players explored in the report are as follows:

• MarleySpoon Pty Ltd.
• Grocery Delivery eServices Australia Pty Ltd.
• Youfoodz Pty Ltd.
• Chefgood Pty Ltd.
• Macros
• Soulara
• Oppenheimer Pty Ltd.
• Lite n’ Easy
• My Muscle Chef Pty Ltd
• Others