Perishable Prepared Food Market Report 2026

The perishable prepared food market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $111.46 billion in 2025 to $119.29 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in urban population consumption patterns, expansion of refrigerated food processing facilities, increasing demand for convenience foods, improved cold storage infrastructure, rising participation of organized food retailers.

The perishable prepared food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $160.59 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of smart refrigeration systems, rising investments in fresh food logistics, growing demand for minimally processed foods, expansion of e-grocery platforms, increasing regulatory focus on food safety standards. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of cold-chain optimized processing, rising demand for ready-to-eat refrigerated foods, growing focus on shelf-life extension technologies, expansion of online distribution for fresh prepared foods, enhanced emphasis on food safety compliance.

The growth of the perishable prepared food market is being driven by rapid expansion in emerging economies, rising disposable incomes, and improved earning capacity among consumers. Disposable income refers to the amount of money available to households for spending and saving after taxes are deducted. As disposable income increases, consumers gain greater purchasing power, which often leads to shifts in eating habits toward more convenient, ready-to-eat, and premium food options, including perishable prepared foods. For instance, in May 2025, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a France-based international organization focused on economic policy, real household income per capita - an important component of disposable income - grew by 1.8% in 2024, up slightly from 1.7% in 2023. Therefore, rising disposable income is a key factor driving the growth of the perishable prepared food market.

Major companies operating in the perishable prepared food market are focusing on product innovations such as no-added-sugar formulations to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking guilt-free and convenient meal options. No added sugar indicates that no extra sugars or sweeteners are included during product preparation, allowing consumers to enjoy natural flavors without unnecessary sweetness. For example, in July 2025, Tyson Foods, Inc., a U.S.-based food company specializing in protein and prepared food products, launched Tyson Simple Ingredient Nuggets, a fully cooked, ready-to-heat chicken nugget line designed for convenient meal solutions. These nuggets are made with 100% all-natural white-meat chicken, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and simple seasonings, and feature a gluten-free formulation with no added sugar. This innovation supports healthier snacking and dietary flexibility while offering minimal processing and versatility across multiple meal occasions.

In October 2024, Atalanta Corp., a food importer based in New Jersey that specializes in meats, cheeses, groceries, and frozen seafood, announced its acquisition of Big Picture Foods for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is anticipated to strengthen Atalanta's product portfolio while expanding Big Picture Foods' market presence. Big Picture Foods is a US-based company known for producing naturally fermented organic Mediterranean products, including olives, peppers, and capers.

Major companies operating in the perishable prepared food market are Reser’s Fine Foods, Taylor Fresh Foods, Bakkavör Group, Nestlé S.A., Conagra Brands Inc., Tyson Foods, Hormel Foods Corporation, General Mills, Campbell Soup Company, JBS USA Holdings Inc., Smithfield Foods, Maple Leaf Foods, McCain Foods, Rich Products Corporation, Schwan's Company, Sandridge Food Corporation, Greencore Group, Grupo Bimbo, Aryzta AG, OSI Group, Pilgrim's Pride, Perdue Farms, The Kraft Heinz Company.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the perishable prepared food market in 2025. The regions covered in the perishable prepared food market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the perishable prepared food market report are China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, New Zealand, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa.

The perishable prepared food market includes revenues earned by entities by protecting nutrients and getting rid of bad bacteria in salads, sandwiches, and prepared meals. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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