Market Insights Consumer Food Convenience Food

Ready-to-Eat Meals - New Zealand

New Zealand

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to €0.86bn in 2025. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.84% (CAGR 2025-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (€150bn in 2025).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of €162.40 are generated in 2025.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 97.62m kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.9% in 2026.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 16.8kg in 2025.

Key regions: Russia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India

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Analyst Opinion

The New Zealand ready-to-eat meals market in the convenience food market has seen minimal growth, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences and the availability of healthier options. This has led to a rise in demand for convenient, healthy meals among busy consumers.

Customer preferences: Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend towards healthier and more sustainable food options in New Zealand, particularly in the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market. This change is driven by an increasing awareness of the impact of food choices on personal health and the environment. As a result, there has been a rise in demand for plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals, as well as a focus on minimizing food waste through sustainable packaging and supply chain practices. This shift in consumer preferences is also influenced by the country's strong cultural emphasis on health and wellness, as well as its growing population of health-conscious millennials.

Trends in the market: In New Zealand, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for plant-based and organic options. This trend is being driven by the increasing focus on health and wellness, as consumers seek out convenient, yet healthy meal options. This has led to the emergence of new players in the market, offering a variety of plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals. As this trend continues, it is expected to have a significant impact on industry stakeholders, including traditional food manufacturers who may need to adapt their offerings to meet changing consumer preferences. Additionally, this trend is likely to drive innovation in the market, as companies compete to offer the most appealing and nutritious options to consumers.

Local special circumstances: In New Zealand, the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is thriving due to the country's busy lifestyles and high demand for convenient meal options. Additionally, the strong influence of Maori and Pacific Island cultures has led to a preference for traditional and ethnic flavors in these meals. The country's strict food safety regulations also ensure high-quality and safe products, further driving the growth of the market. Moreover, New Zealand's strong agricultural sector allows for a steady supply of fresh and locally sourced ingredients, adding to the appeal of ready-to-eat meals.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in New Zealand is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending patterns, inflation rates, and trade policies. The country's stable economic growth, low unemployment rate, and rising disposable income levels have contributed to the market's growth. Moreover, the government's initiatives to promote healthy eating habits and increase food safety regulations have positively impacted the market. However, fluctuations in global commodity prices and currency exchange rates can affect the cost and availability of raw materials, which may impact market growth. Additionally, changing consumer preferences towards healthier and organic options are also shaping the market landscape.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.