Ready Meal Trays Market
Ready Meal Trays Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Product (Multi-compartment Trays, Single-compartment Trays, Lidded Trays, Sealable Trays and Other Products), Material, Sealing Type, Size, Distribution Channel, End User and By Geography
|
Years Covered |
2022-2030 |
|
Estimated Year Value (2024) |
US $1.41 BN |
|
Projected Year Value (2030) |
US $2.57 BN |
|
CAGR (2024 - 2030) |
8.9% |
|
Regions Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa |
|
Countries Covered |
US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Rest of Asia Pacific, South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and South Africa |
|
Largest Market |
Asia Pacific |
|
Highest Growing Market |
North America |
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Ready Meal Trays Market is accounted for $1.41 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $2.57 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. Meals that need little preparation can be stored and heated in ready meal trays, which are prefabricated packing options. These trays, which are usually composed of plastic, aluminium, or biodegradable materials, guarantee portion control, convenience, and food safety. They provide customers with a quick and simple dining choice and are frequently utilised in frozen, chilled, or microwaveable meals. To maintain flavour and texture, the trays are frequently divided into sections to keep different meal components apart. Ready meal trays support efficient storage, transport, and consumption, making them popular in households, catering, and institutional food services.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Increasing urbanization and single-person households
Fast, prefabricated meals are becoming more and more necessary for daily survival as more people move into cities. The surge in single-person households further supports this desire, as individuals often want quick, portion-controlled meals. Ready meal trays offer a perfect alternative, decreasing the need for cooking and minimizing food waste. These trays are also easy to store and heat, making them great for urban living with little kitchen space. Overall, the trend of urban life and solitary dining considerably increases the growth of the ready meal trays market.
Restraint:
Environmental impact of packaging
Eco-friendly substitutes for conventional plastic packaging are being demanded by governments and consumers alike. Non-recyclable packaging materials are disposed of in a way that pollutes the environment and causes landfill overflow. This pressure encourages manufacturers to seek ecologically responsible packaging alternatives, often at a higher cost. The total cost of ready meal trays may rise as a result of the additional cost of moving to sustainable materials, which could restrict market expansion. The intricacy of creating sustainable, affordable packaging technologies also makes it difficult for the sector to grow.
Opportunity:
Product innovation and customization
Advanced features including ovenable, microwave-safe, and environmentally friendly materials are being added by manufacturers to trays to increase their attractiveness. By accommodating certain dietary requirements, quantity sizes, and regional flavour profiles, customisation enables firms to improve customer happiness. Innovative container designs help improve shelf life and product presentation, enticing more shoppers. These developments aid food companies in standing out in a crowded market. As a result, product innovation and personalisation not only drive demand but also nurture brand loyalty and market expansion.
Threat:
Price sensitivity
Consumers often prioritize cost over quality when purchasing ready meals, leading to increased demand for cheaper options.This forces manufacturers to reduce production costs, sometimes compromising on materials and design. Lower-priced trays may result in inferior quality, affecting brand reputation. Moreover, high competition among brands pushes companies to lower prices, reducing profit margins. Overall, price sensitivity creates a challenge in maintaining product quality while keeping prices competitive.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the ready meal trays market. Lockdowns and restaurant closures heightened consumer reliance on convenient, hygienically packaged meals, boosting demand for ready meal trays. However, supply chain disruptions and increased home cooking initially tempered growth. Over time, the market adapted, with innovations in packaging and a surge in online food delivery sustaining momentum. The pandemic underscored the importance of convenience and safety in food consumption, reshaping consumer preferences and driving long-term growth in the ready meal trays sector.
The paper & paperboard segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The paper & paperboard segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its eco-friendly and recyclable nature, aligning with rising consumer demand for sustainable packaging. These materials are lightweight yet durable, making them ideal for convenient meal storage and transport. Their compatibility with microwave and oven use adds value for consumers seeking quick meal solutions. Additionally, regulatory pressure to reduce plastic usage encourages manufacturers to adopt paper-based alternatives. As a result, innovations in coated and molded fiber trays are gaining traction, further driving market growth.
The shelf-stable meals segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the shelf-stable meals segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate by offering convenience and long shelf life without refrigeration. These meals cater to busy lifestyles, military needs, and emergency preparedness, expanding the consumer base. Their easy storage and transport make them ideal for retail, e-commerce, and institutional use. Advancements in packaging technology ensure food safety, taste, and nutritional value over extended periods. As global demand for on-the-go and long-lasting food options grows, shelf-stable meals drive consistent market expansion.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles of consumers. Countries like China, India, and Japan are driving demand as convenience foods become more popular. Rising disposable incomes, coupled with a shift towards nuclear family structures, are influencing the market's expansion. Furthermore, the demand for a wide variety of international and local cuisines in ready-to-eat formats is boosting market growth. Technological innovations in packaging and product preservation are further supporting market development in the region.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to the increasing demand for convenient, time-saving food options. A growing consumer preference for healthier, ready-to-eat meals, coupled with the rise of single-person households, fuels market expansion. Additionally, advancements in packaging technology, enhancing shelf life and ease of use, are contributing to the popularity of these products. With significant retail distribution and a strong demand for variety, the region is poised to continue leading the market, particularly in the U.S. and Canada.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Ready Meal Trays Market include Amcor plc, Faerch A/S, Huhtamaki Oyj, Sonoco Products Company, DS Smith Plc, Silver Plastics GmbH & Co. KG, Quinn Packaging, MCP Performance Plastic Ltd, Versatile Packaging, Omniform Group, Greencore Group, Bakkavor Group, Apetito, Lite n' Easy, Tee Yih Jia, Sealed Air Corporation, Sabert Corporation and Winpak Ltd.
Key Developments:
In November 2024, Faerch introduced CPET trays for chilled ready meals in the UK & Ireland, incorporating a minimum of 40% Tray rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) content. This move aligns with their commitment to circularity, ensuring that the trays maintain high-quality performance while reducing reliance on virgin materials.
In January 2024, Amcor introduced customizable recycle-ready polypropylene barrier trays and lidding solutions, designed to offer enhanced sealability, extended shelf life, and premium product appearance, making them suitable for fresh and processed meats, plant-based proteins, poultry, and ready meals.
Products Covered:
• Multi-compartment Trays
• Single-compartment Trays
• Lidded Trays
• Sealable Trays
• Microwaveable Trays
• Oven-safe Trays
• Other Products
Materials Covered:
• Plastic
• Aluminum
• Paper & Paperboard
• Biodegradable
• Other Materials
Sealing Types Covered:
• Heat-sealable
• Snap-on lids
• Peelable lids
Sizes Covered:
• Small
• Medium
• Large
Distribution Channels Covered:
• Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail
• Foodservice Outlets
End Users Covered:
• Frozen Meals
• Chilled Meals
• Fresh Meals
• Shelf-stable Meals
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Free Customization Offerings:
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Preface
2.1 Abstract
2.2 Stake Holders
2.3 Research Scope
2.4 Research Methodology
2.4.1 Data Mining
2.4.2 Data Analysis
2.4.3 Data Validation
2.4.4 Research Approach
2.5 Research Sources
2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
2.5.3 Assumptions
3 Market Trend Analysis
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Drivers
3.3 Restraints
3.4 Opportunities
3.5 Threats
3.6 Product Analysis
3.7 End User Analysis
3.8 Emerging Markets
3.9 Impact of Covid-19
4 Porters Five Force Analysis
4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
4.3 Threat of substitutes
4.4 Threat of new entrants
4.5 Competitive rivalry
5 Global Ready Meal Trays Market, By Product
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Multi-compartment Trays
5.3 Single-compartment Trays
5.4 Lidded Trays
5.5 Sealable Trays
5.6 Microwaveable Trays
5.7 Oven-safe Trays
5.8 Other Products
6 Global Ready Meal Trays Market, By Material
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Plastic
6.2.1 Polypropylene (PP)
6.2.2 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
6.2.3 Polyethylene (PE)
6.2.4 Polystyrene (PS)
6.3 Aluminum
6.4 Paper & Paperboard
6.5 Biodegradable
6.6 Other Materials
7 Global Ready Meal Trays Market, By Sealing Type
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Heat-sealable
7.3 Snap-on lids
7.4 Peelable lids
8 Global Ready Meal Trays Market, By Size
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Small
8.3 Medium
8.4 Large
9 Global Ready Meal Trays Market, By Distribution Channel
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Supermarkets
9.3 Convenience Stores
9.4 Online Retail
9.5 Foodservice Outlets
10 Global Ready Meal Trays Market, By End User
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Frozen Meals
10.3 Chilled Meals
10.4 Fresh Meals
10.5 Shelf-stable Meals
10.6 Other End Users
11 Global Ready Meal Trays Market, By Geography
11.1 Introduction
11.2 North America
11.2.1 US
11.2.2 Canada
11.2.3 Mexico
11.3 Europe
11.3.1 Germany
11.3.2 UK
11.3.3 Italy
11.3.4 France
11.3.5 Spain
11.3.6 Rest of Europe
11.4 Asia Pacific
11.4.1 Japan
11.4.2 China
11.4.3 India
11.4.4 Australia
11.4.5 New Zealand
11.4.6 South Korea
11.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
11.5 South America
11.5.1 Argentina
11.5.2 Brazil
11.5.3 Chile
11.5.4 Rest of South America
11.6 Middle East & Africa
11.6.1 Saudi Arabia
11.6.2 UAE
11.6.3 Qatar
11.6.4 South Africa
11.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
12 Key Developments
12.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
12.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
12.3 New Product Launch
12.4 Expansions
12.5 Other Key Strategies
13 Company Profiling
13.1 Amcor plc
13.2 Faerch A/S
13.3 Huhtamaki Oyj
13.4 Sonoco Products Company
13.5 DS Smith Plc
13.6 Silver Plastics GmbH & Co. KG
13.7 Quinn Packaging
13.8 MCP Performance Plastic Ltd
13.9 Versatile Packaging
13.10 Omniform Group
13.11 Greencore Group
13.12 Bakkavor Group
13.13 Apetito
13.14 Lite n' Easy
13.15 Tee Yih Jia
13.16 Sealed Air Corporation
13.17 Sabert Corporation
13.18 Winpak Ltd.
List of Tables
1 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Region (2024-2032) ($MN)
2 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Product (2024-2032) ($MN)
3 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Multi-compartment Trays (2024-2032) ($MN)
4 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Single-compartment Trays (2024-2032) ($MN)
5 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Lidded Trays (2024-2032) ($MN)
6 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Sealable Trays (2024-2032) ($MN)
7 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Microwaveable Trays (2024-2032) ($MN)
8 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Oven-safe Trays (2024-2032) ($MN)
9 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Other Products (2024-2032) ($MN)
10 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Material (2024-2032) ($MN)
11 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Plastic (2024-2032) ($MN)
12 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Polypropylene (PP) (2024-2032) ($MN)
13 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) (2024-2032) ($MN)
14 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Polyethylene (PE) (2024-2032) ($MN)
15 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Polystyrene (PS) (2024-2032) ($MN)
16 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Aluminum (2024-2032) ($MN)
17 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Paper & Paperboard (2024-2032) ($MN)
18 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Biodegradable (2024-2032) ($MN)
19 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Other Materials (2024-2032) ($MN)
20 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Sealing Type (2024-2032) ($MN)
21 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Heat-sealable (2024-2032) ($MN)
22 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Snap-on lids (2024-2032) ($MN)
23 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Peelable lids (2024-2032) ($MN)
24 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Size (2024-2032) ($MN)
25 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Small (2024-2032) ($MN)
26 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Medium (2024-2032) ($MN)
27 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Large (2024-2032) ($MN)
28 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Distribution Channel (2024-2032) ($MN)
29 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Supermarkets (2024-2032) ($MN)
30 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Convenience Stores (2024-2032) ($MN)
31 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Online Retail (2024-2032) ($MN)
32 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Foodservice Outlets (2024-2032) ($MN)
33 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By End User (2024-2032) ($MN)
34 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Frozen Meals (2024-2032) ($MN)
35 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Chilled Meals (2024-2032) ($MN)
36 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Fresh Meals (2024-2032) ($MN)
37 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Shelf-stable Meals (2024-2032) ($MN)
38 Global Ready Meal Trays Market Outlook, By Other End Users (2024-2032) ($MN)
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
List of Figures
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
We at ‘Stratistics’ opt for an extensive research approach which involves data mining, data validation, and data analysis. The various research sources include in-house repository, secondary research, competitor’s sources, social media research, client internal data, and primary research.
Our team of analysts prefers the most reliable and authenticated data sources in order to perform the comprehensive literature search. With access to most of the authenticated data bases our team highly considers the best mix of information through various sources to obtain extensive and accurate analysis.
Each report takes an average time of a month and a team of 4 industry analysts. The time may vary depending on the scope and data availability of the desired market report. The various parameters used in the market assessment are standardized in order to enhance the data accuracy.
Data Mining
The data is collected from several authenticated, reliable, paid and unpaid sources and is filtered depending on the scope & objective of the research. Our reports repository acts as an added advantage in this procedure. Data gathering from the raw material suppliers, distributors and the manufacturers is performed on a regular basis, this helps in the comprehensive understanding of the products value chain. Apart from the above mentioned sources the data is also collected from the industry consultants to ensure the objective of the study is in the right direction.
Market trends such as technological advancements, regulatory affairs, market dynamics (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges) are obtained from scientific journals, market related national & international associations and organizations.
Data Analysis
From the data that is collected depending on the scope & objective of the research the data is subjected for the analysis. The critical steps that we follow for the data analysis include:
- Product Lifecycle Analysis
- Competitor analysis
- Risk analysis
- Porters Analysis
- PESTEL Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
The data engineering is performed by the core industry experts considering both the Marketing Mix Modeling and the Demand Forecasting. The marketing mix modeling makes use of multiple-regression techniques to predict the optimal mix of marketing variables. Regression factor is based on a number of variables and how they relate to an outcome such as sales or profits.
Data Validation
The data validation is performed by the exhaustive primary research from the expert interviews. This includes telephonic interviews, focus groups, face to face interviews, and questionnaires to validate our research from all aspects. The industry experts we approach come from the leading firms, involved in the supply chain ranging from the suppliers, distributors to the manufacturers and consumers so as to ensure an unbiased analysis.
We are in touch with more than 15,000 industry experts with the right mix of consultants, CEO's, presidents, vice presidents, managers, experts from both supply side and demand side, executives and so on.
The data validation involves the primary research from the industry experts belonging to:
- Leading Companies
- Suppliers & Distributors
- Manufacturers
- Consumers
- Industry/Strategic Consultants
Apart from the data validation the primary research also helps in performing the fill gap research, i.e. providing solutions for the unmet needs of the research which helps in enhancing the reports quality.
For more details about research methodology, kindly write to us at info@strategymrc.com
Frequently Asked Questions
In case of any queries regarding this report, you can contact the customer service by filing the “Inquiry Before Buy” form available on the right hand side. You may also contact us through email: info@strategymrc.com or phone: +1-301-202-5929
Yes, the samples are available for all the published reports. You can request them by filling the “Request Sample” option available in this page.
Yes, you can request a sample with your specific requirements. All the customized samples will be provided as per the requirement with the real data masked.
All our reports are available in Digital PDF format. In case if you require them in any other formats, such as PPT, Excel etc you can submit a request through “Inquiry Before Buy” form available on the right hand side. You may also contact us through email: info@strategymrc.com or phone: +1-301-202-5929
We offer a free 15% customization with every purchase. This requirement can be fulfilled for both pre and post sale. You may send your customization requirements through email at info@strategymrc.com or call us on +1-301-202-5929.
We have 3 different licensing options available in electronic format.
- Single User Licence: Allows one person, typically the buyer, to have access to the ordered product. The ordered product cannot be distributed to anyone else.
- 2-5 User Licence: Allows the ordered product to be shared among a maximum of 5 people within your organisation.
- Corporate License: Allows the product to be shared among all employees of your organisation regardless of their geographical location.
All our reports are typically be emailed to you as an attachment.
To order any available report you need to register on our website. The payment can be made either through CCAvenue or PayPal payments gateways which accept all international cards.
We extend our support to 6 months post sale. A post sale customization is also provided to cover your unmet needs in the report.
Request Customization
We offer complimentary customization of up to 15% with every purchase. To share your customization requirements, feel free to email us at info@strategymrc.com or call us on +1-301-202-5929. .
Please Note: Customization within the 15% threshold is entirely free of charge. If your request exceeds this limit, we will conduct a feasibility assessment. Following that, a detailed quote and timeline will be provided.
WHY CHOOSE US ?
Assured Quality
Best in class reports with high standard of research integrity
24X7 Research Support
Continuous support to ensure the best customer experience.
Free Customization
Adding more values to your product of interest.
Safe & Secure Access
Providing a secured environment for all online transactions.
Trusted by 600+ Brands
Serving the most reputed brands across the world.
