Canada Frozen Ready Meals Market Overview, 2029

The ready meals market in Canada has seen remarkable growth, with its expansion driven by several key factors. Urbanization and increasingly hectic lifestyles have led many Canadians to seek out convenient meal solutions that save time without compromising on taste or nutrition. As a result, the market has diversified, offering a wide array of products including frozen, chilled, and shelf-stable meals that cater to various dietary preferences and requirements. Health consciousness among consumers has spurred demand for ready meals that emphasize natural ingredients, low sodium, reduced sugar, and high protein content. This shift is evident in the rising popularity of organic and plant-based ready meal options. Technological advancements and the proliferation of online grocery shopping have further fueled the market’s growth. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with major food manufacturers and local brands continuously innovating to meet evolving consumer preferences. Strategic collaborations, new product launches, and sustainable packaging initiatives are some of the ways companies are striving to gain a competitive edge. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the market. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, more Canadians turned to ready meals as a convenient and safe alternative to dining out. The ready meals market in Canada is thus poised for continued expansion, driven by convenience, health trends, and technological integration. According to the research report "Canada Frozen Potato Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Canada frozen potato market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 1.8 Billion by 2029. The demand for ready meals in Canada has been driven by a combination of demographic shifts, lifestyle changes, and evolving consumer preferences. One significant factor contributing to the demand is the increasingly fast-paced lifestyles of Canadians. With busier schedules and less time for meal preparation, many consumers are turning to ready meals as a convenient solution to meet their dietary needs. This is particularly true for urban populations and those with demanding work or family commitments. Moreover, demographic changes such as the rise in single-person households and dual-income families have also fueled demand for ready meals. Single individuals often seek convenient portion-controlled options, while dual-income families may rely on ready meals as a time-saving solution for busy weeknights. The increasing pace of life, with more Canadians juggling work and personal commitments, has significantly boosted demand for convenient meal solutions. Health and wellness trends have also played a pivotal role in shaping consumer preferences within the ready meals market. As more consumers become health-conscious and seek out nutritious options, there is a growing demand for ready meals that offer wholesome ingredients, lower levels of sodium and preservatives, and cater to specific dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.

In Canada, the ready meals market offers a diverse array of options to cater to various dietary preferences, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. Vegetarian ready meals typically include a wide range of options such as vegetable stir-fries, pasta primavera, bean and rice burritos, tofu-based dishes, and vegetable curries. These meals often feature a variety of vibrant vegetables, legumes, grains, and plant-based protein sources to provide a nutritious and satisfying dining experience for vegetarians and vegans alike. Many vegetarian ready meals also cater to specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or dairy-free options, to accommodate a broader range of consumers. On the other hand, non-vegetarian ready meals in Canada encompass an extensive selection of options, including classic meat-based dishes such as chicken Alfredo, beef stew, pork chops, and seafood pasta. Canadian cuisine influences non-vegetarian ready meals, with offerings like maple-glazed salmon, poutine with pulled pork, and butter chicken being popular choices. The non-vegetarian segment also includes options for those seeking convenience without compromising on dietary preferences, such as halal or kosher-certified meals. The ready meals market in Canada offers a variety of product types to meet the diverse needs and preferences of consumers, including canned, frozen, chilled, and dried options. Canned ready meals are shelf-stable products that undergo a preservation process, making them convenient for long-term storage and easy to transport. These meals often include soups, stews, and pasta dishes, providing a quick and convenient meal solution for consumers. Frozen ready meals are a popular choice among Canadian consumers due to their extended shelf life and convenience. These meals are typically prepared, portioned, and then frozen to maintain freshness. They include a wide range of options, from classic comfort foods like lasagna and macaroni and cheese to international cuisines such as Thai curry and Mexican enchiladas. Chilled ready meals are fresh products that are refrigerated to maintain their quality and taste. These meals often include salads, sandwiches, wraps, and pre-cooked meats or seafood with sides. Chilled ready meals appeal to consumers seeking a healthier and fresher option compared to canned or frozen meals, and they are commonly found in deli sections or grab-and-go sections of grocery stores and convenience stores. Dried ready meals are another option available in the Canadian market, although they are less common compared to canned, frozen, and chilled options. Sales channels are through retail stores, including supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores. These brick-and-mortar outlets offer a wide selection of ready meals, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of Canadian consumers. Supermarkets and grocery stores often dedicate sections or aisles to ready meals, featuring both national brands and private label offerings. Convenience stores provide on-the-go options for consumers seeking quick meal solutions. Foodservice channels also play a significant role in the distribution of ready meals in Canada. This includes restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and other foodservice establishments that offer ready-to-eat or heat-and-serve meal options to consumers dining out or ordering takeout. Direct sales channels such as meal kit delivery services have gained popularity in Canada, providing consumers with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to prepare meals at home. These subscription-based services offer convenience and flexibility, allowing consumers to enjoy homemade meals without the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping. Foodservice channels also play a significant role in the distribution of ready meals in Canada. This includes restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and other foodservice establishments that offer ready-to-eat or heat-and-serve meal options to consumers dining out or ordering takeout. Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029

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Aspects covered in this report • Frozen Ready Meals market with its value and forecast along with its segments • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Ready Meals: • Non-Veg Meal • Frozen Pizza • Veg-Meal By End User: • Residential • Commercial

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By Sales Channel: • Supermarket /modern retail/ hypermarket • Independent Retailers / Departmental /convenience store • On-line Shop The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience: This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Frozen Ready Meals industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.