By Ashwin Bhadri, CEO, Equinox Labs
The ready-to-eat food segment in India is a rapidly growing market, which is driven by the increasing awareness of convenience and busy lifestyles of consumers. With a large population of young professionals, there is a high demand for convenient and healthy food options.
Ready-to-eat foods are those that have been cooked to the point where they can be enjoyed right away without further preparation. Foods that are prepared for consumption can be served cold, hot, shelf-stable or only slightly heated. Foods that are prepared and ready to eat must adhere to strict regulations for preventing contamination or growth of bacteria after the dish has been cooked.
Whatever one chooses to label such product – ready-to-eat meals, instant food mixes or heat-and-serve food – they are undoubtedly the most practical food items in the market currently.
Heat and eat food products are the best alternatives to traditional cooking, especially in the lack of the time to cook something healthy and wholesome. These ready-to-eat meals need to be heated only for a few minutes and served.
This alternative is perfect for working individuals and college students, who do not have the time to cook a sumptuous and nutritious meal.
The availability of ready-to-eat food has increased over the years. There exists a large number of options within the ready-to-eat category and such meals are convenient for those who cannot afford to spend hours in the kitchen cooking. It is a convenient way to eat home-cooked food without spending time in tedious preparatory tasks. Many ready-to-eat foods are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that make them a convenient and nutritious option.
They are also easy to pack and carry, making them a convenient option for individuals who are travelling. Many ready-to-eat foods have a long shelf life, making them an ideal option for emergency situations. Such products are often less expensive than eating out at a restaurant or ordering food, thereby making those a cost-effective option for many. With advancements in packaging and preservation techniques, it has become a safer and healthier option to consume.
Foods that are ready to eat are available in a variety of forms. Pre-cooked meals that have been packaged and frozen make reheating and serving a breeze. Examples include frozen pizzas, casseroles and lasagnes. Foods that have been cooked, canned and sealed are referred to as prepared foods. They have a long shelf life and can be heated or eaten straight from the can. Examples include canned soups, stews and chilli. These meals are lightweight, easy to store and have the majority of their water content removed. Water can be added to them to rehydrate them. Ramen noodles, instant oatmeal and macaroni and cheese are a few examples. Meals that have already been prepared and packaged can be consumed right away. Examples include fruit cups, baby food pouches and single-serving macaroni and cheese cups. Pre-packaged, ready-to-eat foods that exist are frequently consumed as snacks. Chips, crackers, popcorn and fruit snacks are a few examples. Beverages that are pre-packaged and ready to drink can be consumed directly from the bottle or can. Juice, sports drinks and teas are a few examples.
The rise in the number of working women and nuclear families is one of the main drivers of the ready-to-eat food sector in India. The desire for quick and simple meal options has increased as a result of these demographic trends. The demand for upscale and gourmet ready-to-eat foods has also increased as a result of customers’ increasing disposable income. Growing public knowledge of the advantages of a healthy diet is another significant element influencing the expansion of the ready-to-eat food sector in India.
Consumers are searching for solutions that are low in fat, salt and sugar as they become more aware of the nutritional value of the food they eat. The demand for healthier ready-to-eat food options like salads, soups and grains has increased as a result of this. Future predictions indicate that India’s market for ready-to-eat meals would expand rapidly.
It is anticipated to increase as a result of rising e-commerce adoption, organised retail expansion and rising consumer interest in online meal delivery services. Additionally, it is anticipated that the market will advance due to the growing demand for natural and organic food products.
The market for ready-to-eat food in India is expanding quickly, driven by rising convenience expectations, consumers’ hectic schedules and increased knowledge of the advantages of a balanced diet. Future market growth is anticipated to continue at a strong clip, propelled by expanding commerce’s market share, organised retail sector’s growth and the rising acceptance of online meal delivery services.
Therefore, the ready-to-eat food segment is here to stay and will be an important part of the food industry in India and will be a major contributor to the country’s economy.
Email header