Many people choose ready meals due to their practicality and affordability. Nowadays, these meals are also available in various options, ensuring sustained interest. As the demand is increasing, many companies are trying to develop their ready meals products with new innovations, while keeping the quality and taste consistencies.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is the country that witnesses the trend of ready meals. Saudi Arabia ready meals market report from GMI Research noticed that the market has seen substantial growth in recent years. The research firm also predicted that Saudi Arabia ready meals market size would grow at a high CAGR from 2023 to 2030.

The Drivers

The increasing need for instant and processed food to the expansion of retail outlets can drive the market to grow.

1. Popularity of foreign cuisines

The KSA has seen a significant increase in their expatriate population in recent years. These expats are working in the country and come from different countries. They come to KSA while also bringing different types of food culture. This will propel manufacturers to produce a greater variety of ready meals and further propel the growth of this market.

2. Demand for instant and processed food

Recently, more women are participating in the workforce thus becomes too busy to prepare meals at home. This new trend drives the need for instant and processed food. Frozen and processed foods are also popular due to their stable shelf-life, and it does not take much time to prepare.

Ready meals are popular among millennials and the young generation, as they need everything to be fast. This meal will be a time and money savings, thus ideal for on-the-go lifestyles.

3. Expansion of retail outlets

The extension of retail outlets like supermarkets in KSA can further drive the growth of the market. More retail outlets mean more channels to produce and distribute the ready meals. Moreover, the surge of online retailers and the emergence of food delivery services increase consumer's accessibility to get ready meals.

4. The rising population

There has been a significant increase of population in KSA due to the growing immigration and high natural growth among Saudis. As the population in KSA is rising, more ready meals are needed to meet the growing demand.

The Challenges

Despite the market growing in a promising direction, there are some challenges that can restrain the market’s growth.

1. Negative effects of instant foods

More people are aware of the negative effects and risks of instant foods, like obesity and other chronic diseases. This can drive consumers to seek out healthier alternatives.

2. Stringent food safety regulations

There have been stricter food safety regulations. These regulations require food producers to follow safe handling procedures and prevent contamination during food processing, thereby can hamper the growth of the ready meals market.

Even though those challenges can hamper the growth of the market, many innovations can further expand this market’s opportunities in the future. The trend of healthy food and veganism among Saudis population can further offer a pathway for this market to grow.