Saudi Arabia ready meals market size reached USD 1,935.2 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 3,410.9 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during 2025-2033. The increasing prevalence of urbanization, which leads to smaller living spaces and busier routines, coupled with the growth of e-commerce and food delivery services that has made it easier for consumers to access ready meals, is primarily driving the market.
Report Attribute
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Key Statistics
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Base Year
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2024 |
Forecast Years
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2025-2033
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Historical Years
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2019-2024
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Market Size in 2024 | USD 1,935.2 Million |
Market Forecast in 2033 | USD 3,410.9 Million |
Market Growth Rate (2025-2033) | 6.5% |
Ready meals are pre-packaged, convenient food items that are fully cooked and can be quickly heated and served for consumption. These meals cater to individuals seeking a convenient dining option amidst their busy lifestyles. They typically come in various forms, including frozen, refrigerated, or shelf-stable packages, and cover a wide range of cuisines and dishes, from pasta and pizza to curries and salads. Ready meals offer several advantages, such as time-saving, reduced meal preparation efforts, and portion control. They are particularly popular among students, working professionals, and those without culinary skills. Additionally, they often come with detailed heating instructions to ensure easy and safe preparation. In summary, ready meals are convenient, pre-cooked food options that cater to the demands of today's fast-paced lifestyles, offering both convenience and a variety of dining choices.
Growing number of working professionals
Rising number of working professionals is fueling the market growth in Saudi Arabia. According to the CEIC, the number of employed persons in the country was recorded at 17,181,335.000 individuals in September 2024. As more people are engaging in full-time jobs and leading busy lifestyles, they have less time to cook traditional meals at home. Ready meals offer an easy solution, saving time while providing a variety of choices that suit different tastes. Working individuals often prefer food that is easy to store, fast to prepare, and requires minimal effort, especially during weekdays. This steady demand is encouraging food manufacturers to expand their ready meal offerings, improve packaging, and introduce healthier options. Consequently, the market continues to broaden in response to the needs of working professionals.
Expansion of retail outlets
The expansion of retail outlets is positively influencing the market. As per the IMARC Group, the Saudi Arabia retail market size was valued at USD 282.2 Billion in 2024. As supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores are growing in number, they are providing wider shelf space and better visibility for ready-to-eat (RTE) and frozen meals. People find it easier to explore different meal options, compare prices, and make quick purchase decisions during regular shopping trips. Retail outlets are also investing in proper cold storage, ensuring quality and safety of frozen ready meals. Promotions, discounts, and attractive in-store displays are further motivating individuals to try and adopt ready meals in their daily routine. The increasing presence of modern retail formats, including 24/7 stores, caters to busy lifestyles and supports impulsive or last-minute purchases.
Increasing disposable incomes
Rising disposable incomes are propelling the market growth. As per industry reports, in Saudi Arabia, the disposable income for each household was USD 18,260 annually (or USD 1,522 monthly). As household earnings are increasing, people are more willing to purchase RTE meals that offer time-saving benefits and variety. Higher income levels are also encouraging people to try different cuisines, choose healthier and gourmet ready meals, and prioritize quality and packaging over price. This shift in spending habits is driving greater demand for diverse, high-quality, and branded meal options. Consequently, manufacturers are responding with innovations, improved recipes, and broader product offerings, further fueling the expansion of the market in Saudi Arabia.
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type and distribution channel.
Product Type Insights:
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type have also been provided in the report. This includes frozen ready meal, chilled ready meal, and ambient ready meal.
Distribution Channel Insights:
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel have also been provided in the report. This includes hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, online retail stores, and others.
Regional Insights:
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Northern and Central Region, Western Region, Eastern Region, and Southern Region.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided. Some of the key players include:
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
Report Features | Details |
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Base Year of the Analysis | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Units | Million USD |
Scope of the Report | Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment:
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Product Types Covered | Frozen Ready Meal, Chilled Ready Meal, Ambient Ready Meal |
Distribution Channels Covered | Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail Stores, Others |
Regions Covered | Northern and Central Region, Western Region, Eastern Region, Southern Region |
Companies Covered | Al Kabeer Group ME, Al Watania, AlKaramah Dough, Almarai Company, Almunajem Foods, Americana Group, Nutrition and Diet Center Frozen Ready Meals, Seara Foods (JBS Foods SA), Siwar Foods, Sunbulah Group, etc. |
Customization Scope | 10% Free Customization |
Post-Sale Analyst Support | 10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Ready meals are pre-cooked or pre-prepared food items that require little to no additional preparation before consumption. They are designed for convenience, often needing only reheating in a microwave or oven. Ready meals can include frozen dinners, chilled meals, packaged curries, pasta dishes, and rice-based recipes. They are available in supermarkets and online, offering a wider assortment of cuisines, flavors, and dietary options.
The ready meals market in Saudi Arabia was valued at USD 1,935.2 Million in 2024.
Rising number of nuclear families and single-person households is driving the demand for portioned, easy-to-prepare meals. Higher disposable incomes allow people to spend more on packaged food products, including frozen and chilled ready meals. The influence of Western food habits and exposure to worldwide cuisines is further expanding the variety and appeal of ready meal offerings in the market.
The Saudi Arabia ready meals market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.5% during 2025-2033, reaching a value of USD 3,410.9 Million by 2033.
Some of the major players in the Saudi Arabia ready meals market include Al Kabeer Group ME, Al Watania, AlKaramah Dough, Almarai Company, Almunajem Foods, Americana Group, Nutrition and Diet Center Frozen Ready Meals, Seara Foods (JBS Foods SA), Siwar Foods, Sunbulah Group, etc.