Saudi Arabia Ready Meals Market

Market Overview:

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.

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.

Saudi Arabia Ready Meals Market Trends:

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. 

Saudi Arabia Ready Meals Market Segmentation:

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:

• Frozen Ready Meal
• Chilled Ready Meal
• Ambient Ready Meal
   

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:

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail Stores
• Others
   

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:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region
   

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.

Competitive Landscape:

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:

• 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

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Saudi Arabia Ready Meals Market News: 

• May 2025: Red Planet showcased the revolutionary capabilities of cutting-edge freeze-drying technology at the Saudi Food Show 2025, scheduled for May 12 to 14 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The company demonstrated how this innovation could meet the region’s changing demands in food sustainability, long-term nutrition, and emergency readiness. Included in the selection were various healthy, ready meals, featuring genuine Arabic cuisine and tastes influenced by the unique culinary customs of the GCC area.
• April 2025: Samworth Brothers collaborated with restaurant chain YO! to introduce a new line of Asian ready meals. The updated collection aimed to provide restaurant-grade dishes that could be easily bought and savored at home. YO! was a network of sushi restaurants found in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UK, the UAE, Kuwait, and Australia.
• November 2024: SCG International introduced Siam Signature, a high-end Thai food and drink brand, at Tamimi Markets. This opening marked the dawn of genuine Thai tastes accessible in the Saudi market. One of the products was Thai Aree. It provided ready sauces and meal kits, simplifying the process for anyone to cook classic Thai meals at home.
• September 2024: iD Fresh Food, the prominent ready-to-cook food brand, revealed that it formulated a strategy to increase its revenue to INR 1,100 Crore by 2027. It aimed to set up production plants in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the US by year-end.

Saudi Arabia Ready Meals Market Report Coverage:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Saudi Arabia ready meals market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Saudi Arabia ready meals market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Saudi Arabia ready meals industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.