Changing consumer demand is driving Saudi’s ready meals market

Changing consumer demand is driving Saudi’s ready meals market

Saudi Arabians are increasingly turning to ready meals – pre-cooked meals that can be prepared quickly and conveniently. Estimated today at around SAR 320 million, the market for ready meal sales is predicted to grow by SAR 12 billion in the coming two years, according to analysis by Glasgow Consulting Group.

In a new report, the research and management consultancy explored the state of the ready meals market in the Kingdom, finding that a range of trends are converging to drive demand for ‘ready-to-eat’ food produce.

A decade ago, total sales of Saudi Arabia’s ready meals market stood at just over SAR 250 billion, fast forward to today year-on-year growth has seen the market hit SAR 310 billion by the start of the pandemic. By the end of next year, total sales will have broken through the SAR 330 barrier.

Convenience is on the main drivers of demand, with busier lifestyles among the corporate and the working-class individuals and more working women leaving people with lesser time to prepare meals after their work hours. Prepared in advance, ready meals can be ready in minutes and are meanwhile more convenient to consume.

The growing maturity of supply side dynamics is another growth driver said Glasgow Consulting