Ready To Eat Packaging Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth & Forecast 2034

Ready To Eat Packaging Industry Perspective:

The global ready to eat packaging market size was worth around USD 428.56 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 704.76 billion by 2034 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.10% between 2025 and 2034.

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Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global ready to eat packaging market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.10% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global ready to eat packaging market size was valued at around USD 428.56 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 704.76 billion, by 2034.
• The market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing demand for RTE worldwide.
• Based on the packaging type, the sterile/retort packaging segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the material, the plastic films segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, North America is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Ready To Eat Packaging Market: Overview

Ready-to-eat (RTE) packaging solutions are designed to store and transport food items that can be consumed directly from the package or require minimal preparation. Pre-cooked meals offer convenience as compared to the traditional approach of cooking extensive meals. Packaging solutions designed for ready-to-eat food must offer comprehensive safety to the stored food until the item reaches the end-consumer. In most cases, ready-to-eat food packets are not pre-washed and pre-cooked.

However, in certain cases, they may require certain preparation such as adding hot water or additional seasoning. In the last few years, demand for efficient and safe packaging materials for storing pre-cooked meals has grown worldwide. The demand is driven by changing consumer lifestyles and growing consumption of ready-to-eat meals, especially in urban regions. Some of the most common examples of RTE packaging include canned soups, pre-packaged salads, frozen meat and dairy items, and baked goods.

During the forecast period, demand for ready-to-eat packaging is projected to be driven by the modernization trend observed worldwide and the increasing shift from traditional cooking to modern ways. However, stringent regulations concerning materials used for RTE packaging and growing concerns over excessive waste may impede market expansion in the long run.

Ready To Eat Packaging Market: Growth Drivers

Growing demand for RTE worldwide to propel market expansion during the forecast period

The global ready-to-eat packaging market is expected to be led by the surging demand and consumption of pre-cooked meals. According to industry analysis, a rising number of urban populations is shifting away from traditional methods of elaborate cooking. They are showing an increasing preference toward ready-to-eat food items due to the convenience offered by RTE meals. Ready-to-eat food items save considerable cooking time. Individuals with busy schedules and limited time for domestic work such as cooking.

Additionally, individuals living alone in urban cities including students and working professionals may lack access to the time required for cooking every day. In such cases, ready-to-eat meals can prove highly beneficial. These items are pre-washed and pre-cooked. They do not require consumers to spend time cleaning, cutting, or preparing groceries during food preparation. As per the latest findings, more than 55% of the US adult population regularly consumes ready-to-eat meals propelling demand for associated packaging solutions.

Emergence of online grocery and food delivery applications will fuel market revenue in the coming years

One of the key contributors to increased demand for efficient RTE packaging is the expanding food e-commerce industry. The emergence and rapid penetration of online grocery or food delivery companies have encouraged higher innovation in ready-to-eat packaging solutions. Apart from stand-alone businesses, several e-commerce giants including Amazon have expanded their businesses in the grocery sector of online food and grocery delivery.

In April 2024, Amazon announced the launch of a novel strategy consisting of unlimited grocery delivery subscriptions for Prime members. The services also extended to customers with Electronic Benefit Transfer in the US if the customers were living in one of 3500 approved cities in the country. The global ready-to-eat packaging market will continue to benefit from the expansion of the food e-commerce industry in the long run.

Ready To Eat Packaging Market: Restraints

Concerns over excessive waste generated by the industry may limit market expansion

The global ready to eat packaging industry is expected to be limited due to the surging concerns over excessive waste generated by the market. According to ScienceDirect, more than 123 kilotonnes of waste was generated by the food delivery services alone. It becomes a matter of grave concern when RTE meals are packaged in plastic-based solutions.

Ready To Eat Packaging Market: Opportunities

Increased demand for sustainable RTE packaging to open new growth avenues for industry leaders

The global ready-to-eat packaging market is projected to generate growth opportunities by investing in developing sustainable and environmentally friendly RTE packaging solutions. Modern consumers are becoming eco-conscious. They are actively choosing brands and products that have minimal impact on the environment. In addition to this, strict government policies against environmental pollution caused by business operations may further create growth opportunities in eco-friendly RTE packaging.

In June 2025, Amcor, a leading supplier of responsible packaging, launched a bespoke three-compartment ready meal tray. The new product is a part of the company’s novel range of ambient microwaveable RTE meals by French manufacturer Cofigeo. The tray is designed in compliance with Design for Recycling guidelines meeting regulatory requirements.

Rising use of advanced technology during RTE packaging production may deliver a higher return on investment (ROI)

Increasing use of advanced technologies such as thermoforming, multi-layer laminates, vacuum packaging, and tamper-evident solutions will be essential for the industry’s future growth. Consumer needs are evolving worldwide and RTE packaging solution providers must invest in future-oriented solutions

. In June 2025, Red Plant, a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company, launched RTE meals with a shelf life of 25 years. The company will use freeze-drying technology to preserve food quality and nutrients over the years.

Ready To Eat Packaging Market: Challenges

Strict regulations and health concerns to challenge market growth in the future

The global ready-to-eat packaging industry is expected to be challenged by the presence of strict regulations governing the materials used as packaging solutions. Moreover, toxic content in RTE packaging can leach into the stored food item and lead to long-term health impacts on consumers. These concerns will continue to impact overall market revenue during the forecast duration.

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Ready To Eat Packaging Market: Report Scope

Ready To Eat Packaging Market: Segmentation

The global ready to eat packaging market is segmented based on packaging type, application, material, and region.

Based on the packaging type, the global market segments are sterile/retort packaging, flexible packaging, and others. In 2024, the highest growth was listed in the sterile/retort packaging segment dominating nearly 35% of the total revenue. The increasing awareness about the importance of food hygiene is helping fuel demand for retort packaging for RTE products. Flexible packaging may register improved revenue in the coming years.

Based on application, the global ready to eat packaging industry is segmented into fruits & vegetables, instant noodles, ready-to-eat meals, meat & seafood, and others.

Based on the material, the global market divisions are eco-friendly materials, multi-layer laminates, plastic films, metal cans & trays, and others. In 2024, around 42% of the final revenue was listed in the plastic films segment. According to industry analysis, plastic-based RET packaging offers several advantages with excellent barrier properties and easy availability. The eco-friendly materials segment is projected to grow at a faster CAGR during the forecast period.

Ready To Eat Packaging Market: Regional Analysis

North America to take the leading during the forecast period

The global ready-to-eat packaging market is expected to generate the highest revenue in North America. The growing consumption of ready-to-eat meals and food items across major economies such as the US and Canada will propel regional demand rates. According to recent findings, more than 20.9% of Canadian citizens indulge in pre-cooked meals frequently.

Additionally, the growing demand for sterile and innovative RET packaging in North America will promote regional expansion during the forecast period. Europe is a growing market and has exceptional growth potential in the future. The region is registering improved demand for sustainable RET packaging materials. In October 2024, Yangi, a Sweden-based dry-formed fiber-based packaging, launched food trays with fiber-based, dry-formed substitutes for pre-prepared meals including takeaway items and meat products.

Additionally, the presence of strict government regulations concerning the food packaging industry will promote regional expansion in the future. Europe is also witnessing a surge in the food e-commerce industry with the rapidly growing adoption of grocery delivery applications. Pre-prepared meals and takeaways are extremely common across major European nations promoting higher adoption of RET packaging.

Ready To Eat Packaging Market: Competitive Analysis

The global ready to eat packaging market is led by players like:

• Ester Industries
• Berry Global Group Inc.
• Mondi Group
• PPC Flexible Packaging
• Sonoco Products Company
• Coveris Holdings S.A.
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Pactiv Evergreen
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Amcor Plc
• Tetra Pak International SA
• Constantia Flexibles
• ProAmpac
• GualaPack
• Novolex

The global ready to eat packaging market is segmented as follows:

By Packaging Type

• Sterile/Retort Packaging
• Flexible Packaging
• Others

By Application

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Instant Noodles
• Ready-To-Eat Meals
• Meat & Seafood
• Others

By Material

• Eco-friendly Materials
• Multi-Layer Laminates
• Plastic Films
• Metal Cans & Trays
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa