The cooking ingredients and meals industry has returned to a level of stability after years of significant volatility. Growth over 2025-2030 is predicted to be slow but steady, shaped by the increasing importance of emerging markets, consumer shifts towards affordably-positioned products and channels, and a changing competitive landscape.

Robust economic growth is supporting an expanding middle class in Côte d’Ivoire, underpinning strong growth in demand for cooking ingredients and meals in 2025. Middle-class consumers, who are typically active and time-poor, are increasingly seeking convenient, quick and balanced meal solutions. Meanwhile, the rising prevalence of hypertension and diabetes is prompting some manufacturers to reformulate their recipes to meet growing demand for healthier options.

In 2025, value sales of meals and cooking supplies are set to see moderate growth, with mixed consumer sentiment affecting the marketplace. For instance, while price sensitivity remained high due to ongoing inflation and cost-of-living pressures, demand for essential categories, such as basic sauces, spices, and edible oils remained steady.

Value sales of cooking ingredients and meals are set to rise in 2025 driven by product innovation including new flavours and smaller pack sizes, urbanisation and population growth. Also important is retail footprint expansion, most notably in the convenience store format which is developing in regional cities and towns. On the other hand, this category is not immune to growth barriers due to macroenvironment factors created by the ongoing civil war.

Rising concern over ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is reshaping the foods landscape. This report examines the issue in detail, exploring where staple foods are most impacted by negative consumer sentiment, and – most importantly – which foods stand to benefit. This report also outlines UPF consumption across key markets, determines what the consumer thinks of the issue and examines what the future holds, identifying how food producers, brands and retailers can benefit from clean label demand.

Cooking ingredients and meals in Ireland is projected to see further strong growth in retail current value sales terms over 2025, albeit at a slower pace as inflation and price levels began to stabilise following volatility. This price stabilisation contributed to a more predictable market environment, allowing consumers to resume regular shopping patterns. Meanwhile, retail volume sales are projected to see faster growth than in 2024, reflecting increased consumer confidence and a gradual retur

Multi-layered, science-backed functionality is reshaping food and drink. Digestive health, energy and brain health claims drive innovation, but success now also depends on simplified, all-in-one nutrition and holistic benefits—such as hydration, sleep and longevity—delivered in credible, convenient formats. Brands that combine enjoyment with wellbeing, especially in snacks and portable options, will capture growth, while others risk losing relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Cooking ingredients and meals faces a challenging outlook in 2026 and beyond between price pressures, consumer frustrations and trade conflicts. Growth opportunities remain, however, in areas like natural wellness, convenience that reflects modern lifestyles, and introducing consumers to diverse global flavours.

Cooking ingredients and meals in Bangladesh in 2025 is marked by price increases across some categories, which have impacted the sales performance of cooking ingredients and meals as a whole. Demand is rising slowly for some categories, with the strongest increase in popularity being most notable in edible oils and sauces, dips and condiments.

Cooking ingredients and meals in Vietnam saw retail current value growth in 2025, propelled by enduring culinary traditions, health innovations, and a VAT reduction. Food safety is a paramount consumer concern, driving demand for transparency and scientifically-backed products. Calofic Corp led in 2025, with Masan Consumer Corp showing dynamism, while local manufacturers gained strength through niche specialities. Small local grocers remained the dominant distribution channel, although e-commerc

Value growth of cooking ingredients and meals in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025 was mostly driven by continued high inflation. Many food item sales stagnated or even fell in volume terms. Higher-quality products sold at a premium price were more significantly affected, while others such as cheaper edible oil alternatives have shown steady growth as consumers sought budget options. Despite a pessimistic outlook in the market, consumers welcome innovation and new flavours, supporting growth of for

Inflation was the dominant force in the market for cooking ingredients and meals in Ethiopia in 2025: It drove a surge in retail current value sales, but growth in retail volume sales was much more modest. This underpinned an increase in sales of contraband cooking oil. Meanwhile, sales of honey continued to rise, as social media helped to spread awareness of its health and wellness benefits, while urbanisation and Westernisation boosted demand for ketchup and mayonnaise, albeit from quite a low

In 2025, the value sales of cooking ingredients and meals in Cambodia are set to rise, driven by a confluence of factors including sustained consumer demand for home cooking, adaptation to persistent food inflation, and a growing emphasis on healthier and more natural options. While consumers actively sought affordable choices and private label products gained traction, there has also been a notable shift towards healthier eating, with increasing suspicion of processed foods. Sustainability conc

Cooking ingredients and meals in Panama is set to deliver an overall positive performance in 2025, with sales increasing in both current value and volume terms. Although unit price growth across most categories has begun to stabilise, the persistently high cost of living continues to strain household budgets. This has led price-conscious consumers to adapt their shopping behaviour, with many trading down to private label products or actively seeking promotions and discounts to maximise value for

In 2025, sales of cooking ingredients and meals in Laos are set to register moderate growth, driven by essential categories such as edible oils, sauces, dips, condiments, and meals and soups. Growth is concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas, supported by increasing urbanisation, rising convenience trends, and the expansion of the foodservice sector. However, price sensitivity remains a key factor in consumer behaviour, especially in rural areas and among lower-income households. Laos' heavy

Cooking ingredients and meals in Saudi Arabia witnessed solid growth over 2025, in both volume and value terms. Stronger domestic income, more women participating in the paid workforce, a rising population through a continuous influx of expatriates into the country, and a healthy economy with flourishing tourism rates are all factors that have supported the growth of cooking ingredients and meals in the Kingdom.

In the United Arab Emirates, cooking ingredients and meals is seeing rising retail value sales in 2025, driven by demand for natural, minimally processed products, functional and plant-based options, and convenient formats such as ready-to-use sauces and meal kits. Consumers are increasingly cost-conscious, trading into private label, smaller pack sizes and promotional offers, yet still opting for occasional premium flavours and organic or ethically sourced items. IFFCO maintains overall leaders

Cooking ingredients and meals in Germany registered further strong growth in retail current value sales in 2025, largely in line with 2024. Convenience continued to be a major driver, with ready-to-use solutions remaining a focus. Therefore, the biggest category, meals and soups, posted the highest growth in retail current value sales in 2025, as consumers looked for quick, nutritious meals to fit their increasingly busy lifestyles. Affordability also plays an important role for cooking ingredie

In 2025, Ukraine continued to face significant challenges due to the ongoing war, yet the economy showed signs of gradual stabilisation. Consumers have largely adapted to new realities, adjusting their lifestyles and purchasing habits accordingly. While the cooking ingredients and meals category experienced modest recovery in retail volumes, growth remained constrained by high inflation, reduced disposable incomes, and cautious spending behaviour. Shoppers increasingly plan their purchases, focu

In 2025, cooking ingredients and meals in Turkey recorded double-digit value growth, driven by persistent inflation, price sensitivity, and evolving consumer habits. Elevated prices reinforced demand for private label and discount brands, while value-added products such as sauces and meal-enhancing ingredients outperformed traditional staples. Consumers increasingly sought affordable, convenient, and easy-to-use solutions that enable quick meal preparation, reduce food waste, and allow experimen

Cooking ingredients and meals in Uruguay is set to show a significantly improved performance in current value growth terms in 2025. This is chiefly due to elevated pricing pressures, as retail volume growth is expected to be slightly lower than in 2024. However, the impact of price hikes has been mitigated by a gradual recovery in purchasing power facilitated by a more stable inflationary environment and other favourable macroeconomic indicators. Moreover, traditional consumption habits have hel

The cooking ingredients and meals market in Uzbekistan continues to expand, driven by strong demand for everyday staples such as edible oils, sauces, sweet spreads, and ready meals. Growth is being supported by rising urbanisation and busier lifestyles, which are increasing demand for convenient and semi-prepared solutions. By contrast, health and wellness trends have, so far, had limited impact, with affordability, familiarity, and taste remaining the primary drivers of consumer choice.

In 2025, cooking ingredients and meals in Slovenia grew due to modest premiumisation, improved product availability, convenient packaging, and evolving consumer shopping habits, with edible oils, meals and soups, and condiments driving the strongest gains. Stabilising prices encouraged households to adopt more strategic shopping behaviours, balancing private label ranges, premium options, and planned stock-up trips, while health-conscious choices and clean label products influenced purchasing de

The cooking ingredients and meals market in Pakistan is benefiting from economic stabilisation, urbanisation, and changing lifestyles. Consumers are increasingly seeking convenience, with urban households favouring ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products, which is boosting demand for sauces, dry soups and sweet spreads. Price sensitivity remains crucial, particularly among rural and lower-income consumers, prompting smaller pack sizes, sachets, and value bundles. Health and wellness are shaping