In 2025, Brazil’s meals and soups recorded modest growth as lower inflation and input costs allowed price reductions and promotions. Consumers favoured convenient, healthier, and affordable options, with prepared salads leading value growth. BRF SA strengthened its position through innovation and wide distribution, while supermarkets became the main channel. Ongoing urbanisation and lifestyle changes are expected to drive steady future growth.

Meals and soups saw growth driven by the growing demand for convenient meal solutions amongst busy urban consumers in 2025. At the same time, the health and wellness trend increasingly shaped purchasing decisions, with consumers increasingly looking for natural options and avoiding additives.

Value sales of meals and soups in Hong Kong saw modest growth in 2025, driven by consumers shifting away from costly foodservice toward more affordable and convenient at-home options. Frozen ready meals, in particular, gained popularity due to affordability, convenience, and suitability for smaller households seeking portion control and reduced waste. Health and wellness trends were influencing product reformulation, with growing demand for healthier ingredients and clearer labelling to meet con

In 2025, meals and soups in Taiwan experienced moderate volume growth, with retail sales compensating for lacklustre performance in the foodservice sector. Although value sales remained positive, their growth rate slowed compared to previous years. The increased cost of living led to higher retail prices, dampening demand, yet the convenience of ready meals and soups continued to attract consumers. There is a growing appreciation for premium flavours reminiscent of restaurant-quality dishes, pro

Meals and soups in Thailand posted strong growth in 2025 as higher living costs pushed more consumers towards at-home eating and convenient substitutes for foodservice. Frozen ready meals remained the largest segment, benefiting from their balance of affordability, consistency and long shelf life, while premium frozen lines gained traction among shoppers seeking a restaurant-style experience at home. Shelf stable ready meals recorded the fastest growth, supported by pantry-friendly convenience a

Meals and soups in India recorded strong retail value growth in 2025, but ready meals faced mounting pressure as health awareness rose and consumers gravitated towards alternatives perceived as fresher or offering more control over ingredients. Time scarcity still supported demand for convenience, yet many urban households increasingly relied on domestic help or foodservice delivery, supported by a wider range of healthier menu options. Over the forecast period, dry soup is expected to be the fa

Demand for ready meals and soups in Tunisia remains concentrated among urban, young, working consumers, who value convenience and time-saving solutions due to busy lifestyles. By contrast, home-cooked recipes continue to dominate among older and more traditional households. Small local grocers remains the main distribution channel, especially for shelf stable products, while discounter Aziza attracts price-sensitive shoppers with private label offerings and promotions. Looking ahead, convenience

In the Philippines, meals and soups recorded strong retail value growth in 2025 while volume rose more modestly, with price increases and some trading up supporting performance as time-poor households sought convenient meal solutions. Dry and shelf stable soups remained core contributors due to affordability and ease of use, while shelf stable and frozen ready meals continued to gain relevance in urban areas where freezer ownership and higher disposable incomes support stock-up behaviour. Soup w

Meals and soups in Ireland is projected to register strong retail volume and current value sales growth over 2025; slightly faster than in 2024. All categories are expected to post positive retail current value growth, with only dried and shelf stable ready meals anticipated to experience dips, and then only marginally, in retail volume sales. The overall positive trend is supported by an increase in home dining, as consumers have chosen to stay in and manage expenses in response to ongoing fina

Price hikes and maturity of the key category, dry soup, impact the performance of meals and soups in 2025. Prepared salads, which offer both convenience and healthier options, is one area of growth in the year as consumers are increasingly seeking products with natural ingredients and a higher vegetable or protein content.

Meals and soups in Vietnam experienced robust growth in 2025, fuelled by consumer demand for convenience. Health and wellness trends supported growth for frozen ready meals, which are seen as fresh and nutritious. Asia Foods Corp led in 2025, but faced increasing competition, while Tho Phat was the most dynamic player following its acquisition by Kido Group. Small local grocers remained the dominant distribution channel, while e-commerce, especially platforms like ShopeeFood, have expanded acces

Meals and soups is set to record healthy current value growth in Saudi Arabia over 2025 with dry soups registering the strongest growth due to familiarity and heavy consumption. Category growth is set to be driven by rising demand for convenient, ready-to-eat options amongst younger consumers and those leading ever more hectic modern lifestyles.

Meals and soups in the United Arab Emirates is seeing rising retail value sales in 2025, as busy consumers increasingly opt for ready meals, soups, meal kits and pizza for quick, easy solutions. Health-conscious shoppers are driving demand for cleaner labels, organic ingredients and options with reduced sodium, as well as high-protein, plant-based and gluten-free propositions. Nestlé maintains a leading position through its Maggi portfolio, while private label chilled ready meals and players suc

Meals and soups in Germany benefited in 2025 as busy lifestyles drove demand for quick and easy meal solutions, ready-to-use ingredients and meal kits. Consumers are looking for quick preparation and food options that do not compromise on nutritional quality, leading to a rise in popularity for convenient cooking solutions. Meals and soups is projected to see a strong performance in retail volume and value growth terms over 2025. Ready meals rides high convenience and a wide offer to lead retail

Meals and soups in Ukraine registered strong double-digit current value growth in 2025, with modest increases in volume terms. Consumers’ growing need for convenience and affordable meal solutions has driven steady demand, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis continues to limit dining out. Packaged meals and soups are increasingly seen as practical substitutes for foodservice, offering time-saving benefits and consistent quality at lower cost.

In 2025, retail value growth in meals and soups was robust, driven by rising consumer demand for convenient at-home meal solutions during ongoing inflationary pressures. Discounters and private label ranges expanded their ready meal assortments, offering both traditional Turkish and international cuisines. Health and wellness considerations increasingly shaped consumer choice, with some shoppers favouring clean-label, high-protein, low-salt, and simplified-ingredient products.

Meals and soups is the only one of the main cooking ingredients and meals categories in Uruguay poised to contract in current value terms in 2025. It is also set to be by far the weakest performer among them with regard to growth in retail volume sales. These results reflect the fact that demand for certain product types has been in decline for several years due to the perception that they are inherently unhealthy.

The meals and soups market in Uzbekistan is evolving under the influence of urbanisation, busier lifestyles, and rising household freezer ownership, which are increasing demand for convenient and semi-prepared meal solutions. Frozen ready meals represents the most dynamic category, with red meat-based options particularly popular. Despite this, traditional home-cooked meals remain dominant in regional areas. Health and wellness trends have had limited impact, with affordability and ability to sa

Although current value growth for meals and soups in Cameroon in 2025 is projected to be up modestly on 2024, this is chiefly the result of price hikes imposed to offset still-elevated inflationary pressures. Retail volume sales are set to decline, which would be in keeping with the downward trend observed throughout the review period. It remains by far the smallest of the main cooking ingredients and meals categories, as there is no real tradition of consumption of such products in the country

Growth in 2025 is driven by busier lifestyles and the rising demand for convenient meal solutions. The health and wellness trend is increasingly shaping purchasing decisions and will continue to do so over the forecast period, encouraging more consumers to seek out varieties that have lower levels of fat, salt and sugar.

The market for meals and soups in Serbia is benefiting from the growing trend towards busy, on-the-go lifestyles. Urban consumers are increasingly favouring quick, inexpensive options like dry soups, or nutritionally balanced frozen ready meals. Frozen ready meals represents the most dynamic category, supported by wide product variety, promotions, and competitively priced private label options. Price sensitivity remains a key factor, however, encouraging discounts and the continued popularity of

Value sales of meals and soups in Portugal increased in 2025, reflecting continued consumer demand for convenient meal solutions. The category remains one of the most dynamic within cooking ingredients and meals overall, as modern lifestyles leave consumers with less time to cook. Retailers have been quick to respond to this shift, expanding and reorganising their store layouts to dedicate more space to ready meals and chilled soups. Product portfolios have broadened significantly, offering a gr

Value sales of meals and soups in Romania continued to rise in 2025, supported by the growing need for convenient, quick meal options that fit into increasingly busy urban lifestyles. Longer working hours and fast-paced daily routines, especially in large cities, encouraged consumers to look for easy, ready-to-eat alternatives to home-cooked dishes or restaurant dining. Ready meals and soups became an integral part of many consumers’ weekly food choices, offering both affordability and convenien

Value sales of meals and soups in Peru rose in 2025 as more households leaned on quick, dependable solutions for busy weeks, and as retailers devoted additional space to chilled, frozen and shelf-stable options. Improved macroeconomic sentiment and steadier price dynamics encouraged trial, while manufacturers invested in ranges that feel familiar, tasty and easy to use. Although the universe remains comparatively small next to other cooking staples, momentum is building where brands combine prac