Over the last five years growth in the ready meals market has outstripped that of eating out. Between 2000 and 2005, the ready meals market is anticipated to grow by 52%, while eating out will rise by 25%. Much of the growth in the ready meals market stems from the chilled meals sector, which is arguably the area most directly in conflict with eating out.

The factors driving growth in eating out and the growth of the ready meals market are similar across a number of areas. Working lives have changed dramatically, with more people working longer hours and with more women in work. As a result, Britain has become a convenience-driven society where value for time and money is increasing in importance. Ready meals and eating out both provide flexibility for consumers to eat wherever and whenever they choose.

About the market…

Over the last five years growth in the ready meals market has outstripped that of eating out. Between 2000 and 2005, the ready meals market is anticipated to grow by 52%, while eating out will rise by 25%. Much of the growth in the ready meals market stems from the chilled meals sector, which is arguably the area most directly in conflict with eating out.

The factors driving growth in eating out and the growth of the ready meals market are similar across a number of areas. Working lives have changed dramatically, with more people working longer hours and with more women in work. As a result, Britain has become a convenience-driven society where value for time and money is increasing in importance. Ready meals and eating out both provide flexibility for consumers to eat wherever and whenever they choose.

About Mintel’s report

Pooling together the most innovative consumer research and latest market analysis, Mintel's new report offers you the insight you need to fully examine the impact of ready meals on the eating out market.

Encompassing consumer perspectives and attitudes towards eating out versus ready meals, it has been designed to help both ready meal manufactures and restaurant operators design intelligent, targeted and profitable marketing that will grow their customer bases.

In addition, Mintel’s report has been designed to help you to identify key factors that determine the scale and nature of both the British eating out and ready meals market.

This hugely valuable report also draws on a range of sources and statistics to examine consumer lifestyles as well as market size, market drivers and the supply structure.

By looking at consumer attitudes and perceptions, it assesses the extent to which ready meals are shifting demand away from takeaway outlets and restaurants. Consideration is given to the cost of ready meals both in the light of other meals and in terms of the expense of eating out.

Intriguing findings include…

Consumers who tend to choose Italian dishes showed the strongest agreement with the statement ‘Ready meals will never replace the experience of eating in a restaurant’ (61% of the sample)

It is consumers aged between 15-19 and 35-44 who are the most prolific Ready Meal Advocates. Essentially, families and students are the core users of ready meals. Nonetheless, a far greater number of consumers from both these age bands are Restaurant Enthusiasts, highlighting that for the majority, ready meals cannot replace the restaurant experience.