ACORT: Retail Share in Ready-to-Eat Market Could Grow to 40% by 2030

According to ACORT data, the Russian ready-to-eat food market is growing at a pace 4–5 times faster than the global average. The total market volume, including catering and delivery of ready meals, is estimated at 3.8 trillion rubles, with a potential to reach up to 14 trillion rubles.

In the turnover of major retail chains, the ready-to-eat food category currently accounts for 2.5% to 7%.

The most dynamic growth is observed in the 'convenience store' format, with demand in this segment increasing by 52–83% year-over-year.

New Consumption Models

ACORT's head, Stanislav Bogdanov, notes that retail uses mixed operational models: in-house kitchens and production are combined with supplies from external producers. The share of in-house culinary production in chains ranges from 10% to 50%.

According to him, the preferences of the younger generation will change the market structure in the coming years: "Studies among teenagers aged 12–18 show that more than 50% of this audience prefer to buy ready-made food rather than ingredients for cooking. This means that in the short term, half of the active consumer audience will be oriented towards purchasing ready meals," said the head of ACORT.

What This Means for the Market

The growth of retail's share to 40% by 2030 will be driven by several factors:

• expansion of chains' own production facilities;

• increase in the number of consumers choosing convenience products;

• development of delivery services from stores;

• strengthening of the 'convenience store' format as a key driver of demand.

Experts note that ready-to-eat food is becoming an important element in the competitive struggle between major chains, affecting purchase frequency and customer retention.