China’s Ready-to-Eat Meal Market Sees 20 Billion Yuan Sales in 2024 Amid Rapid Growth and Debate

The Ready-to-Eat Meal Boom in China: A Market on the Rise Despite Public Controversy

The Rise of Ready-to-Eat Meals in China: A Market in Transition

In the wake of evolving consumer habits and modern lifestyle demands, ready-to-eat (RTE) meals have emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments in China’s food industry. Despite strong public criticism, the market data tells a different story—soaring sales, increasing adoption, and a rapidly expanding industry. This paradox highlights a striking contrast between public sentiment and consumer behavior, especially as the 2025 Spring Festival saw record-breaking sales in the RTE meal sector.

Market Performance and Growth Trajectory

The ready-to-eat meal market in China has seen explosive growth. In 2024, sales reached a staggering 20 billion yuan, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. During the Spring Festival season, 23 major catering enterprises launched specially curated New Year's Eve dinner packages, with high-end gift boxes priced as high as 9,999 yuan.

Some notable success stories include New Ya Cantonese Restaurant, which sold over 4,000 sets, and Song He Lou, which moved more than 500 units of its "Lucky Always" New Year meal set. Consumer adoption is rising steadily, with over 50% of surveyed customers opting for RTE meals during their New Year's Eve celebrations. Of these, 33% combined RTE meals with homemade dishes, while 21% relied entirely on pre-packaged meal sets.

An Expanding Industry: From Niche to Mainstream

The RTE meal sector is rapidly scaling up. In 2023, the market size stood at $73.8 billion, registering a 21.3% year-on-year increase. By 2026, projections indicate that the sector will surpass the one-trillion-yuan mark. The ecosystem supporting this growth has also evolved, with 64,000 registered RTE meal enterprises by the end of 2022, spanning ingredient supply, production, logistics, and distribution.

Who’s Buying? Consumer Demographics and Motivations

The primary consumers of RTE meals are young and middle-aged urban residents, driven by several key factors:

1. Busy work schedules, leaving little time for cooking
2. Smaller family sizes, making elaborate home-cooked meals impractical
3. Convenience and time-saving advantages
4. Attractive promotional pricing
5. Better value compared to dining out

However, opposition remains strong, particularly among individuals over 40 years old who criticize RTE meals for undermining the traditional New Year’s Eve dinner experience. Common concerns include:

• Loss of home-cooked flavors
• Food safety and additive risks
• Nutritional loss from over-processing
• General quality issues

Market Channels and Product Offerings

RTE meals are widely available across various sales channels, including major e-commerce platforms like JD.com, Taobao, and Pinduoduo, as well as new retail outlets such as Hema Fresh and Dingdong. The product range has expanded significantly, covering everything from everyday staples to luxury banquet items. Popular choices include Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Chicken with Pig Stomach, and Beef Bones.

Regulatory Challenges and Evolving Definitions

The legal framework surrounding RTE meals has been inconsistent. Initially, the China Culinary Association defined the segment broadly, including:

• Ready-to-eat foods
• Heat-and-eat meals
• Ready-to-cook ingredients
• Pre-prepared meal kits

However, six government departments later refined this definition to focus strictly on pre-prepared dishes, leaving other categories subject to separate regulations. This evolving classification indicates the government's attempt to address industry challenges while fostering growth.

Media Scrutiny and Consumer Perceptions

Despite its booming sales, the RTE meal market has faced media scrutiny. Observers have noted suspicious patterns in news coverage, such as:

• Financial media outlets publishing nearly identical content simultaneously
• Widespread narratives about "sold-out" products, despite conflicting consumer feedback
• Potential manipulation of public perception through coordinated media campaigns

From a consumer perspective, reactions remain mixed. Some argue that while social media users vocally oppose RTE meals, actual purchase behavior suggests otherwise. The divide is evident: critics belong to one group, but buyers form another. Additionally, many consumers state that they may publicly criticize RTE meals but will still consume them when convenient.

Restaurant vs. Retail: A Critical Distinction

One of the most debated aspects is the use of RTE meals by restaurants. Consumers largely accept purchasing pre-packaged meals from supermarkets but strongly oppose restaurants selling these meals at fresh-food prices. Transparency is crucial—restaurants are expected to disclose when they use pre-prepared ingredients.

Price and Quality Concerns

Despite its popularity, the RTE meal industry has yet to fully win over consumers. Common complaints include:

• Overpriced products with mediocre taste
• Disappointing meal experiences leading to vows never to repurchase
• Perceived lack of value compared to freshly prepared dishes

Regulatory Gaps and the Need for Oversight

The industry’s rapid expansion has exposed regulatory weaknesses, such as:

• Absence of standardized regulations for RTE meals
• Inadequate food safety monitoring
• Outdated laws failing to address new industry needs
• Growing demand for stricter quality control measures

The Cultural and Practical Debate

Supporters of RTE meals argue that they reduce the burden on home cooks, particularly during festive periods, and help promote family harmony by alleviating kitchen stress. However, critics emphasize the risk of losing traditional cooking culture and family bonding over meal preparation.

The Road Ahead: Key Industry Recommendations

To ensure sustainable growth and consumer confidence, experts suggest the following steps:

1. Stronger labeling requirements to enhance transparency
2. Tighter food safety regulations for improved quality control
3. Advancements in food preservation technologies to retain nutritional value
4. Fair pricing mechanisms to ensure value for money
5. Greater transparency in restaurant and retail practices

Conclusion: A Market at the Crossroads

The ready-to-eat meal market in China is undergoing a transformational phase, balancing between tradition and modern convenience. Despite public resistance, sales figures indicate that consumers are embracing these meals at an unprecedented rate. As the industry moves toward stricter regulations and higher quality standards, its integration into the Chinese food culture seems inevitable—mirroring trends in other developed nations. Whether driven by necessity or preference, the convenience of RTE meals is reshaping the culinary landscape of China, one meal at a time.