Europe Meal Kit Market Size (2024-2030)

The Europe Meal Kit Market was valued at $7.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a market size of $19.6 billion by 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.4%.

The Meal Kit Market consists of pre-portioned ingredients and recipes delivered to users' doorsteps, allowing for quick meal preparation at home. These kits provide a variety of cuisines and nutritional options to meet the various needs of consumers. The market includes both subscription-based services and one-time purchases, with a focus on people and families looking for simple, time-saving meal solutions that do not sacrifice quality or nutrition.

Key Market Insights:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of meal kits as more people cooked at home due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. This shift has had a lasting impact, with many consumers continuing to use meal kits even as restrictions ease.
The meal kits market is highly competitive, with numerous players ranging from startups to established food companies. This has led to aggressive pricing strategies, frequent promotions, and a constant push for innovation to differentiate products.

Online platforms and mobile apps have become crucial for the meal kits industry, enabling seamless ordering, customization, and tracking of deliveries. The integration of these digital tools is helping companies better engage with customers and streamline operations.

Europe Meal Kit Market Drivers:

Rapid Increase In The Female Workforce Is Expected To Drive The Meal Kit Market

The fast expansion in the female workforce is likely to boost meal kit market growth, as both spouses in a family have busy schedules that leave little time for cooking and purchasing veggies. According to a report from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, women's labor force participation increased from 57.1% in 2018 to 57.4% in 2019. According to research by the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog, the share of female workers in the total labor force increased from 23.1% to 27.9% between 2018 and 2020. Such an increase in the female workforce, combined with rising urbanization, is likely to boost the growth of the meal kit market over the forecast period, as more female workers result in more time-pressed customers, which is one of the primary reasons for the adoption of meal kits.

The Market For Europe Meal Kit Is Being Driven By Increased As The Vegan Population

The demand for plant-based food has increased as the vegan population has grown in response to increased awareness of animal cruelty. According to a Vegan Society-commissioned report, the number of vegans in the UK doubled between 2014 and 2018. In 2019, there were 6,00,000 vegetarians, or roughly 1.16% of the population. According to a poll commissioned by the UK government, the majority of vegans in the country are relatively new to the lifestyle, with 63% having started within the last five years. However, the vast majority of British vegans (81%) have graduated from veganism, indicating that many have been avoiding meat for much longer. As the number of vegans grows, more companies are producing plant-based meal packages. For example, Freshly, Purple Carrot, and Fresh n' Lean specialize in plant-based meals, particularly for plant-based diets, which are predicted to drive substantial market growth.

Europe Meal Kit Market Restraints and Challenges:

Ensuring timely deliveries while keeping the freshness of perishable products across several locations is a tremendous challenge to the Meal Kit Market. Effective inventory management and supply chain operations are critical for avoiding ingredient shortages or excesses. Furthermore, maintaining proper temperature control during transportation and storage is critical to ensuring the quality and safety of perishable commodities throughout the journey, which is one of the market's challenges. Furthermore, striking a balance between maintaining freshness and reducing waste is a huge challenge. The quest for sustainable packaging options that maintain ingredient quality during transit exacerbates these logistical challenges, eventually impeding industry growth.

Europe Meal Kit Market Opportunities:

The European Meal Kits market presents a significant opportunity for growth and innovation, driven by evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics. The European market shows a robust demand for meal kits that cater to specific dietary preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, and keto diets. Offering a diverse range of health-focused meal plans can attract a broad customer base. There is a growing opportunity to tap into the demand for organic and locally sourced ingredients, which are highly valued by European consumers. Establishing partnerships with local farmers and suppliers can enhance brand appeal and reduce carbon footprints. With European consumers increasingly concerned about the environment, there is a strong demand for meal kits that use sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. Companies that prioritize minimalistic, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging solutions can gain a competitive edge.

EUROPE MEAL KIT MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Europe Meal Kit Market Segmentation:

Europe Meal Kit Market Segmentation: By Meal Type

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Snacks
• Desserts
• Others

Breakfast meal kits are designed to offer quick, easy-to-prepare, and nutritious morning meals. They typically include ingredients for dishes such as smoothies, overnight oats, breakfast burritos, and more. This segment appeals to busy professionals, health-conscious individuals, and families looking for a convenient and healthy start to the day.

Lunch meal kits provide convenient, balanced meals suitable for midday consumption. These kits often focus on quick-prep salads, grain bowls, wraps, and light yet satisfying dishes. The shift towards healthier eating habits, combined with the need for convenient, on-the-go meal options, is fueling the growth of lunch meal kits.

Europe Meal Kit Market Segmentation: By Service Type

• Subscription-Based
• One-Time Purchase
• Customizable Plans
• Meal Prep Kits
• Others 

Subscription-based meal kits offer customers a regular delivery of meals, typically on a weekly or monthly basis. Subscribers choose their preferred meal plans, and meals are delivered directly to their doorstep. This segment appeals to busy professionals, families, and health-conscious individuals looking for the convenience of regular meal deliveries without the hassle of planning or shopping. The predictability, convenience, and customization options available with subscriptions are key drivers. The trend toward healthy eating and home-cooked meals, combined with the convenience of regular deliveries, fuels demand in this segment.

Customizable plans allow customers to tailor their meal kits according to their specific dietary preferences, portion sizes, and delivery frequency. These plans offer a high level of flexibility, catering to individual tastes and nutritional needs. The rising demand for personalized and health-oriented food options is a major growth driver. Consumers are increasingly looking for meal solutions that align with their specific dietary goals, making customizable plans highly attractive.

Europe Meal Kit Market Segmentation: By Type

• Vegetarian Kits
• Non-Vegetarian Kits

Vegetarian meal kits focus on meals that exclude meat, poultry, and seafood. These kits are based on plant-based ingredients such as vegetables, grains, legumes, and plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh. The primary consumers of vegetarian meal kits are vegetarians, flexitarians (those who primarily eat plant-based meals but occasionally consume meat), and health-conscious individuals looking to reduce meat consumption. Additionally, environmentally conscious consumers who prefer plant-based diets for sustainability reasons also contribute to this segment.

Non-vegetarian meal kits include meals that feature meat, poultry, or seafood as the main ingredient. These kits often focus on balanced meals with high protein content and may include recipes from a variety of cuisines, such as Mediterranean, Asian, or traditional European dishes. The demand for non-vegetarian meal kits is driven by the enduring popularity of meat in European diets, along with the increasing interest in gourmet cooking at home. The emphasis on high-quality, sustainably sourced meat and seafood options has also contributed to the growth of this segment.

Europe Meal Kit Market Segmentation: By Distribution Channel

• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• Retail Stores
• Others

Online platforms are expected to continue their dominance, with further advancements in technology and delivery services. Online ordering offers convenience, allowing consumers to select and schedule deliveries at their preferred times. Many meal kit providers offer subscription services, ensuring a consistent supply of ingredients and recipes. Online platforms have emerged as the dominant force, but other channels like convenience stores and supermarkets are also playing a significant role. As consumer preferences evolve and technology advances, the distribution landscape is likely to continue to change, offering new opportunities and challenges for meal kit providers.

Europe Meal Kit Market Segmentation: By Country

• UK
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

The UK meal kit market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by factors such as busy lifestyles, increasing demand for convenience, and a growing preference for healthy home-cooked meals. Online platforms have been the primary driver of market expansion, offering consumers a wide range of meal kits tailored to various dietary preferences and cooking abilities. While convenience stores and supermarkets are also entering the market, online channels continue to dominate due to their convenience, subscription models, and personalized offerings. The UK meal kit market is expected to witness further growth, driven by technological advancements, increased customization options, and expanding consumer adoption.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Europe Meal Kit Market:

The pandemic intensified market trends that were already in place, including as the emergence of e-commerce and a preference for home-cooked meals. Meal kit services, with their delivery approach, are perfectly suited to the growing desire for contactless purchasing and cooking at home. As a result, the sector saw a large increase in subscribers and income during the pandemic. The market expanded dramatically as a result of the worldwide shutdown of nearly all restaurants, hotels, and cafes caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. More people sought out healthy and convenient meal options as a result of the growing emphasis on a healthy diet among those looking to strengthen their immunity and maintain a balanced diet. In addition, significant market participants reported a boost in revenues during the pandemic compared to 2019. The pandemic outbreak presents a significant growth opportunity for the market.

Recent Trends and Developments in the Europe Meal Kit Market:

Consumers' growing environmental consciousness has encouraged meal kit providers to adopt more sustainable practices. This includes using recyclable or compostable packaging, procuring foods from sustainable farms, and reducing food waste. Integrating sustainability into their procedures enables meal kit firms to attract eco-conscious customers while also demonstrating their commitment to environmental care. As a result, the increased emphasis on eco-friendly techniques is developing as a prominent trend in the European meal kit market.

Customers are increasingly seeking customized meal alternatives to fit their dietary preferences and constraints. This has resulted in the creation of more personalized meal kits, allowing customers to select from a choice of recipes and components that correspond to their specific tastes and nutritional needs. Sustainability is another major trend in the meal kit sector. With increased awareness of environmental issues, consumers are becoming more environmentally sensitive. Meal kit companies are responding by introducing sustainable strategies such as decreasing packaging waste, using local and organic foods, and utilizing green shipping solutions.

Key Players:

1. HelloFresh
2. Gousto
3. Marley Spoon
4. Mindful Chef
5. Chefgood
6. SimplyCook 
7. MuscleFood 
8. Purple Carrot
9. Green Chef