In 2024, sales of prepared foods increased by an average of 24%, according to the Association of Retail Companies (AKORT).
It is noted that the share of prepared foods in the structure of retailers’ revenue increased by about 0.5% and currently ranges from 2.5% to 6.5%.
The maximum sales of prepared foods grew in the so-called «convenience stores», experts note. In retail outlets of this format, the growth in sales of prepared foods ranged from 52% to 83%.
In first place in terms of sales growth is packaged prepared foods.
Analysts note that salads are in fairly high demand among Russians, including Olivier, herring under a fur coat, Caesar, vinaigrette, and crab.
Next come various burgers and rolls, and ready-made hot dishes, such as pasta and pilaf, are in third place. It is also noted that grilled chicken is increasingly being purchased.
Some retailers also note that today more and more customers are choosing such products as frozen pizza, as well as pies for quick baking at home, and Asian cuisine.
Due to the growing popularity of such dishes, such companies have expanded their range.
In general, experts believe that the growth in sales of prepared foods represents a great opportunity for retailers. Since this segment of the food market is just emerging, it often lacks the level of security that must be ensured.
However, this segment certainly has a very large potential for growth, so those retailers who will actively work with it have good opportunities to transfer revenue.
“Prepared foods are a strategically important area for retail — they will demonstrate high growth rates in demand both in the near and long term.
Retailers are increasing investments in their own production, expanding their range and transforming retail spaces,” says Stanislav Bogdanov, Chairman of the ACORT Presidium.
It is noteworthy that at the moment the main consumers of prepared food remain residents of megacities. However, this does not mean that retail chains will not enter regional markets.
Experts note that at the moment such work is already underway, including through the development of delivery services in such markets and the expansion of the range of dishes offered.
It is important that federal retail chains are most active in the prepared food market, which by 2030 may occupy up to 40% of this market, and it will be quite difficult for other retailers to compete with them.
