外卖时代或将终结，一个全新的行业正在加速突围，你准备好了吗？

Core Viewpoint - The rise of pre-prepared meals is transforming the food delivery and restaurant industry, potentially leading to the decline of traditional food delivery services as consumers prefer the convenience and cost-effectiveness of retail pre-prepared meals [3][13]. Industry Trends - The number of food delivery users in China has surpassed 550 million, indicating that one in every two internet users has ordered food delivery [1]. - Over 70% of restaurant chains have adopted a central kitchen model, with some large brands like Zhen Gongfu and Xi Bei using pre-prepared meals for over 80% of their offerings [5]. - The pre-prepared meal market is projected to reach a scale of 485 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 33.8%. It is expected to grow to 617.3 billion yuan in 2025 and 749 billion yuan by 2026, indicating a potential trillion-yuan market in the coming years [7]. Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly aware that many food deliveries consist of pre-prepared meals, leading to a shift towards purchasing these meals directly for home preparation, which offers more control over cooking and portion sizes [3][13]. - The convenience of pre-prepared meals allows restaurants to reduce wait times from over ten minutes to just a few minutes, enhancing operational efficiency and increasing revenue potential [7]. Safety and Quality Concerns - There are ongoing debates regarding the safety and nutritional value of pre-prepared meals. Supporters argue that industrial production ensures quality and safety, while critics highlight risks associated with improper storage and the loss of nutrients through reheating [9]. - The National Market Supervision Administration has issued guidelines for the pre-prepared meal industry, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive traceability system from production to sales to ensure safety standards [10]. Future Outlook - While the food delivery era is not expected to end imminently, the increasing use of pre-prepared meals and the growth of the pre-prepared meal market suggest a significant shift in consumer preferences towards home-cooked convenience [13]. - The industry is likely to see enhanced regulatory measures and technological innovations in preservation techniques, which will improve the quality and safety of pre-prepared meals, potentially increasing consumer acceptance [11][13].