我国预制菜市场渗透率不到15%

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding pre-prepared meals in China has been ignited by social media influencer Luo Yonghao's criticism of the restaurant chain Xibei, leading to a broader discussion on the standards, safety, and consumer rights related to pre-prepared meals in the industry [2][3]. Industry Overview - The pre-prepared meal market in China has rapidly grown to a scale of $148.9 billion, making it the largest globally, despite a market penetration rate of less than 15%, significantly lower than the 60% rates seen in the US and Japan [5][6]. - In contrast, the US pre-prepared meal market is projected to reach $47.56 billion by 2024, with a market penetration of 18.3%, while Japan's market has surpassed 10 trillion yen with a penetration rate exceeding 20% [5]. Key Issues Identified - The definition of pre-prepared meals needs further clarification, as there is a significant gap between consumer understanding, regulatory definitions, and actual practices in the industry [6][7]. - Consumer rights regarding information, choice, and fair trading are not adequately protected, leading to a disconnect between consumer expectations and actual dining experiences [7][8]. - The primary consumer demographic for pre-prepared meals includes working individuals in urban areas, with distinct preferences between younger and older consumers [6][8]. Quality Assurance Challenges - Quality control remains a critical bottleneck for the pre-prepared meal industry, with safety concerns and high prices being the main issues driving consumer skepticism [9][11]. - The Japanese pre-prepared meal market demonstrates that strict food safety standards and personalized flavors can lead to high consumer trust and profitability [9]. Recommendations for Industry Development - Establishing national standards for pre-prepared meals is essential to ensure consumer rights and unify industry practices across different regions [10][12]. - The industry requires governance and restructuring to enhance the quality and safety of pre-prepared meals, addressing issues related to substandard ingredients and excessive additives [11][12]. - Implementing a classification system for restaurants and pre-prepared meal providers can help consumers make informed choices and improve overall market acceptance [12][13]. - The industry should focus on reducing the proportion of deep processing and emphasize traditional cooking methods to retain the unique characteristics of Chinese cuisine [13].