我国预制菜市场渗透率不到15%

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding pre-prepared meals in China, ignited by social media influencer Luo Yonghao's criticism of the restaurant Xibei, highlights significant issues within the pre-prepared meal industry, including consumer perceptions, regulatory standards, and market dynamics [3][4][6]. Industry Overview - The pre-prepared meal sector represents a significant trend in modern food industry development, with the U.S. market projected to reach $47.56 billion by 2024, making it the second-largest globally. In contrast, China's pre-prepared meal market has rapidly grown to $148.9 billion, becoming the largest worldwide, although its market penetration remains below 15% compared to over 60% in the U.S. and Japan [5][6]. Key Issues Identified - Definition Standards: There is a need for clearer definitions of what constitutes pre-prepared meals. Current regulations differentiate between various types of food products, but consumer understanding often diverges from these definitions, leading to confusion and mistrust [6][7]. - Consumer Rights: The controversy underscores the importance of consumer rights, particularly regarding transparency and choice. Many consumers feel misled when they expect freshly prepared meals but receive pre-prepared options instead, leading to dissatisfaction [7][8]. - Market Segmentation: The primary consumers of pre-prepared meals are urban workers and younger demographics, who seek convenience. However, older consumers often prefer freshly prepared meals, indicating a disconnect in market targeting [8][9]. - Quality Assurance: Quality control remains a critical challenge for the pre-prepared meal industry. Issues related to food safety and ingredient quality have led to consumer skepticism, particularly following reports of substandard ingredients being used [9][10]. Recommendations for Industry Development - Establish National Standards: There is an urgent need to develop national standards for pre-prepared meals to ensure consistency and safety across the industry. Local governments have begun to implement guidelines, but a unified national standard is essential for consumer trust [11][12]. - Quality Control Measures: The industry must address quality and safety concerns by implementing stricter regulations and oversight to prevent the use of inferior ingredients and ensure product integrity [12][13]. - Consumer Education and Transparency: Enhancing consumer education about pre-prepared meals and ensuring transparency in ingredient sourcing and preparation methods can help rebuild trust and improve market acceptance [13][14]. - Cultural Adaptation: The industry should focus on retaining the unique characteristics of Chinese cuisine while integrating pre-prepared meal options, moving away from overly Westernized approaches that may not resonate with local consumers [13].