Core Insights - The prepared food market in 2024 has reached a scale of 485 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 33.8%, indicating a robust upward trend in the industry [2] - By 2026, the market size is expected to exceed 749 billion yuan, reflecting ongoing opportunities despite a shift in market dynamics from rapid expansion to a focus on product quality [2] - The industry is undergoing a structural transformation, emphasizing product freshness, taste restoration, and differentiated competitive advantages [2][3] Market Trends - The trend is shifting from traditional cold storage display to experiential consumption models, with new retail platforms like Hema and Sam's Club enhancing their offerings in fresh and ready-to-eat meals [3] - Convenience stores are focusing on ready-to-eat meals, leveraging cold chain systems to penetrate high-frequency consumption scenarios such as breakfast and late-night snacks [3] - The prepared food sector is evolving from a mere efficiency-driven business to a comprehensive upgrade battle centered around product quality and consumer trust [4] Innovation and Consumer Preferences - There is a growing consumer demand for not just convenience but also taste, health, and freshness, leading to a shift in market expectations from scale replication to quality breakthroughs [5][7] - The focus on "fresh food" is driving the industry towards new growth opportunities, with trends like short shelf life and regional flavors emerging [2][5] - Packaging innovations are crucial for enhancing consumer experience, with new solutions that facilitate immediate consumption without the need for thawing or unpacking [7] Event and Collaboration - An innovation event titled "New 'Taste' of Prepared Food" is scheduled for September 12, focusing on category innovation, packaging upgrades, and consumer scenario development [4][9] - The event aims to gather industry leaders to explore new growth paths and product innovations in the prepared food sector [4][9] - Collaboration with Amcor, a leader in packaging solutions, highlights the importance of packaging in meeting consumer needs and enhancing product experience [10]

Core Viewpoint - The report by Zhiyan Consulting aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the pre-prepared food industry in China, focusing on market size, major companies' revenue, and market share, to support leading enterprises in applying for specialized qualifications such as "Little Giant" and "Single Item Manufacturing Champion" [1][3][15]. Industry Overview - The pre-prepared food industry, also known as pre-cooked food, is essential for integrating various industries, meeting consumer upgrades, and ensuring residents' dietary health. It can be categorized into four types based on the degree of processing: ready-to-mix, ready-to-cook, ready-to-heat, and ready-to-eat [3][6]. - The industry has evolved through several stages, including foreign investment, local processing technology exploration, restaurant chain expansion, pandemic-driven consumer demand, and policy support for industry upgrades [3][6]. Market Dynamics - The pre-prepared food industry is currently experiencing rapid growth driven by policy support and changing consumer demands. The market is characterized by simultaneous scale expansion and structural adjustments [6][9]. - The penetration rate of central kitchens in the B-end has reached 35%, while the C-end has seen a 40% annual increase in sales of mid-to-high-end products, driven by live e-commerce [6][10]. Competitive Landscape - The industry is in a transitional phase with both "small, scattered, and weak" players and "high growth" characteristics. The top five companies hold less than 20% market share, indicating a fragmented market where over 80% is occupied by regional small enterprises [9][10]. - The industry is witnessing accelerated vertical integration, with leading companies acquiring regional brands and establishing control over the entire supply chain [6][9]. Policy Environment - The central government's first inclusion of the pre-prepared food industry in national planning has led to new regulations aimed at controlling preservatives and promoting standardization, which is pushing out small-scale production [6][10]. - The implementation of national standards for pre-prepared foods by 2025 is expected to further enhance industry quality and competitiveness [10][11]. Future Outlook - The report predicts that the pre-prepared food industry will continue to grow, with increasing international market penetration, particularly in North America and RCEP countries [6][9]. - The development of new consumption scenarios, such as camping and family reunion meals, is transforming pre-prepared foods from emergency supplies to a quality lifestyle choice [6][9].