By year’s end, the market for ready-to-eat rations and cooking kits in Russia is expected to rebound, with growth ranging from five to fifteen percent after a downturn during the coronavirus period. In monetary terms, this segment could reach about 16.5 billion rubles, according to statistics cited by The Kommersant from Infoline analysts. The rebound signals a shift back toward pre-pandemic activity as consumer demand stabilizes and retailers expand options for convenient meals that require minimal preparation.
If the December 2023 results hold, they would surpass the all-time high set in 2021, when manufacturers reported roughly 16.4 billion rubles in revenue. Comparisons show that the market’s performance in 2022 remained softer due to the ongoing pandemic, with turnover around 15.7 billion rubles. Analysts view the 2023 trajectory as a restoration of momentum after the previous year’s disruption, driven by shifting consumer routines, delivery innovations, and greater choice across categories of ready-to-eat products and home-cooking kits.
Forecasts for the 2023 results indicate a return to growth in the ready-meals and cooking kits sector as the market recovers from the prior year’s decline. The projected total of 16.5 billion rubles would reflect a five to fifteen percent annual increase, and would likely establish a new peak above the 16.4 billion rubles recorded in 2021. This perspective aligns with broader retail and courier dynamics observed in the same period, where on-demand food and meal solutions continued to gain traction among urban consumers and households seeking convenience without sacrificing variety or quality.
Industry outlets reported additional context from the Electronic Communications Association (RAEC) data dated May 22, noting that the courier delivery market in Russia grew by about twenty percent in 2022 compared with 2021, reaching a total value of around 1.7 trillion rubles. Within that expansive market, the delivery of ready-made meals from restaurants stood out as a significant contributor, accounting for roughly thirteen percent of courier market turnover. This share underscores the demand for ready-to-eat options and the role of professional kitchens and delivery networks in shaping consumer choices for quick, reliable meals in everyday life.