The meal kit delivery services market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.5% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2032. Meal kit delivery services offer pre-portioned ingredients and recipes delivered directly to consumers' doorsteps, eliminating the need for meal planning and grocery shopping. This market is characterized by the presence of several players, each offering a variety of meal options and catering to different dietary preferences. One of the key drivers of the meal kit delivery services market is the growing preference for home-cooked meals among consumers. With hectic lifestyles and time constraints, many individuals find it challenging to prepare meals from scratch. Meal kits provide a convenient solution by offering pre-selected ingredients and step-by-step recipes, enabling consumers to cook nutritious meals without the hassle of grocery shopping and meal planning. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the growth of the meal kit delivery services market. Lockdowns and restrictions on dining out have led to an increased demand for at-home dining options. Meal kits have emerged as an attractive alternative to restaurant takeaways, allowing consumers to enjoy restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their homes. This shift in consumer behavior has contributed to the expansion of the meal kit delivery services market.
Convenience and Time-saving
Convenience and time-saving are major drivers behind the growth of the meal kit delivery services market. Busy lifestyles and a desire for convenient meal solutions have led consumers to seek out alternatives to traditional meal preparation. Meal kits provide a convenient option by delivering pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes directly to consumers' doorsteps, eliminating the need for meal planning and grocery shopping. Consumer surveys have consistently shown that convenience is one of the primary reasons why people choose meal kit delivery services. According to a survey conducted by Statista, 48% of respondents in the United States stated convenience as the main reason for using meal kits. The success of meal kit delivery companies like HelloFresh and Blue Apron further supports the convenience factor. These companies have experienced significant growth and have expanded their customer base by offering hassle-free meal solutions.
Increasing Preference for Healthy and Nutritious Meals
Another driver of the meal kit delivery services market is the increasing preference for healthy and nutritious meals among consumers. Many individuals are becoming more health-conscious and seeking options that provide balanced and wholesome meals. Meal kit delivery services often focus on providing a variety of meal options that cater to different dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, and gluten-free options. The rise of health and wellness trends, such as clean eating and mindful eating, has influenced consumer food choices. Meal kit delivery services have capitalized on this trend by offering menus that emphasize fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that meal kits can contribute to healthier eating patterns by providing portion-controlled meals with higher intakes of fruits and vegetables.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the meal kit delivery services market. Lockdowns, social distancing measures, and restaurant closures have led to a surge in demand for at-home dining options. Meal kits have emerged as a popular choice for consumers looking to enjoy restaurant-quality meals while minimizing their exposure to public spaces. The pandemic has led to a surge in online food delivery services. According to a report by McKinsey, online food delivery orders increased by 20-30% in various countries during the pandemic. Meal kit delivery services experienced a boost in sales during the pandemic. For instance, HelloFresh reported a significant increase in orders and revenue in 2020 compared to the previous year, driven by the shift towards at-home cooking. Overall, the convenience and time-saving aspect, increasing preference for healthy meals, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are three major drivers fuelling the growth of the meal kit delivery services market.
Packaging Waste and Environmental Concerns
One significant restraint in the meal kit delivery services market is the issue of packaging waste and environmental concerns. While meal kits offer convenience and reduce food waste by providing pre-portioned ingredients, the packaging materials used can contribute to environmental pollution and waste accumulation. The individual packaging of ingredients and the insulation materials necessary to maintain freshness during delivery can result in a substantial amount of waste. This has raised concerns among environmentally conscious consumers who are seeking sustainable alternatives and are aware of the ecological impact of excessive packaging. Additionally, the carbon footprint associated with transportation and delivery can further contribute to environmental degradation. This restraint has prompted meal kit companies to explore more sustainable packaging options, such as recyclable or biodegradable materials, and to implement initiatives to reduce their overall environmental impact. However, addressing these concerns and finding effective, sustainable packaging solutions remains a challenge for the industry.
Multiple Service Meals Dominates the Market by Service Segment
Single-service meal kits refer to companies that specialize in providing meal kits for a specific type of meal, such as dinner-only meal kits. These companies focus on delivering a single meal per kit, typically with options for different dietary preferences or cuisines. Single-service meal kit providers cater to consumers who prefer flexibility in choosing specific meals or have specific dietary restrictions. While this segment may have a narrower target audience compared to multiple-service meal kits, it can still attract a loyal customer base. On the other hand, multiple-service meal kits offer a broader range of options and cater to various meals throughout the day. These companies provide meal kits for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, allowing consumers to have all their meals conveniently delivered. Multiple-service meal kit providers appeal to consumers who seek a comprehensive meal solution that covers their daily nutritional needs. By offering a variety of meals, these companies provide a one-stop solution for consumers looking to save time on meal planning and grocery shopping.
In terms of revenue, multiple-service meal kits held the largest revenue share in 2023, due to their wider customer base and the ability to cater to different meals throughout the day. By targeting customers seeking convenience across multiple meals, these providers can attract a larger share of the market and generate higher sales. However, in terms of CAGR, single-service meal kits are expected to top the rank during the forecast period of 2024 to 2032. By specializing in a specific meal type, these companies can develop a niche market and tailor their offerings to meet the specific needs of their target audience. This specialization can lead to higher customer loyalty and satisfaction, driving growth and potentially yielding a higher CAGR during the forecast period.
Non-Vegetarian Meal Kit Dominates the Market by Meal Type
The vegan meal kit segment focuses on providing plant-based meal options that are free from any animal products. This segment caters to consumers who follow a vegan lifestyle or have dietary restrictions related to animal products. Vegan meal kits offer a wide variety of creative and nutritious plant-based recipes, often highlighting the use of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and plant-based proteins. The vegetarian meal kit segment targets consumers who follow a vegetarian diet, which excludes meat but may include animal by-products like dairy and eggs. Vegetarian meal kits offer a range of flavorful and diverse vegetarian recipes, incorporating a variety of vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy alternatives. The vegetarian segment captures a broad customer base, including individuals who are health-conscious, environmentally conscious, or simply looking to reduce their meat consumption. As a result, this segment can generate significant revenue due to its larger consumer base and market appeal. The non-vegetarian meal kit segment caters to consumers who prefer traditional meat-based meals. These meal kits provide options for poultry, seafood, and red meat, along with accompanying ingredients and recipes. While this segment has a well-established market and is popular among meat-eating individuals, it may experience a comparatively lower CAGR due to the rising popularity of plant-based and vegetarian alternatives.
In terms of revenue, the non-vegetarian meal kit segment generally held the highest revenue in 2023, due to the larger market size and higher demand for meat-based meals. However, both the vegan and vegetarian meal kit segments have been gaining momentum in recent years, driven by the growing interest in plant-based diets, health consciousness, and environmental concerns. As a result, the Vegan segment is expected to exhibit substantial CAGR during the forecast period of 2024 to 2032, due to its specialized focus on plant-based offerings and the increasing popularity of veganism.
North America Remains the Global Revenue Leader, While APAC Leads the Growth
North America, including the United States and Canada, has been a prominent market for meal kit services, with a high level of consumer acceptance and early market penetration. The region has witnessed significant revenue generation, driven by factors such as busy lifestyles, a desire for convenient meal solutions, and a culture of eating out or ordering in. The United States, in particular, has emerged as a key revenue contributor in the meal kit industry, given its large population and tech-savvy consumer base. Europe has also witnessed substantial growth in the meal kit delivery services market, with countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France leading the way. The region has seen increased interest in healthy eating, sustainable food options, and time-saving meal solutions. European consumers, similar to their North American counterparts, have embraced the convenience and variety offered by meal kit services. As a result, Europe has become a significant revenue-generating region for meal kit providers. Asia Pacific is an emerging market for meal kit delivery services, showing promising growth potential. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are experiencing increasing consumer awareness of meal kits and shifting food preferences. Factors such as urbanization, a rising middle class, and changing lifestyles contribute to the growth of the meal kit market in this region. The Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit a high compound annual growth rate (CAGR) as meal kit providers expand their operations and cater to the diverse culinary preferences of consumers.
North America held the largest revenues in 2023. The well-established market and early adoption of meal kit services in the United States have contributed to its significant revenue share. However, as the meal kit market continues to expand globally, other regions, such as Europe and Asia Pacific, are likely to increase their revenue percentages as consumer awareness and acceptance grow. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024 to 2032, as the region holds the most potential due to its large and rapidly growing consumer base. As more consumers in this region seek convenient and time-saving meal solutions, the demand for meal kit delivery services is expected to surge. Additionally, the region's expanding middle class and increasing disposable income further contribute to the market's growth prospects.
Market to Remain Fragmented during the Forecast Period
The meal kit delivery services market is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share and consumer loyalty. The industry is characterized by constant innovation, evolving consumer preferences, and the need for differentiation. Several top players dominate the market, each employing key strategies to stand out from the competition. HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Sun Basket, Purple Carrot, Home Chef, and Gousto are among the prominent players in the meal kit delivery services market. These companies have achieved success through various approaches. Firstly, they prioritize providing high-quality ingredients and fresh produce to ensure customer satisfaction. Emphasizing convenience, they deliver pre-portioned ingredients with detailed cooking instructions, saving customers time and effort in meal preparation. To differentiate themselves, meal kit providers focus on recipe variety and customization options. They offer a wide range of meal choices, catering to different dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and paleo. This allows them to attract a diverse customer base and cater to individual needs. Companies also collaborate with renowned chefs or partner with popular brands to create exclusive recipes and meal kits, offering unique culinary experiences to customers. Branding and marketing play a crucial role in the competitive landscape of meal kit delivery services. Companies invest significantly in building strong brand identities and increasing brand awareness. They leverage social media platforms, online advertising, and influencer partnerships to reach a broader audience and attract new customers. Providing exceptional customer service and personalized experiences further contributes to brand loyalty.
Historical & Forecast Period
This study report represents analysis of each segment from 2022 to 2032 considering 2023 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2024 to 2032.
The current report comprises of quantitative market estimations for each micro market for every geographical region and qualitative market analysis such as micro and macro environment analysis, market trends, competitive intelligence, segment analysis, porters five force model, top winning strategies, top investment markets, emerging trends and technological analysis, case studies, strategic conclusions and recommendations and other key market insights.
Research Methodology
The complete research study was conducted in three phases, namely: secondary research, primary research, and expert panel review. key data point that enables the estimation of Meal Kit Delivery Services market are as follows:
Market forecast was performed through proprietary software that analyzes various qualitative and quantitative factors. Growth rate and CAGR were estimated through intensive secondary and primary research. Data triangulation across various data points provides accuracy across various analyzed market segments in the report. Application of both top down and bottom-up approach for validation of market estimation assures logical, methodical and mathematical consistency of the quantitative data.
| ATTRIBUTE | DETAILS |
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| Research Period | 2022-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Historical Year | 2022 |
| Unit | USD Million |
| Segmentation | |
Offering
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Service
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Platform
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Meal Type
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Region Segment (2022-2032; US$ Million)
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Key questions answered in this report
