Japan’s ready-made meal market has surpassed ¥11 trillion, indicating rising consumer demand. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative advises consumers to consider both convenience and product shelf life.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Japan’s supermarket ready-made meal market continues to expand. According to the 2025 Ready-Made Meal White Paper released by the Japan Ready-Made Meal Association, the domestic market grew 2.8% year-on-year in 2024 to reach ¥11.2882 trillion, surpassing the ¥11 trillion mark for the first time and setting a new record high. The figures highlight consumers’ increasing reliance on ready-made and deli-style meals.
The Japan National Supermarket Association’s 2025 Supermarket Statistics Survey also shows that ready-made meals are steadily increasing their share among product categories. While “general food items” still account for the largest portion of overall sales, followed by “daily goods” and “fresh produce” (16.1%), ready-made and deli products recorded the most notable growth.
On average, a supermarket’s deli department generates approximately ¥170 million in annual sales, with mid- to large-scale urban stores reaching as much as ¥450 million, demonstrating particularly strong performance.
Market analysts attribute the sustained growth to structural social changes, including higher female workforce participation and the rise of single-person and dual-income households. In recent years, convenience has become a key purchasing factor, with more consumers opting for bento boxes and ready-made meals instead of cooking at home. The concept of “retiring from cooking” has even gained traction in public discourse. As Japan moves deeper into a super-aging society, demand for convenient, easy-to-eat, and portion-controlled food options is expected to grow further.
An office worker in Tokyo commented, “I get home late on weekdays, so it’s hard to cook every day. Supermarkets now offer a wide variety of deli options, from health-conscious salads to regional specialties. Prices have gone up slightly, but the time I save is more important.”
The manager of a mid-sized supermarket in Tokyo noted, “Our deli department has seen remarkable growth in recent years, especially in smaller portions and premium-quality items. We are strengthening in-store preparation and seasonal offerings to provide freshness and uniqueness beyond convenience.” He added that the store will continue refining its product lineup to meet the needs of an aging population and the growing number of single households.
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative advised consumers to balance convenience with mindful purchasing. The organization recommends checking nutritional information and portion sizes, avoiding over-purchasing to reduce food waste, and taking advantage of discount periods for same-day consumption items. It also encourages consumers to compare ingredient quality and expiration times to ensure both safety and value when selecting ready-made meals.
Amid rising prices and evolving lifestyles, Japan’s ready-made meal market is undergoing structural transformation. Striking the right balance between convenience, affordability, and quality will be key for retailers in the next phase of competition.
Media Contacts:
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
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MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
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SOURCE: Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
