The European market for chilled prepared foods continues to grow and was valued at an estimated €13.5 billion for 2002. Forecasts predict it will reach €19bn by 2006.
The market has benefited from trends such as healthier eating with many products being positioned as ëgood for you', coupled with the fact that some chilled foods can be eaten immediately increases their appeal as a snack.
The UK represents Europe's largest market for chilled prepared foods with sales worth over €7.1bn in 2002. The market's largest sector is ready meals, which accounts for over 21 per cent of total value sales. This sector is predicted to experience a rise of more than 59 per cent exceeding €3.5bn by 2006.
