Instant success for healthy ready meals in Europe

Latest research from MINTEL shows that ready meals are still in vogue. And while they were once the preserve of the couch potato, today they are more likely to appeal to health fanatics, as good-for-you varieties drive market growth. The market for ready meals in the five largest European countries increased by a healthy 5% between 2006 and 2007 alone to reach 8.4 billion Euros. What is more, sales look set for a further 18% growth and will almost reach the 10 billion Euros mark (9.9 billion Euros) by 2011.