Greece ready-to-eat meal market exceeds 1 billion euros

The ready-to-eat meal market in Greece has surpassed 1 billion euros in turnover as of 2025, according to Apóstolos Petalás, General Director of the Hellenic Association of Supermarkets. The sector is experiencing an annual growth rate of approximately 3%.

Research by ELKA indicates a significant shift in consumer behavior over the last decade. The percentage of consumers purchasing ready-made meals from supermarkets rose from 16% in 2016 to 29% in 2026. On average, Greek households spend 14.79 euros per week on these meals, totaling roughly 770 euros annually.

Key drivers for this growth include urbanization, smaller household sizes, and a lack of time for cooking, with 41% of consumers citing time constraints as their primary reason for choosing ready meals. Supermarkets are responding by expanding their prepared food sections to include diverse options such as salads, roasted chicken, and specialized dietary products like vegan or gluten-free meals, transforming retail spaces into hybrid destinations for both grocery shopping and immediate consumption.