Yihan Ma
Research expert covering e-commerce and FMCG in Greater China
Convenience food in China - statistics & facts
Convenience foods often refer to packaged meals that can be eaten right away or with little preparation. In China, convenience foods are divided into many subcategories, including frozen, ready-to-eat, just-add-water, and pre-cooked meals. Due to its convenience and affordability, convenience food has become a popular meal option for many young Chinese working people, who are often burdened with long commute times and long working hours. In 2022, China was the world’s largest convenience food market in terms of revenue. With weekly working hours increasing, convenience foods are expected to remain popular in the coming years.
In one sense, Chinese consumers remain enchanted by easy-to-prepare traditional dishes, on the other hand, international delicacies such as instant spaghetti and Japanese ramen also win the heart of many Chinese foodies. During China’s largest online shopping event Singles’ Day sales in 2021, the most popular convenience foods were instant rice noodles (including vermicelli and snail noodles), following by instant ramen and Italian pasta. In order to meet the needs of today's consumers, convenience foods are now made with fewer additives and healthier ingredients.
Supermarkets and convenience stores remain the most popular spots for Chinese consumers to stockpile instant noodles and other convenience foods. Nevertheless, e-commerce is also gaining popularity in China. Online sales of convenience foods have seen a substantial increase in recent years as a result of the fast-delivery options and the competitive prices offered by online retailers. Additionally, the new retail model of quick commerce also enables customers to shop from a nearby supermarket or convenience store without leaving their homes.
Convenience foods for convenient life
The concept of convenience foods, especially instant noodles, was not new to Chinese consumers. China's instant noodles production dates back to the 1960s. As of 1990, instant noodles have become a part of everyday life for many people. Today, China is the world’s largest instant noodles market, accounting for more than 37 percent of the total global demand. Convenience foods, however, were considered cheap meals or travel food in China for decades. Nevertheless, as a result of rising income and the prevalence of healthy eating concepts, the food processing industry of today also focuses on making convenience foods more nutritious and tastier.In one sense, Chinese consumers remain enchanted by easy-to-prepare traditional dishes, on the other hand, international delicacies such as instant spaghetti and Japanese ramen also win the heart of many Chinese foodies. During China’s largest online shopping event Singles’ Day sales in 2021, the most popular convenience foods were instant rice noodles (including vermicelli and snail noodles), following by instant ramen and Italian pasta. In order to meet the needs of today's consumers, convenience foods are now made with fewer additives and healthier ingredients.
Retail of convenience foods
Convenience foods also saw a boost in sales in China as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown restrictions. Compared to fresh ingredients, convenience foods are easier to store and have a longer shelf life. According to a survey among consumers in Shanghai, nearly two-thirds stocked up on convenience foods and prepared meals during the three-month lockdown in 2022.Supermarkets and convenience stores remain the most popular spots for Chinese consumers to stockpile instant noodles and other convenience foods. Nevertheless, e-commerce is also gaining popularity in China. Online sales of convenience foods have seen a substantial increase in recent years as a result of the fast-delivery options and the competitive prices offered by online retailers. Additionally, the new retail model of quick commerce also enables customers to shop from a nearby supermarket or convenience store without leaving their homes.
