How Europe’s ready-to-eat boom is reshaping cold-chain packaging

The ready-to-eat (RTE) market in Europe is rapidly transforming the food retail landscape. According to Mordor Intelligence, the European RTE food market is valued at around USD 91.5 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 124 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6.3 %. Other reports estimate that Europe represents roughly one-third of the global ready-to-eat food market, highlighting its scale and maturity.

What was once a niche convenience segment has become a key growth driver for supermarkets, e-grocers and food manufacturers alike. The result is a reshaping of how perishable food is prepared, packed and delivered — with passive temperature-controlled packaging now playing a pivotal role.

From our experience in the cold-chain sector, when a category scales this fast, the weakest link tends to be the packaging and delivery system — and that’s precisely where innovation is happening now across Europe.

 

What’s driving ready-to-eat market in Europe?

• Lifestyles & convenience. Increasingly busy households, dual-income families and smaller dwellings have created a demand for quick, ready-to-serve meals that require little preparation.
• Premiumisation & variety. Consumers are moving beyond simple convenience to seek higher-quality, gourmet or plant-based ready meals — a shift that boosts both volume and value growth.
• Channel evolution. Supermarkets, click-and-collect services and e-grocery platforms are expanding the reach of RTE products, while online retail remains one of the fastest-growing distribution channels.
• Format mix. Frozen and chilled formats dominate most European markets, with ambient products acting as complementary options for specific occasions.
• Sustainability expectations. Shoppers want both convenience and conscience — sustainable packaging and clear information about sourcing, nutrition and waste reduction.

 

Packaging and logistics: implications for perishable foods

 

Temperature integrity is non-negotiable

With a growing share of chilled and frozen RTE meals, the ready-to-eat market in Europe demands cold-chain integrity across the entire supply route — from manufacturing to shelf and last-mile. Any deviation risks product safety, freshness and consumer trust.

Speed, frequency and variability

RTE purchases are often spontaneous or planned for same-day consumption. Consequently, packaging must enable short lead-times, frequent deliveries and flexible routing to lockers, stores or homes.

Multi-temperature loads

Deliveries frequently include mixed products — a chilled main dish, a frozen dessert and an ambient side. Packaging that allows separate temperature zones in a single shipment cuts operational cost and waste.

Operational efficiency and reusability

Reusable, lightweight and stackable systems simplify handling, reduce warehouse space and speed up order turnaround. They also support return logistics and lower the total cost of ownership.

Sustainability pressure

Retailers face mounting expectations to reduce single-use materials, improve cube efficiency and cut emissions. Passive solutions that limit reliance on powered refrigeration directly contribute to these sustainability goals.

 

Why passive thermal packaging is a strategic enabler

Passive cold-chain packaging — based on insulation and phase-change materials rather than constant mechanical cooling — is increasingly central to RTE logistics. Its advantages include:

• Less dependence on powered refrigeration. It maintains target temperatures during ambient transport, lowering energy use and costs.
• Resilience in last-mile delivery. Passive packaging performs reliably under unpredictable European weather, traffic and delivery conditions.
• Dual or multi-zone configurations. Modular inserts or dividers allow chilled and frozen compartments within the same container.
• Space and cost efficiency. Foldable, flat-stackable formats optimise storage and facilitate reuse cycles.
• Enhanced consumer experience. Products arrive at the right temperature, in perfect condition — reinforcing quality perception and brand confidence.

Cold chain packaging is no longer an afterthought — it’s part of the product story.

 

Practical checklist for retailers, e-grocery and logistics

Avoid over- or under-engineering. Choose configurations based on the expected delivery duration, ambient conditions and thermal mass of the product. For frozen goods, consider PCM materials rated for sub-zero performance.

1. Map the temperature journey

Identify every hand-off and exposure point from production to consumer.

2. Match insulation and accumulators to route profiles.

Urban short-haul and suburban long-haul routes require different thermal performance.

3. Design for multi-temperature shipments

Use inserts or partitions to combine chilled and frozen products in one container when feasible.

4. Prioritise reusability and easy handling

Simplify loading, cleaning and redeployment to accelerate operations.

5. Measure and communicate performance

Track temperature stability and highlight freshness and sustainability achievements in marketing.

6. Collaborate across the chain

Align manufacturers, logistics partners and retailers to optimise packaging at every step of the RTE journey.

 

Conclusion

The ready-to-eat category is no longer a convenience niche — it’s a central pillar of Europe’s evolving food ecosystem. With strong growth projections, the ready-to-eat market in Europe is transforming expectations around how fresh and frozen foods are stored, moved and delivered.
For retailers, e-grocery operators and logistics providers, success in this market won’t hinge solely on product innovation but equally on packaging intelligence. Passive thermal solutions, by safeguarding temperature, reducing waste and enabling operational agility, are becoming essential tools for sustainable growth.

As the boundary between retail and food-service continues to blur, the cold chain — and the packaging that sustains it — remains the invisible bridge keeping Europe’s ready-to-eat revolution fresh.

Struggling to keep your RTE deliveries cold, fast and cost-effective? At Tempack, we help you overcome the cold-chain challenges of Europe’s ready-to-eat market with advanced passive thermal packaging.
👉 Talk to our team today and improve your logistics performance.