EXCEL IN THE GROWING RTE FOOD MARKET WITH NICHROME
Ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook food sales are soaring in India. The pandemic and the government's stay-at-home advisory have forced people to become ‘quarantine chefs’ and bring home the joy of eating out. According to a report in Economic Times, in the first 3 months of the lockdown (AprilJune 2020), fresh packaged food brand ‘iD Fresh Food’ saw paratha sales rise by 60% compared to the previous quarter while meat and seafood brand ‘Licious’ saw more than a 300% jump 300% jump in sale of ready-to-eat meat spreads, a two-fold increase sale of ready-to-cook kebabs, marinated meat and seafood. It’s evident that quick-fix meals, do-it-yourself meal kits, packaged foods and ready to eat products have seen a huge and sustained uptick in demand during the lockdown. The growth can be ascribed to most people cooking and eating at home, and the will to experiment with newer items. There is clearly a shift in consumer behaviour and preferences. More Indian consumers are opting for better quality and safer food products. Picking up on this consumer trend, food companies are launching ready-to-eat products including easy-to-prepare options. DIY meals are also being introduced, for consumers who are cautious about ordering cooked food from restaurants & caterers. With home cooking and at-home consumptionrising, such foods will help food manufacturers to gain greater acceptance and household penetration - in both big metros and smaller towns. (Ref: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/food/ready-tocook-food-sales-rise-as-india-stays-at-home/)