CONVENIENCE TO LIFESTYLE: RTC'S BIG LEAP IN INDIA

84 percent of consumers believe frozen snacks allow them to enjoy restaurant-style food at home, while 73 percent say they taste just as good as freshly prepared meals.

- BY VAISHNAVI GUPTA

The Ready-to-Cook (RTC) and Frozen Foods category in India has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few years. Convenience continues to be the key driver behind the category's growth, but the scale of adoption has been unprecedented. Over the past two years, RTC has been the only packaged food segment to double in volume, attracting 18 million new households. In contrast, overall packaged foods in India witnessed a modest growth of around 8 percent, while RTC surged by 58 percent in 2024.

Shifting Consumer Perceptions

A few years ago, frozen foods were often dismissed as a compromise on freshness and taste. That perception is changing fast. According to the Yummiez latest report, 84 percent of consumers believe frozen snacks allow them to enjoy restaurant-style food at home, while 73 percent say they taste just as good as freshly prepared meals.

Anushree Dewen, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Godrej Foods Ltd noted, “Consumers are becoming more confident in making smart, quick food choices that do not compromise on quality.” Akash Agrawalla, Co-Founder of ZOFF Foods echoed this shift, “Over the last 2-3 years, the Ready-to-Cook category has transformed from being a convenience-driven option to a lifestyle choice. Earlier, it catered mainly to urban professionals with time constraints, but today, it appeals to families, students, and even health-conscious consumers.”

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