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Fresh fish-based ready-meals

Fresh fish-based ready meals are meals that are prepared using fresh fish as the main ingredient and are pre-cooked or partially cooked and then packaged for convenience. These meals are designed to be quickly and easily reheated or cooked in the microwave or oven, making them a convenient option for people who want a healthy and tasty meal but don't have the time or desire to cook from scratch.

Fresh fish-based ready meals can come in various forms such as fillets, curries, stews, soups, and salads, and can be made with different types of fish, such as salmon, cod, haddock, tuna, and more. These meals may also include a variety of other ingredients like vegetables, rice, quinoa, or pasta to create a complete and balanced meal.

It's worth noting that the term "fresh" can sometimes be used loosely in the context of ready meals, and the fish used may not necessarily be fresh, but rather fresh-frozen or thawed. Additionally, it's important to read the packaging carefully to ensure that the meals are made with sustainably sourced fish and that they are free from any artificial additives or preservatives.

The market scope for fresh fish-based ready meals has been growing steadily in recent years. With consumers increasingly looking for healthy, convenient meal options, there has been a growing demand for pre-prepared meals that are made with fresh ingredients, including fish.

According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global market for ready meals is projected to reach $146 billion by 2023, with fish-based ready meals being a significant contributor to this growth. Factors driving this market growth include changing lifestyles, a growing awareness of the health benefits of consuming fish, and an increase in the number of households with working adults who have less time to cook from scratch.

In addition, the trend towards sustainability and ethical sourcing has also led to increased demand for fresh fish-based ready meals made from responsibly sourced fish. Consumers are increasingly interested in the environmental impact of their food choices and are looking for products that are both healthy and sustainable.

The market scope for fresh fish-based ready meals varies by region, with Europe being the largest market for ready meals, followed by North America and Asia Pacific. Within Europe, the United Kingdom is a significant market for fresh fish-based ready meals, with the market for chilled ready meals alone worth around £2 billion ($2.7 billion) in 2020.

The market scope for fresh fish-based ready meals is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by changing consumer preferences and increasing demand for healthy and convenient meal options

The major players in the Market for Fresh fish-based ready-meals are as follows:

1. Bakkafrost

2. Findus Group

3. Young's Seafood

4. Birds Eye

5. Mowi ASA

6. Waitrose & Partners

7. Morrisons

8. Tesco

9. Marks & Spencer

10. Sainsbury's

The commercial production of fresh fish-based ready meals involves several steps, including sourcing and preparing the fish, preparing the other ingredients, and packaging the meals for sale.

Here is an overview of the typical process involved:

1. Sourcing and preparing the fish: The first step in producing fresh fish-based ready meals is to source high-quality, sustainably caught or farmed fish. Once the fish is obtained, it is typically cleaned, filleted, and portioned into the desired sizes.

2. Preparing the other ingredients: Depending on the recipe, other ingredients such as vegetables, grains, and sauces may be prepared separately before being combined with the fish. These ingredients are typically prepared in large batches using commercial-grade kitchen equipment.

3. Cooking the meals: Once the ingredients are prepared, the meals are typically cooked in large batches using commercial cooking equipment such as ovens or steamers. Depending on the recipe, the meals may be cooked fully or partially and then cooled quickly to maintain freshness.

4. Packaging and storage: Once the meals are cooked and cooled, they are typically packaged in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to maintain freshness. The meals are then stored in refrigerated or frozen conditions until they are ready to be sold.

5. Distribution and sale: Fresh fish-based ready meals are typically sold through grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers. They may be sold in refrigerated or frozen sections and may require heating before consumption.