Forzen meat-based ready-meals

Frozen meat-based ready meals are pre-cooked, pre-packaged and frozen meals that contain meat as the main ingredient. They exist to give the consumer a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in a matter of minutes, and the category spans a wide range of varieties including casseroles, stews, stir-fries, meatballs and lasagnas.

Commercial production runs as a five-stage chain. Ingredients are sourced from approved suppliers, with quality checks carried out to confirm they meet the required standards. In preparation, the meat is cooked and seasoned according to the recipe and the other ingredients are added to create the desired flavour and texture. Packaging is carried out on specialised equipment, using materials designed to withstand freezing temperatures and preserve the quality and flavour of the meals. Freezing is then done in a way that minimises the formation of ice crystals, which can affect the quality of the food. Finished meals are held in temperature-controlled warehouses until they are shipped to retailers or consumers.

Major players in the market include Nestle, Conagra Brands, Inc., Kraft Heinz Company, McCain Foods Limited, Dr. Oetker GmbH, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., General Mills, Inc. and Tyson Foods, Inc. For a plant owner entering this category, the design questions follow the process chain: supplier approval and incoming quality control, cook and seasoning capability, packaging equipment and film selection rated for freezing temperatures, a freezing step tuned to limit ice crystal formation, and temperature-controlled storage through to distribution.