Fresh Prepared Foods Industry Profile

Companies in this industry prepare perishable food products, such as ready-made meals, salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, and vegetables. Major companies include AdvancePierre Foods, Ready Pac, Reser's Fine Foods, and Taylor Fresh Foods (all based in the US), as well as Bakkavör Group (UK), Greencore Group (Ireland), and Premium Brands (Canada).

Major international markets for the industry include Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, and France.

The US fresh prepared foods manufacturing industry includes about 800 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $17 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by consumer tastes, lifestyles and health considerations. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations and food quality. Large companies typically have stronger purchasing, distribution, and marketing operations. Small companies can compete effectively by offering higher customer service levels, additional flexibility with customers, and developing niche markets. The US industry is concentrated; the 50 largest companies generate about 80% of revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major products of companies that offer fresh prepared food include bagged salads, washed cut vegetables, pre-made sandwiches, and fresh pasta. Fresh prepared product customers include grocery stores, food service, vending operators, airports, and convenience stores.

Many fresh prepared food companies have their own production facilities, but some companies also buy the products from third parties. Bagged salads and other produce items are shipped quickly after processing at customer distribution centers or third-party distributors for redistribution. Deliveries are ...