The meal tray market - France

The global meal tray market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% between 2022 and 2032, reaching a value of US$1.7 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by increasing demand for prepared meals post COVID-19, and a trend towards niche offerings such as kosher, halal, vegetarian and therapeutic meals. The market has a strong B2B component, with companies such as Avekapeti, Tout & Bon, and L'Affiche focusing on meal tray delivery for businesses, while Les Menus Services and Saveurs et vie cater to seniors with a more personalized offering. The tray meal market also faces competition from Foodtech companies such as Deliveroo for Business, Just Eat for Business, and Uber for Business, which have extended their services to tray meal deliveries for businesses.

The French market is particularly concentrated, with historical leaders such as Room Saveurs, Class'Croûte and Riem Becker playing key roles. Market growth is also influenced by changing eating habits in the workplace, with a focus on health and efficiency, and the possibility of increased telecommuting could have an impact on traditional tray delivery models. Health and hygiene regulations as well as government incentives, such as tax credits on certain personal services related to meal delivery, are also influencing sector dynamics

Emerging trends in meal tray market dynamics

The meal tray market in the country analyzed is undergoing a significant transformation, showing growth and competitive dynamism in its two main segments - corporate deliveries and home-delivered meals for the elderly. In the corporate world, meal trays are increasingly in demand as employees seek efficient, health-friendly catering options during their busy working days. This segment could see annual growth estimated at around 2% by 2023. Customized offerings and eco-responsibility are at the forefront of this market's growth drivers. In the corporate segment, companies such as Room Saveurs and Lenôtre have adopted "economical" offers to keep up with the competition, with prices for meal trays starting at less than €15 excluding VAT and climbing to around €28.90 excluding VAT respectively. This price adjustment is necessary to remain competitive with food techs like Deliveroo and Uber Eats, whose entry into the market has led to a general deflationary trend. Companies opt for meal trays because of their operational efficiency, as they are a suitable alternative to standard catered meals, suitable for events and regular employee lunches. In the senior meal tray segment, players such as Les Menus Services and Saveurs et Vie are registering demand linked to the ageing population and the increasing number of people losing their independence. Prices for these services vary according to formula and location, with a full à la carte lunch ranging from €13 to €14.60 and daily packages fluctuating between €18.60 and €18.90, with the possibility of tax credits further reducing the cost for end consumers.

This market benefits from government regulations that encourage personal assistance services, with tax assistance amounting to 50% of expenses incurred. The meal tray market, including the two sub-segments, is experiencing an ongoing trend towards diversification of the offering, mainly focused on wellness formulas, seasonal products and eco-responsible practices. Traditional market players are taking advantage of economies of scale, while new entrants are focusing on differentiation through partnerships with gourmet brands or by catering to specific dietary needs. Regulatory prowess and government-recommended practices Hygiene and safety reign supreme, with public bodies such as the "Direction de l'information légale et administrative" providing guidelines on the handling and delivery of various types of dishes according to their sensitivity to temperature variations. These guidelines are strict, ranging from guaranteeing cold deliveries at less than 3°C to maintaining hot meals at over 63°C. Emphasis is also placed on the need for suppliers to ensure end-to-end compliance, from integrity onwards.

Main competitors in the meal tray market

The meal tray market is a dynamic field with a wide range of players, from historic giants to enterprising start-ups. These companies, each with their own distinct strategies and services, are carving out a place of choice and vying for market leadership. Here, we highlight some of the key players shaping the industry landscape.

• Room Saveurs: A subsidiary of the Fleury Michon group, Room Saveurs is synonymous with gourmet meal trays. This historic leader in the corporate tray sector has made a name for itself by forging partnerships with luxury gastronomy brands such as Fauchon. It stands out for the quality of its offering for the corporate world, focusing on tasty, time-saving formulas that fit perfectly into busy company schedules.
• Class'Crôute: Known for its extensive franchise network, Class'Crôute has chosen a different path from Room Saveurs by expanding its presence through physical outlets. This strategic move enables the brand to establish itself in different localities and position itself as a preferred partner for companies looking for reliable, practical meal tray solutions.
• Riem Becker and L'Affiche: As a recognized caterer, Riem Becker has acquired L'Affiche from the Sodexo Group, moving up to third place in the meal tray sector. This operation underlines the trend towards consolidation in the market, as players seek to strengthen their capabilities and increase their market presence.
• Les Menus Service: Targeting a specialized segment, Les Menus Services focuses on the elderly with tailor-made meal delivery services that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Through a network of franchised stores, the company not only serves meals, but offers personalized attention by employing dieticians to advise on meal selection, affirming its commitment to health and customer care.
• Saveurs & vie: Another dominant force in meal tray delivery to the elderly, Saveurs & vie provides nutritionally balanced meals with an emphasis on freshness and hygiene. Operating in targeted regions, it has made significant inroads into the specialized market of elderly people requiring meal assistance.
• Foodtech startups (Popchef, Foodchéri, etc.): Riding the wave of innovation, foodtech startups such as Popchef and Foodchéri have disrupted traditional models by focusing on home-cooked meal delivery services. While some have pivoted to focus on corporate meal trays due to better margins and constant demand, others are integrating the agility of technology with the culinary arts to satisfy the ever-changing tastes and demands of modern consumers.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 08/08/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Workforce
• Business start-ups (excluding micro-entrepreneurs)
• Sales trend for meal trays
• France's aging population
• Number of people aged 60 and over losing their independence
• Number of seniors by type of residence - intermediate dependency assumption
• Frequency of teleworking
• Desired frequency of teleworking after confinement
• Places where employees eat lunch most often during the working day
• If your meal was paid for by your employer, what would be the main feature you would expect?
• Sales growth for corporate meal delivery specialists
• Meals-on-wheels contract