Speciality Food - October 2025

the preserve of solo nights in front of the television, ready meals can offer a delicious, nutrient-rich solution for both parents and children. “According to Mintel, 54% of consumers say that they have concerns around ultra processed foods, whichmeans that there’s a nervousness around anything people buy that they haven’t cooked from scratch,” she begins. “During Covid, people were cooking from scratch more so got to know the value of good quality ingredients and became cook each and every day, and also an older segment for whom shopping and cooking has become too much of challenge. They all have one thing in common: they want a meal that is quick to prepare but they want to eat well.” For Milly Bagot at ByRuby, families offer a valuable opportunity for the food industry. Tight on time but not when it comes to their appetite for quality food, they are the new frontier when it comes to quality ready meals. Far from being 37 to,” she explains. “So what we really try and encourage people to do is read a book to their children, go on a nice walk, do an exercise class – do something that they might otherwise not have the time for. It’s a gift to be able to spend time doing something you like versus slaving in the kitchen.” Just as important is the lack of unnecessary ‘nasties’ in premium ready meals. “We’re really obsessive about ensuring that the ingredients in our dishes are made-up purely of things that you’d find in your own kitchen at home, so no additives or preservatives,” says Milly. “Plus, the beauty of freezing is that you just don’t need those things.” What’s to come for the ready meal market? Jackie believes there will be more brands coming to the fore, offering more choice on food types, special diets and meal occasions. “Consumers will continue to want more variety and flavour experiences,” she says. “As eating out becomes ever more expensive the quality ready meal market will benefit. In addition we are already starting to see Bistro Chef in some vending locations and that trend will continue, with consumers expecting ‘quality food on the go’.” “The British ready meals category has enormous potential,” believes David. “We are on the cusp of something very exciting as premium brands, like Crosta Mollica, lead the way and show how this industry can be sophisticated, champion craftmanship and quality, and provide balanced and ‘clean’ options (that is, not including unnecessary and excessive ingredients). We understand that truly exceptional ready meals, as we say at Crosta Mollica, are ‘Non Per Tutti’ – not for everyone, but we will remain committed to continuing to elevate and innovate for those seeking something extraordinary in every bite, proving that the ready meals of today can deliver restaurant-quality experiences with the ultimate convenience of home cooking. The industry’s future isn’t about compromise, it’s about having it all.” The readymeal industry’s future isn’t about compromise, it’s about having it all more discerning about what goes into the food they eat – especially when they’re also feeding it to their children.” ByRuby’s family-sized lasagne and fish pie are proving immensely popular – not least because of the time they are saving families who might not have the hours needed to produce a hearty, slow-cooked ragu from scratch going spare. “We like to think that it’s allowing people to spend time doing things that they might not otherwise get a chance KELLY BRONZE CONFIT TURKEY THIGH Ethically-reared bone-in confit turkey thigh, slow cooked for hours. kellybronze.co.uk CHAPMAN’S SEAFOODS LUXURY FISH PIE This pie tucks smoked haddock, salmon, cod and prawns under a creamy mash and Cheddar topping, in a smooth bechamel sauce. chapmans-shop.co.uk BISTRO CHEF COQ AU VIN Tender pieces of chicken braised to perfection in a robust red wine sauce, enriched with smoked pancetta, aromatic vegetables and savoury herbs. bistrochef.co.uk BYRUBY LASAGNE A family-sized portion of grass-fed beef and pork mince cooked slowly in a rich tomato sauce in-between generous layers of egg pasta and cheesy béchamel. byruby.co.uk