Marketing dynamics of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook foods: Consumer behavior and sales strategies
Ayman Al-Farsi and Hana Al-Mutlaq
The rapid growth of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and Ready-to-Cook (RTC) foods reflects significant shifts in consumer lifestyles, preferences, and market strategies. With increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and evolving household structures, consumers are adopting convenience-oriented food options that save time while maintaining nutritional value. This study investigates the marketing dynamics of RTE and RTC foods by analyzing consumer behavior, purchase patterns, and sales strategies adopted by firms. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining secondary data from industry reports, peer-reviewed studies, and government surveys with primary insights derived from structured consumer surveys and retail sales observations. Analytical tools such as SPSS and Excel were employed to examine trends, correlations, and segmentation within consumer behavior.
The results indicate that consumer adoption of RTE and RTC products is driven primarily by factors such as convenience, brand trust, perceived health benefits, and innovative packaging. Market segmentation reveals strong demand among working professionals, nuclear families, and younger demographics, while health-conscious consumers increasingly demand fortified, organic, and clean-label variants. Sales strategies are evolving to include digital marketing campaigns, influencer-driven promotions, loyalty programs, and Omni channel retailing that integrates online and offline platforms. Furthermore, price sensitivity remains a critical determinant in emerging markets, compelling firms to balance affordability with product differentiation.
This paper concludes that the success of RTE and RTC foods lies in aligning product innovation with consumer expectations while leveraging advanced marketing strategies to sustain long-term growth. Future research should explore the role of artificial intelligence in consumer demand forecasting, the impact of sustainability-focused branding, and cross-cultural differences in food marketing dynamics. By bridging consumer insights with strategic approaches, the RTE and RTC food sector can position itself as a resilient pillar of the modern food industry.
Ayman Al-Farsi, Hana Al-Mutlaq. Marketing dynamics of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook foods: Consumer behavior and sales strategies. Int J Res Marketing Manage Sales 2025;7(1):372-378. DOI: 10.33545/26633329.2025.v7.i1d.283