Vegan and Indian Curry DIY... Setting the Table to My Taste

Global Meal Kit Market Nears 20 Trillion Won
Expected to Surpass 33 Trillion Won by 2026
Emphasis on Comfort and Self-Healing
Growing Interest in Personalized Products

Industry Aligns with Vegetarian and Multicultural Trends
Fresh Easy Launches 4 Plant-Based Meal Kits
Tiasia Releases 'Masala Curry Meal Kit'

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] As the trend of personalization, where individuals create products tailored to their uses and preferences rather than uniform goods, becomes established in consumer culture, the food industry is also seeing a rise in the popularity of DIY (Do It Yourself) foods that allow consumers to make their own meals as they wish.

According to GlobeNewswire on the 12th, the global meal kit market size this year is estimated to be $13.6 billion (approximately 19.5255 trillion KRW), growing 20.5% from last year's $11.2 billion (approximately 16.0641 trillion KRW). The meal kit market is expected to continue its growth trend, expanding to $23.2 billion (approximately 33.3128 trillion KRW) by 2026. The baking mix market, which was around $5.6 billion (approximately 8.0304 trillion KRW) last year, is also projected to grow to $9.5 billion (approximately 13.623 trillion KRW) by 2031.

DIY foods are mainly released in the form of meal kits containing all the ingredients needed for cooking or home baking kits that allow simple preparation of bread, cookies, and more at home. In the past, meal kits did not attract much attention because they required longer cooking times compared to frozen instant foods and were less convenient than retort pouch products. However, due to social distancing, reduced outings and travel caused by COVID-19, the time spent at home increased, spreading the self-trend overall. As a result, purchases of DIY foods such as meal kits, home baking mixes, and home cafe kits that allow easy and simple cooking at home have increased.

Unlike the past when saving time was crucial, recently, the importance of personal satisfaction such as mental comfort and self-healing has grown, increasing interest in products that match individual preferences. Additionally, DIY foods allow consumers to feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment by making the products themselves, reflecting the recent trend centered on the ‘self,’ which also raises attention toward related products.

T Asia 'Masala Curry Meal Kit'

The industry is also introducing various DIY meal kit products that align with the latest food trends such as vegetarianism and multicultural cuisine. Fresh Easy has been offering four products combining alternative meat and meal kits since December last year to increase accessibility for domestic consumers unfamiliar with alternative meat and to target the vegetarian population. Hyundai Green Food, which launched the vegetarian convenience food ‘Veggie Life’ in July, plans to release two additional vegetarian meal kits within this year.

The Asian food specialty brand ‘T Asia’ also collaborated with the meal kit company ‘My Chef’ last month to launch the ‘Masala Curry’ meal kit. A T Asia representative said, "Following the Masala Curry meal kit, we are developing a Makhani Curry meal kit so that anyone can easily cook popular Asian curries from India and Thailand," adding, "We will continue diverse attempts to allow people to enjoy the rich flavors of Asia at home without burden."

The market size of DIY foods such as meal kits and baking mixes surged rapidly due to the impact of COVID-19 but has seen relatively lower growth rate forecasts recently as outdoor activities resume and daily life recovers. However, as DIY food usage continues through leisure activities like home parties and staying home hobbies, the market size is expected to steadily grow.