The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still prevalent four years later, with more and more people seeking comfort foods. There has been an increase in demand for indulgent, comforting dishes and beloved Kiwi classics.
This rise in demand has helped Get Fed gain popularity, as it saves cooking time by offering pre-prepared meals delivered to your doorstep. Their smaller meal sizes, available in 300-gram portions and competitive pricing make their meal ranges more accessible and affordable for all customers.
“In today's fast-paced world, people often lack time but still aspire to enjoy nutritious meals. Our customers have embraced our products because we employ the same cooking methods as a skilled home chef, allowing us to serve a delicious dinner quickly,” said Becky Erwood, director and co-founder of Get Fed.
“We make everything by hand using fresh, premium New Zealand ingredients. Our diverse team of chefs draws inspiration from their collective knowledge, culture, and expertise to create innovative and globally inspired dishes.”
The convenience food industry's growth potential lies in offering nutritious, sustainable, and globally-inspired options, embracing e-commerce, and meeting the demands of specialised diets while innovating with technology and personalisation.
The industry faces supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, e-commerce complexities, consumer trust, evolving preferences, labour issues, food safety requirements, and ethical responsibility. To succeed, companies must proactively address these challenges to offer a product and service that meets the varying needs of its customers.
In the evolving landscape of ready meals, success hinges on a commitment to innovation, transparency, and health while embracing the convenience consumers crave. Innovation and diversification are essential, and manufacturers must look to continuously create new, healthier, and customisable meal options, including those catering to dietary restrictions.
Transparency on food labels is also crucial. Brands need to be transparent about ingredient sourcing and keep their products clean. The quest for sustainability, particularly in packaging formats, has significantly impacted the industry.
Customers are frequently misled about packaging sustainability, and in New Zealand, infrastructure challenges with compostable and recyclable materials have posed significant obstacles.
“While we initially used compostable trays, they proved unsuitable due to moisture absorption and durability issues, similar to concerns faced with aluminium trays. The shift to recyclable CPET trays aligns with product needs, delivery requirements, and roadside recyclability.”
