Not just salads, but complete solutions for lunch breaks: Bonduelle expands its fresh food offering with a new line and two ready-to-eat pasta options, tapping into a rapidly evolving segment in large-scale retail. The market for fresh ready meals continues to grow, driven by new consumption patterns focused on convenience and eating out. In 2025, according to Nielsen AT, bowls with dressing are expected to grow by 4,1% in value and 4,3% in volume, while savoury salads are expected to grow by 7,8% in value and 5,4% in volume.
Against this backdrop, Bonduelle is outperforming the market: its gastronomic salads are up 13,3% in value and 13,1% in volume, reaching a 37,4% share nationwide and consolidating its leadership in the segment. The company's response is now focused on expanding its offerings, with five new fresh products that focus on plant-based ingredients, simplicity, and nutritional completeness—elements increasingly sought after by contemporary consumers.
The new "Le Rustiche" range debuts, highlighting essential recipes and recognizable ingredients, with a weight increased to 140 grams to increase satiety and position itself as a true meal replacement. The three main varieties are: Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Crostini, which combines texture and protein; Chicken, Cheese, and Walnuts, aimed at lowering energy consumption; and Bresaola, Mozzarella, and Minigri, developed in co-marketing with De Nigris thanks to the inclusion of Melamadre lemon vinegar.
At the same time, the Pastallegre line is also expanding, with two new recipes designed for both hot and cold consumption, thanks to microwave-safe packaging, increasingly relevant for the modern retail channel. The new offerings are Cellentani with green beans, potatoes, and creamed chickpeas and basil, reminiscent of Mediterranean tradition, and Caserecce with zucchini, capers, olives, and creamed tomato and cheese, with a bolder, more typically Italian flavor. This move strengthens Bonduelle's position in the strategic consumption moment of the lunch break, where convenience, flavor, and well-being are key drivers of choice.
For modern retailers, the expansion offers interesting advantages both in terms of turnover and average receipt value, thanks to more comprehensive and differentiated products. In an increasingly crowded competitive environment, product line innovation remains a key tool for supporting the segment's growth and responding to consumers increasingly oriented towards plant-based, practical, and high-quality solutions.
