
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets, Online Retail, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores), By End User (Households, Restaurants, Cafeterias), By Meal Type (Vegetarian Meals, Non-Vegetarian Meals, Vegan Meals, Gluten-Free Meals), By Packaging Type (Single-Serve Packs, Multi-Serve Packs, Family Packs), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market is projected to grow from USD 185.4 Billion in 2025 to USD 321.7 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% from 2026 through 2035. This market encompasses a wide array of pre-cooked and ready-to-eat meals requiring only refrigeration and minimal heating before consumption. Key market drivers include the accelerating pace of urbanization and busy lifestyles, which fuel demand for convenient and time-saving food solutions. The increasing number of single-person households and dual-income families further contributes to this demand. Growing consumer awareness regarding health and wellness is driving innovation within the market, leading to a proliferation of healthier options such as organic, low-fat, and high-protein chilled meals. Additionally, the continuous expansion of organized retail channels, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, coupled with the rising popularity of online grocery platforms, significantly enhances product accessibility and drives market expansion. The dominant segment, Non-Vegetarian Meals, holds a significant share, reflecting broad consumer preferences for meat and poultry-based convenience options.
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035

2025 - 2035
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Several important trends are shaping the Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market. There is a noticeable shift towards premium and gourmet chilled meals, as consumers seek higher quality and diverse culinary experiences. Customization and personalization of meal kits, allowing consumers to tailor ingredients and portion sizes, are gaining traction. Technological advancements in food packaging, particularly modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), are extending shelf life and maintaining the freshness of chilled meals, thereby boosting consumer confidence and reducing food waste. However, the market faces certain restraints. The relatively shorter shelf life of chilled meals compared to frozen or ambient alternatives presents logistical challenges for distribution and inventory management. Perceived higher costs compared to home-cooked meals can also deter some price-sensitive consumers. Maintaining consistent product quality and taste across large-scale production remains a key challenge for manufacturers. Despite these hurdles, significant opportunities exist in developing innovative plant-based and vegan chilled meal options, catering to the burgeoning flexitarian and vegan consumer base. Expanding into emerging markets with underdeveloped cold chain logistics and growing disposable incomes also presents substantial growth avenues.
Europe currently holds the largest share of the global market, driven by its well-established food processing industry, high disposable incomes, and a culture that values convenience. The region benefits from robust retail infrastructure and high consumer acceptance of ready-to-eat solutions. Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest-growing region, fueled by rapid economic development, increasing urbanization, and a burgeoning middle class with evolving dietary habits and a growing demand for convenience foods. Key players like Maple Leaf Foods, Unilever, Hain Celestial, Nestle, Bakkavor, Tyson Foods, Bridgford Foods, Greencore Group, General Mills, and Pinnacle Foods are actively pursuing strategies to maintain and expand their market presence. These strategies include mergers and acquisitions to consolidate market share, significant investments in research and development to innovate new products and improve packaging, and strategic partnerships with retailers and online delivery platforms to enhance distribution reach. Focus on sustainable sourcing and production practices is also becoming increasingly important for competitive differentiation.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 185.4 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 321.7 BillionLeading Segment:
Non-Vegetarian Meals (55.2% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
Europe (38.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
6.4%
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Emerging Trends and Insights
HyperPersonalization for Prepared Chilled Meals
Hyperpersonalization for prepared chilled meals signifies a shift from generic offerings to highly customized food experiences. Consumers increasingly demand meals tailored to their specific dietary needs, flavor preferences, and even lifestyle choices. This trend involves leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to understand individual customer profiles, enabling companies to offer bespoke meal plans, ingredient combinations, and portion sizes.
Instead of one size fits all, brands are creating options for keto, paleo, vegan, allergen free, or even sport specific nutrition. Packaging is evolving to include individual names or personalized messages, enhancing the sense of exclusivity. This granular level of customization fosters deeper customer engagement and loyalty, as consumers feel understood and valued. It transforms prepared chilled meals from a convenient option into a truly personal culinary solution, catering to a sophisticated and health conscious consumer base seeking more than just sustenance.
PlantForward Revolution in Chilled Ready Meals
Consumers are driving a significant shift towards plant based eating, extending into the chilled ready meals sector. This PlantForward Revolution reflects growing health consciousness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations. Manufacturers are responding by innovating with diverse, appealing vegetarian and vegan options. These meals prioritize fresh vegetables, legumes, grains, and plant proteins, moving beyond simple meat alternatives to create flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying experiences. The focus is on natural ingredients, global cuisines, and convenience, catering to flexitarians, vegans, and those seeking healthier meal solutions. This trend ensures a wider variety of nutritious and sustainable choices in the prepared chilled meals aisle.
TechDriven Transparency in Chilled Meal Supply Chains
Consumers demand unprecedented visibility into their chilled meal origins and production. This trend, TechDriven Transparency, reflects a profound shift enabled by advanced digital tools across the entire supply chain. From farm to fork, blockchain technology is increasingly adopted to immutably record ingredient sourcing, processing details, and logistical movements. Internet of Things sensors monitor precise temperature controls during transit and storage, guaranteeing food safety and quality while providing real time data. Artificial intelligence analyzes this vast information, identifying potential contamination risks or inefficiencies. QR codes on packaging offer consumers instant access to detailed product information, including allergen data, ethical sourcing practices, and environmental impact assessments. This digital traceability builds trust, meets regulatory demands, and empowers consumers with informed choices about the chilled meals they purchase, fundamentally reshaping industry practices and consumer expectations globally.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market
Rising Demand for Convenient and Time-Saving Food Solutions
Modern lifestyles increasingly prioritize convenience and efficiency, directly fueling the global prepared chilled meals market. Consumers, facing busy schedules and reduced time for traditional cooking, actively seek food options that are quick to prepare and easy to consume. Chilled meals offer an ideal solution, requiring minimal effort like microwave heating or simple assembly, making them perfect for lunch breaks, quick dinners, or on-the-go consumption. This demand extends across various demographics, from working professionals and single households to families looking for stress-free meal solutions. The appeal lies in saving valuable time spent on grocery shopping, meal planning, and cooking, without compromising on taste or quality. This ongoing shift towards convenience is a primary catalyst for the market's significant expansion.
Expanding Retail Channels and E-commerce Penetration
Expanding retail channels and ecommerce penetration significantly fuels the global prepared chilled meals market. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores are dedicating more shelf space to these ready to eat options, improving product visibility and accessibility for busy consumers. This wider physical distribution network allows manufacturers to reach a broader customer base across various demographics and geographical locations. Concurrently, the rise of online grocery platforms and dedicated meal delivery services has revolutionized how consumers purchase food. These digital channels offer unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to browse, order, and receive chilled meals directly at their doorstep. The ease of online ordering, coupled with efficient delivery logistics, caters to the growing demand for quick, high quality meal solutions without the need for in store visits. This dual expansion across traditional and digital retail landscapes dramatically boosts sales and market penetration for prepared chilled meals.
Increasing Consumer Focus on Health, Wellness, and Diverse Cuisines
Consumers are increasingly prioritizing health and wellness in their food choices, seeking options that support specific dietary needs and lifestyles. This trend fuels demand for prepared chilled meals offering clear nutritional information, organic ingredients, lower fat or sugar content, and plant based alternatives. Simultaneously, an evolving global palate and greater exposure to international flavors drive interest in diverse cuisines. Consumers desire convenient access to authentic ethnic meals, expanding the variety of globally inspired dishes available in the chilled meals market. Manufacturers are responding by innovating product lines to include a wider range of healthy and globally influenced options, directly catering to these evolving consumer preferences for both nutritious and culturally rich food experiences.
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Restraints
Supply Chain Disruptions and Volatility in Raw Material Costs
Supply chain disruptions and volatility in raw material costs significantly constrain the Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market. Manufacturers of prepared meals rely heavily on a consistent and affordable supply of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and packaging materials. Unforeseen events such as extreme weather, geopolitical conflicts, or pandemics can disrupt transportation networks and agricultural yields, leading to shortages and price spikes for critical ingredients. These fluctuations directly impact production costs, making it challenging for companies to maintain stable pricing for consumers and healthy profit margins. This unpredictability in sourcing can force businesses to absorb higher costs, pass them onto consumers, or compromise on ingredient quality, ultimately hindering market growth and consumer adoption of chilled meal offerings.
Intense Competition from Frozen Meals and Freshly Prepared Alternatives
The global prepared chilled meals market faces a significant challenge from the intense competition posed by both frozen meals and freshly prepared alternatives. Frozen meals offer convenience and longer shelf lives, often at competitive price points, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking quick meal solutions without immediate consumption. They have well-established supply chains and broad distribution, capturing a substantial share of the convenience food sector.
Simultaneously, freshly prepared alternatives, including ready to eat meals from supermarkets, deli counters, and even food service establishments, provide a perception of higher quality and freshness. These options appeal to consumers prioritizing taste and nutritional value often perceived to be superior to chilled packaged meals. This dual pressure from deeply entrenched frozen options and increasingly sophisticated fresh choices limits the growth potential and market share expansion for prepared chilled meals, forcing players to innovate continuously on taste, convenience, and perceived health benefits to remain competitive.
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Opportunities
Capturing the Premium & Health-Focused Chilled Meal Segment
The global prepared chilled meals market presents a significant opportunity to cater to evolving consumer preferences for superior quality and nutritional value. Discerning customers are increasingly seeking convenient meal solutions that do not compromise on health or taste. This segment targets individuals willing to pay a premium for chilled meals made with high quality ingredients, chef inspired recipes, and clear nutritional benefits.
Focus areas include organic, plant based, high protein, low carb, and free from options, appealing to a growing health conscious demographic. Consumers prioritize transparency in sourcing and preparation, alongside sophisticated flavors. By delivering innovative, fresh, and wholesome ready meals that align with wellness goals, companies can capture a lucrative niche. This involves leveraging advanced food technology to maintain freshness and nutritional integrity, while offering diverse, appealing menus. The opportunity lies in combining ultimate convenience with premium culinary experiences and demonstrable health benefits, differentiating offerings from conventional ready meals and building strong brand loyalty. This approach meets modern demands for both time saving solutions and personal wellbeing.
Tapping into Niche Dietary Needs with Customizable Chilled Meal Experiences
The global prepared chilled meals market offers a compelling opportunity by precisely addressing diverse niche dietary needs. Consumers increasingly prioritize convenience alongside highly specific health, ethical, or lifestyle eating preferences. This encompasses a growing demand for options like gluten free, vegan, keto, allergen conscious, low FODMAP, and culturally specific meals. Providing customizable chilled meal experiences enables businesses to cater directly to these segmented markets. Innovative platforms could allow customers to select ingredients, control portions, and adjust meal plans, ensuring each offering meticulously meets individual dietary requirements while preserving freshness and convenience. This personalization builds strong customer loyalty and significantly expands market penetration beyond generic ready meals. The inherent convenience of chilled prepared meals, when combined with tailored nutritional profiles, unlocks a lucrative premium segment. This is particularly appealing in regions experiencing rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and rising health consciousness, transforming a broad market into numerous highly specific, profitable micro markets with substantial growth potential.
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Meal Type
- •Vegetarian Meals
- •Non-Vegetarian Meals
- •Vegan Meals
- •Gluten-Free Meals
By Packaging Type
- •Single-Serve Packs
- •Multi-Serve Packs
- •Family Packs
By Distribution Channel
- •Supermarkets
- •Online Retail
- •Convenience Stores
- •Specialty Stores
By End User
- •Households
- •Restaurants
- •Cafeterias
Segment Share By Meal Type
Share, By Meal Type, 2025 (%)
- Non-Vegetarian Meals
- Vegetarian Meals
- Gluten-Free Meals
- Vegan Meals

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Why do Non-Vegetarian Meals dominate the Prepared Chilled Meals Market?
Non-Vegetarian Meals capture the largest market share due to their broad appeal across diverse consumer bases and culinary preferences. This segment benefits from a wide variety of protein options and traditional meal compositions deeply embedded in many cultures worldwide, offering familiar and satisfying choices for convenient consumption. The versatility and established presence of meat and poultry based dishes make them a preferred and often go to option for consumers seeking prepared meals, driving their significant contribution to overall sales.
What key trends are influencing distribution channels for prepared chilled meals?
Supermarkets remain a primary distribution channel due to their extensive reach, convenience, and wide product assortment, allowing consumers to easily access a variety of chilled meal options during their regular grocery runs. However, online retail is rapidly gaining traction, driven by increasing consumer preference for home delivery and the expanding digital infrastructure. Convenience stores also play a crucial role for impulse purchases and quick meal solutions, while specialty stores cater to niche demands, offering premium or specific dietary products.
How are evolving consumer lifestyles shaping the end user segments and meal type preferences?
Modern busy lifestyles significantly drive the demand from the Households end user segment, as consumers increasingly seek convenient, quick, and nutritious meal solutions that require minimal preparation. This trend also fuels the growth of specialized meal types like Vegan Meals and Gluten Free Meals, catering to specific dietary requirements and health conscious consumers. Furthermore, the rising awareness of health and wellness influences choices across all segments, pushing manufacturers to innovate with healthier ingredients and transparent labeling to meet diverse consumer needs, extending beyond traditional non vegetarian offerings.
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Regulatory and Policy Environment Analysis
The global prepared chilled meals market operates within a highly regulated environment, prioritizing food safety and consumer protection. Stringent hygiene standards, often mandated by HACCP principles and ISO 22000 certifications, govern production, handling, and distribution worldwide. Labeling requirements are diverse across regions, demanding precise disclosure of ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, and shelf life to ensure consumer transparency. Temperature control regulations are critical throughout the supply chain to maintain product integrity and prevent microbial growth, with specific guidelines varying by country. Furthermore, restrictions on food additives, preservatives, and packaging materials impact product formulation and presentation. Import and export policies introduce complexities regarding customs duties, sanitary certificates, and compliance with destination country standards. Evolving sustainability directives, like packaging waste reduction and food waste initiatives, increasingly influence operational practices and product development. Adapting to these varied, often dynamic, regulatory frameworks is crucial for market access and sustained growth globally.
Which Emerging Technologies Are Driving New Trends in the Market?
Innovations are rapidly transforming the global prepared chilled meals market. Advanced preservation techniques like High Pressure Processing and Modified Atmosphere Packaging significantly extend shelf life, ensuring freshness and nutritional value without additives. Sustainable packaging solutions are paramount, with biodegradable and recyclable materials addressing growing consumer demand for eco friendly options.
Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and data analytics are revolutionizing product development and supply chain efficiency. AI driven insights are predicting consumer preferences, enabling personalized meal offerings tailored to diverse dietary needs and tastes. The integration of functional ingredients, including probiotics and adaptogens, is creating health enhancing meals. Furthermore, smart packaging with IoT sensors is improving food safety and traceability, providing real time monitoring from production to plate. Plant based and cultivated protein alternatives are also expanding ingredient innovation, catering to evolving dietary trends.
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Regional Analysis
Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market
Trends, by Region

Europe Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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Dominant Region
Europe · 38.2% share
Europe stands as the dominant region in the Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market, commanding a substantial 38.2% market share. This significant lead highlights the regions strong consumer preference for convenient, ready to eat meal solutions. Factors contributing to Europes prominence include its developed infrastructure for cold chain logistics and distribution, ensuring product freshness and widespread availability. Moreover, the regions busy urban lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes drive demand for time saving meal options. High adoption rates of supermarket and hypermarket formats further facilitate the accessibility of these products to a broad consumer base. Europes diverse culinary landscape also encourages a wide variety of prepared chilled meal offerings, catering to different tastes and dietary needs, solidifying its market leadership.
Fastest Growing Region
Asia Pacific · 9.2% CAGR
Asia Pacific emerges as the fastest growing region in the
global Prepared Chilled Meals market, projected to expand at a
robust CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. This significant
growth is primarily driven by rapid urbanization and the increasing
number of dual income households across the region. As lifestyles
become more hectic, consumers are actively seeking convenient
and time saving meal solutions that do not compromise on quality
or taste. The expanding young working population, particularly in
emerging economies, is readily adopting these ready to eat options.
Furthermore, rising disposable incomes and greater awareness of
diverse cuisines are fueling demand for a wider variety of chilled
meal products. Manufacturers are responding by innovating with
local flavors and healthier ingredients, further accelerating market
expansion in Asia Pacific.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitical stability significantly influences the Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market. Trade agreements and tariffs impact ingredient costs and cross border product flow. Geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply chains, raising transportation expenses and creating ingredient shortages, particularly for items with limited growing regions. Consumer confidence, itself sensitive to international events, impacts discretionary spending on convenience foods. Moreover, food safety regulations, often tied to international standards, are subject to geopolitical influence, affecting market access and product formulation across diverse markets.
Macroeconomic factors heavily shape this market. Disposable income levels are a primary driver, as convenience foods are often premium priced. Inflation, particularly food price inflation, directly impacts production costs and consumer purchasing power. Interest rates affect business expansion plans and consumer credit availability. Employment rates correlate with disposable income and time availability, influencing demand for time saving meal solutions. Economic growth, or contraction, consequently dictates market expansion or contraction, directly affecting investment and consumption patterns within the prepared chilled meals sector.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Unilever announced a strategic partnership with a major European supermarket chain to expand the distribution of its plant-based chilled meals. This collaboration aims to significantly increase market penetration and make plant-forward options more accessible to consumers across various European countries.
- July 2024
Bakkavor launched a new line of globally inspired chilled meals, focusing on authentic Asian and Mediterranean flavors. These new products cater to increasing consumer demand for diverse and convenient meal solutions that offer restaurant-quality taste at home.
- November 2024
Greencore Group completed the acquisition of a leading UK-based chilled prepared meal manufacturer specializing in gluten-free and organic offerings. This acquisition strengthens Greencore's position in the premium and dietary-specific segments of the prepared meals market, expanding its product portfolio and production capabilities.
- April 2025
Nestle introduced an innovative packaging solution for its chilled meals, featuring fully recyclable materials and extended shelf life technology. This initiative aligns with the company's sustainability goals and addresses consumer preferences for environmentally friendly and less wasteful food products.
Key Players Analysis
Maple Leaf Foods and Tyson Foods are key players dominating the global prepared chilled meals market leveraging their extensive distribution networks and brand recognition. Unilever and Nestle with their vast product portfolios drive market growth through continuous innovation in flavor and convenience. Bakkavor and Greencore Group excel in private label solutions utilizing advanced food processing technologies. Strategic acquisitions and partnerships remain crucial for all players expanding market reach and product offerings capitalizing on consumer demand for healthy and convenient meal options.
List of Key Companies:
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Unilever
- Hain Celestial
- Nestle
- Bakkavor
- Tyson Foods
- Bridgford Foods
- Greencore Group
- General Mills
- Pinnacle Foods
- Kraft Heinz
- ConAgra Foods
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 185.4 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 321.7 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 6.4% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Meal Type, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Packaging Type, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End User, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Meal Type, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Packaging Type, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End User, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Meal Type, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Packaging Type, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End User, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Meal Type, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Packaging Type, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End User, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Meal Type, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Packaging Type, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End User, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Meal Type, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Packaging Type, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End User, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Prepared Chilled Meals Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
