The prepared salads market is moving from its traditional position as a side dish and into the main meal arena, according to new research.

The trend, says Innova Market Insights, is as a result of more substantial protein ingredients – such as poultry or fish – and a wider range of convenient packaging formats.

However, the sector remains relatively limited in terms of launch activity within the ready meals sector, accounting for just under six per cent of the global total recorded by the market analyst last year.

Europe accounted for over 70 per cent of activity, with North America in second place, with just over 11 per cent.

Lu Ann Williams, research Manager at Innova Market Insights, says that the addition of more convenience elements to the intrinsically healthy image of salads has helped to drive the market forward in recent years.

"Products have also become increasingly complex in many instances, containing a greater variety of often more unusual ingredients," she says. 

"The sector is also moving away from its more traditional commodity image and reliance on retailer own-labels toward the greater use of brands and co-branding to add value."