Frozen 'bento' delivery services gaining traction, witness market grow

Frozen bento meals, comprising a main dish, side dish, and salad, are gaining popularity in Japan. Subscription-based home delivery services are driving market expansion. The frozen bento market is projected to reach 217.4 billion yen this year, a 7.9% increase from the previous year. Companies like Ajinomoto Co. and Watami Co. have entered the market.

Greenspoon Inc., a Tokyo-based company, launched DELI BENTO, a series of frozen plate meals rich in vegetables. The launch coincided with the government's plan to reduce the consumption tax rate for food and beverages. Each bento contains a main dish, a side, and a salad, with customers choosing from about 35 options. Greenspoon offers a 12-meal subscription set at 886 yen per meal.

For restricted diets, Dr. Tsurukame Kitchen provides frozen meals supervised by medical specialists, catering to salt, carbohydrate, calorie, and other nutrient restrictions. With five courses, a set of seven meals costs 5,184 yen. Wellness Dining Co. offers health-conscious meal delivery, providing soft-textured meals for those with weakened chewing or swallowing abilities due to illness or age. A set of seven meals is priced at 7,884 yen.