In chilled ready meals, the influence of world cuisine is clear to see. Growth is coming from smaller and more exotic cuisines such as Thai and Mexican, which continue to chip away at the majority share of classic British ready meals (down 0.2% to £549.3m).

M&S continues to hold the largest share of the category and over-indexes on chilled ready meals at seven times its overall grocery share. It has recently increased its Asian range to include dishes from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Korea, such as Korean Chilli Chicken Rice and Japanese Chilli Miso Chicken Ramen.

However, Tesco is starting to close the gap having launched own-label ranges such as the Hearty Food Co value lineup and Wicked Kitchen vegan range, which draws on world flavours with dishes such as a vegetable Muay Thai curry and a Gunpowder Potato Chana Masala.

Wicked Kitchen also taps the rise of flexitarian diets, which remains a key influence in the grocery market. Other retailers are getting on board with specific ranges such as the Sainsbury's Love Your Veg range. 

Health is also a hot topic in world cuisine, prompting traditionally indulgent brand Charlie Bigham's to launch its new range World of Grains, including dishes such as a Chicken Katsu Curry with edamame and Cauliflower & Paneer Curry. 

Alice Cadman, Kantar Worldpanel