Baltic Export, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Foodstuff, Markets and Companies

Sales revenue of ready-made food producers totaled 241.5 million euros, which represents a year-on-year increase of 1.7%, the ministry reported on Thursday. "Despite a slight decline in export volumes, ready-made food producers have managed to keep their revenues stable with the support of domestic consumption," head of the ministry's trade and agro-food department Taavi Kand said.

Kand observed that the share of ready-made food producers in the food industry is growing from year to year and also investments have again begun to increase with the help of support measures of the European Union's new budget period of 2014-2020.

Ready-to-eat food makers account for 13% of the sales revenue of the food industry and nearly 20% of the industry's value added and exports. They also make a substantial contribution to employment, giving work to 2,588 people.

According to preliminary data companies of the sector exported approximately 103 million euros' worth of products, almost half of the output, in 2015. Export decreased by 5% in annual comparison.

There are 90-100 ready-made food producers on average operating in Estonia, short-term statistics of the national statistical office show.