According to the latest report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the global meat market is projected to grow at a steady CAGR of 2.3% between 2024 and 2032. This growth is driven by a rising global population, increasing income levels, and shifting dietary preferences towards protein-rich diets, particularly in emerging markets. Additionally, the growing popularity of meat products across fast food, ready-to-eat meals, and processed foods is expected to contribute to the market's expansion over the forecast period.
The global meat market encompasses a wide range of products, including beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and niche meats like turkey and duck. The diversity in meat offerings, alongside consumer demand for convenience foods, has bolstered market growth. Furthermore, technological advancements in meat processing, packaging, and cold chain logistics are enhancing the quality and shelf life of meat products, further driving market penetration globally.
The rising trend of health-conscious consumers seeking organic, grass-fed, and hormone-free meat products is also influencing market dynamics. Additionally, innovation in plant-based meat alternatives is impacting consumer preferences, with more flexitarians opting for a mix of conventional meat and plant-based options. However, conventional meat still maintains a significant share of the global protein market, primarily due to its entrenched consumption patterns across cultures and cuisines.
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Market Segmentation
The meat market can be segmented based on type, form, distribution channel, and region.
Market Breakup by Type
- Beef: One of the most consumed meats globally, beef remains a staple in many regions, particularly North America and Latin America. The demand for premium beef cuts, such as wagyu and angus, is also gaining momentum.
- Pork: Widely consumed in East Asia and Europe, pork is a significant contributor to the global meat market. The growing demand for processed pork products like sausages and bacon is a key driver of this segment.
- Chicken: Chicken consumption is on the rise due to its relatively lower cost compared to red meats and its versatility in preparation. The chicken segment is expected to see the fastest growth during the forecast period.
- Lamb: Popular in the Middle East and parts of Europe, lamb continues to maintain steady demand, particularly during festive seasons.
- Niche Meats (Turkey, Duck, etc.): Specialty meats such as turkey and duck are gaining traction, particularly in gourmet and festive segments.
Market Breakup by Form
- Fresh Meat: Fresh, unprocessed meat holds the largest market share, driven by demand in households and food service industries.
- Processed Meat: This segment includes frozen, canned, and pre-cooked meat products. The convenience factor and longer shelf life are key drivers here.
- Plant-based Meat Alternatives: Though still a small segment, this category is growing rapidly, fueled by increasing interest in sustainable and plant-based diets.
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
- Retail (Supermarkets, Hypermarkets, and Specialty Stores): Retail chains remain the largest distribution channel for meat products, with increasing demand for processed and ready-to-eat options.
- Foodservice (Restaurants, Fast Food Chains, Hotels): The global fast-food industry heavily relies on meat products, particularly beef, chicken, and pork. Growth in the hospitality sector is also contributing to this segment.
- Online Sales: E-commerce platforms for groceries and meat delivery have witnessed significant growth, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers increasingly value convenience and home delivery options.
Market Breakup by Region
- North America: The North American meat market is driven by high consumption rates of beef, pork, and chicken, alongside a growing interest in organic and premium meat products. The region also leads in plant-based meat alternatives.
- Europe: Europe is a major market for both conventional and processed meats. However, increasing awareness about animal welfare and environmental sustainability is fueling the growth of organic and plant-based meat products in the region.
- Asia-Pacific: The largest consumer of pork and poultry, Asia-Pacific, particularly China, leads the global meat market. Increasing disposable incomes and urbanization are further driving the demand for premium and imported meats.
- Latin America: Known for its strong beef market, Latin America, led by Brazil and Argentina, is a major meat producer and exporter. The growing meat processing industry is boosting market growth in this region.
- Middle East and Africa: The demand for halal-certified meats, particularly in the Middle East, is a significant driver in this region. Increased meat consumption during festive periods also contributes to market growth.
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Competitive Landscape
The EMR report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions of the leading companies operating in the global meat market. Some of the major players explored in the report are as follows:
- JBS S.A.
JBS is the largest meat processing company in the world, based in Brazil, and a significant player in beef, pork, and chicken markets. The company continues to expand its global footprint through acquisitions and investments in sustainable meat production. - Tyson Foods, Inc.
A leading U.S. meat producer, Tyson Foods is heavily involved in beef, pork, and poultry production. The company is also venturing into plant-based meat alternatives through its Raised Rooted brand, reflecting the growing consumer demand for healthier and sustainable options. - Cargill, Inc.
Cargill operates across the global meat supply chain, focusing on beef and poultry. The company’s investments in food safety, innovation, and sustainable agriculture are key strategies for maintaining its market position. - Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Smithfield Foods, a major pork producer, is known for its large-scale meat processing operations. The company is focused on increasing exports to Asia, particularly China, where pork demand is high. - BRF S.A.
Another leading Brazilian company, BRF specializes in chicken and processed meat products. The company is expanding into the Middle East, where demand for halal meat is on the rise. - Hormel Foods Corporation
Hormel Foods has a diverse product portfolio, ranging from fresh meats to processed foods. The company is known for its innovation in ready-to-eat meals and premium cuts of meat. - Beyond Meat, Inc.
While not a conventional meat company, Beyond Meat is a significant player in the growing plant-based meat market. The company is rapidly expanding its global presence and partnerships with fast food chains and retailers.
Key Trends in the Global Meat Market
- Growing Demand for Protein:
The rising awareness about the importance of protein-rich diets is driving global meat consumption. This trend is particularly prevalent in developing nations, where disposable incomes are rising. - Shift Toward Organic and Sustainable Meats:
Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of meat production and are increasingly opting for organic, grass-fed, and sustainably sourced meat products. This trend is especially noticeable in Europe and North America. - Advances in Meat Processing Technology:
Technological innovations in meat processing, such as precision slaughtering, packaging, and extended shelf life techniques, are improving product quality and reducing waste in the supply chain. - Rise of Plant-based Meat Alternatives:
With increasing awareness of environmental and health issues related to meat consumption, plant-based meat alternatives are gaining popularity. Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are leading this segment, and traditional meat companies are also investing in this growing market. - Impact of E-commerce on Meat Sales:
The rise of online grocery shopping has transformed the way consumers purchase meat products. The convenience of home delivery and subscription-based meat services is driving growth in this distribution channel. - Health and Wellness Trends:
As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a growing demand for leaner cuts of meat, such as chicken and turkey, over fattier options like beef and pork. Additionally, processed meat products are being scrutinized for their health impact, leading to innovation in healthier, lower-sodium options. - Halal and Kosher Meat:
The demand for halal and kosher-certified meat is rising, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia and Europe. This is driving growth in these niche markets and encouraging companies to adopt religious certification processes.
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Challenges Facing the Meat Market
- Environmental Impact:
The meat industry is often criticized for its environmental footprint, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption. These concerns are pushing companies to adopt more sustainable practices, such as carbon-neutral meat production. - Regulatory Challenges:
Stringent regulations surrounding food safety, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability vary across regions and can complicate international trade. Companies need to navigate these regulatory frameworks carefully to ensure compliance and maintain market access. - Rising Input Costs:
The cost of animal feed, transportation, and labor are rising, which is affecting the overall cost of meat production. Companies are exploring ways to optimize their supply chains and increase efficiency to mitigate these rising costs. - Competition from Meat Alternatives:
The growing popularity of plant-based and lab-grown meats poses a threat to the conventional meat industry. Companies need to innovate and differentiate their products to stay competitive in this evolving market. - Consumer Health Concerns:
There is increasing awareness about the health risks associated with consuming too much red and processed meat. This has led to a rise in demand for leaner meats and alternative protein sources.
The global meat market is poised for steady growth over the next decade, driven by a combination of rising population, income growth, and changing dietary preferences. However, the industry must navigate several challenges, including environmental concerns, regulatory hurdles, and competition from plant-based alternatives.