Meat - Central America | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$16.41bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.93% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$273bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$310.50 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 2.32bn kg by 2029. The Meat market is expected to show a volume growth of 4.3% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Meat market is expected to amount to 36.9kg in 2024.

Definition:

The Meat market covers animal (both domestic and wild) and non-animal meat that are bought and consumed for nutrient-based purposes.

Structure:

The market consists of 3 different submarkets:

The Fresh Meat market covers meat from both domestic and wild animals that are fresh, chilled, or frozen. This market is divided into five submarkets: beef & veal, pork, mutton & goat, poultry, and other fresh meat.
The Processed Meat market covers all types of meat that has been dried, salted, brined, or smoked. This segment is divided into three subsegments: cold & roast meat products, ham & bacon, sausages.
The Meat Substitutes market covers meat-replacement food items created from vegetarian or vegan components.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), sales channels. The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included.

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Fresh Meat
Processed Meat
Meat Substitutes

Meat-based ready-to-eat meals
Out-of-home consumption

The Meat Market in The Food market of Central America has seen a minimal growth rate, influenced by factors such as increasing health consciousness, demand for online services, and the sub-markets of Fresh Meat, Processed Meat, and Meat Substitutes. This growth is impacted by factors such as price fluctuations, consumer preferences, and regulatory policies.

Customer preferences: The Meat Market within The Food market is experiencing a notable shift towards plant-based alternatives, driven by a growing awareness of the environmental impact of meat production and consumption. This trend is also influenced by cultural preferences in Central America, where vegetarian and vegan diets are common. Additionally, the rising availability of plant-based options and the inclusion of meat substitutes on menus reflects a shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious choices among consumers.

Trends in the market: In Central America, the Meat Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards sustainable and ethical production practices. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of meat production and are demanding transparency in the supply chain. This trend is expected to continue, with government regulations and consumer demand driving the adoption of sustainable practices. This could have significant implications for industry stakeholders, who may need to adapt their production and marketing strategies to meet these changing consumer preferences. Additionally, there is a growing trend of incorporating plant-based alternatives into the meat market, as more consumers opt for vegetarian and vegan diets. This trend is likely to continue, as consumers become more health-conscious and concerned about the welfare of animals. Industry stakeholders may need to diversify their product offerings to cater to this growing segment of the market.

Local special circumstances: In Central America, the Meat Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's agricultural practices and cultural preferences. The use of traditional farming methods and the consumption of a wide variety of meats, such as beef, pork, and poultry, contribute to the diversity of the market. Additionally, regulations on imports and exports, as well as animal welfare practices, also play a significant role in shaping the market. This unique mix of factors creates a dynamic and constantly evolving market for meat products in Central America.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Market within The Food market market in Central America is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as economic stability, government policies, and consumer spending habits. Countries with a strong and stable economy, such as Costa Rica and Panama, have a higher demand for meat products, leading to a higher market growth. On the other hand, countries with economic challenges, such as El Salvador and Honduras, may experience slower market growth due to reduced consumer purchasing power. Additionally, government policies, such as import and export regulations, can impact the availability and pricing of meat products in the market. As the region continues to experience economic growth and stability, the demand for meat products is expected to increase.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.

This report presents a comprehensive analysis and additional information on the Consumer market, in a PDF format.

In the past, many cultures considered meat a luxury that could only be enjoyed on special occasions or certain days of the week, while today it is a staple that can be found in nearly all restaurants and many kitchens all over the world. The market value of the meat industry is expected to rise from 897.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 to over 1.3 trillion dollars by 2027. In 2022, the United States saw the highest revenue from meat products and sausages, over five billion U.S. dollars more than the second largest meat market in the world, Germany with a revenue of over 33.6 billion U.S. dollars. France, Russia, and Mexico are finishing the top five countries with the biggest revenue from processed meats.