Meat - China | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$273.10bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 4.89% (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$190.60 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 31.79bn kg by 2029. The Meat market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.8% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Meat market is expected to amount to 19.5kg 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.

For more information on the displayed data, click the info button on the right side of each box.

Fresh Meat
Processed Meat
Meat Substitutes

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

The Meat Market in China is experiencing slow growth due to factors such as increasing consumer health consciousness and the convenience of online food services. This is reflected in the negligible growth rate of the Fresh Meat, Processed Meat, and Meat Substitutes sub-markets. However, with the rising demand for healthier and sustainable food options, the Meat Market is expected to see a gradual growth in the future.

Customer preferences: As China's population becomes more affluent, there has been a noticeable shift towards higher quality and premium meat products in The Food market. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of food safety and health concerns, as well as a desire for more diverse and exotic flavors. In addition, there has been a rise in demand for organic and sustainable meat options, as Chinese consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices. This change in preferences also reflects the influence of Western diets and dining habits among Chinese consumers.

Trends in the market: In China, the Meat Market within The Food market is experiencing a significant shift towards plant-based meat alternatives. This trend is driven by increasing health consciousness and concerns over environmental sustainability. Major players in the industry are investing in research and development to create innovative and affordable plant-based products. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with the potential to disrupt traditional meat markets. As a result, industry stakeholders need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and invest in alternative meat options to stay competitive in the market.

Local special circumstances: In China, the Meat Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's cultural preferences and government regulations. The demand for pork, chicken, and beef is driven by the tradition of consuming meat as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. At the same time, strict food safety regulations have been implemented to address public health concerns, leading to the rise of organic and traceable meat products. Additionally, the large population and diverse regional tastes create a highly competitive market, with different provinces specializing in their own unique meat dishes.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Market within The Food market in China is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors. The country's strong economic growth, rapid urbanization, and increasing disposable income have led to a rise in demand for meat products. Additionally, government policies promoting food safety and quality have resulted in higher consumer confidence in domestically produced meat. However, global economic trends, such as trade tensions and fluctuating commodity prices, can also affect the cost of imported meat and impact market performance. Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and consumer behavior, further shaping the dynamics of the Meat Market in China.

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.