Meat - EU-27 | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$261.10bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.97% (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$583.50 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 24.79bn kg by 2029. The Meat market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.1% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Meat market is expected to amount to 50.7kg 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 the EU-27 is seeing a slow growth rate due to various factors such as increasing health concerns, demand for healthier options like meat substitutes, and the convenience of online shopping. Despite the growth being negligible, this market is expected to continue expanding due to the demand for fresh and processed meat.

Customer preferences: Consumers in EU-27 are becoming more health-conscious and are actively seeking out healthier meat options. This has led to a rise in demand for organic, grass-fed, and antibiotic-free meat products. Furthermore, the increasing awareness about animal welfare and sustainable farming practices has also influenced consumer preferences. As a result, there is a growing trend towards plant-based alternatives, such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which cater to the rising demand for sustainable and ethical food choices.

Trends in the market: In the EU-27, the Meat Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards sustainable and ethical practices. This trend is driven by consumer demand for transparency and responsible sourcing. As a result, more companies are implementing sustainable production methods and promoting animal welfare. Additionally, there is a growing trend of alternative protein sources, such as plant-based meats, which are gaining popularity among consumers. These trends have significant implications for industry stakeholders, as they must adapt to changing consumer preferences and invest in sustainable practices to remain competitive in the market. In the long term, this trend is expected to continue to drive innovation and growth in the Meat Market within The Food market.

Local special circumstances: In the EU-27 region, the Meat Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by strict regulations on animal welfare and food safety. These regulations have led to the adoption of sustainable and organic farming practices, resulting in higher costs for meat production. Additionally, cultural preferences for high-quality, locally-sourced meat have also driven market demand. In contrast, in the US, the market is driven by cost and convenience, leading to a higher demand for factory-farmed and processed meats. These differences in regulations and consumer preferences greatly impact the competitive landscape and pricing strategies in the Meat Market within The Food market in the EU-27 region.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Market within The Food market market in EU-27 is significantly impacted by macroeconomic factors such as economic growth, consumer spending, and government policies. As a major contributor to the EU-27 economy, any fluctuations in the overall economic health of the region can greatly affect the demand and supply of meat products. Additionally, changes in fiscal policies, trade agreements, and consumer preferences can also have a significant impact on the Meat Market. For instance, a rise in disposable income and a growing awareness of the health benefits of consuming high-quality meats can drive market growth, while trade restrictions and increasing production costs can hinder market expansion. Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted the global economy, leading to supply chain disruptions and changes in consumer behavior, which have had a direct impact on the Meat Market in EU-27.

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.