Meat - Europe | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$402.30bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.13% (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$476.70 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 40.86bn kg by 2029. The Meat market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.3% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Meat market is expected to amount to 43.6kg 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 Europe is experiencing marginal growth due to factors such as increasing consumer preference for fresh and healthy food, demand for processed meat products, and growing popularity of plant-based meat substitutes. These sub-markets have different growth rates, with fresh meat being the slowest due to health concerns and processed meat showing a steady growth due to convenience. However, the overall market is impacted by the changing consumer preferences and increasing competition from alternative protein sources.

Customer preferences: Consumer preferences in the Meat Market within The Food market are shifting towards sustainable and ethical meat production. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the environmental impact of meat consumption and a desire for transparency in the food supply chain. As a result, there is a rise in demand for organic, grass-fed, and locally sourced meats. Additionally, the rise of flexitarian and plant-based diets has led to an increase in alternative meat options, such as plant-based burgers and meat substitutes. This shift towards ethical and sustainable meat choices is also influenced by the increasing focus on health and wellness, as consumers are seeking healthier and more environmentally friendly food options.

Trends in the market: In Europe, the Meat Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards sustainable and ethical practices. There is a growing consumer demand for transparency in the sourcing and production of meat products, leading to an increase in certifications for animal welfare and environmental standards. This trend is expected to continue as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware. Industry stakeholders will need to adapt to these changing consumer preferences by implementing sustainable practices and communicating them effectively to consumers. Failure to do so could result in loss of market share and reputation.

Local special circumstances: In Europe, the Meat Market is heavily influenced by cultural and regulatory factors. Due to the diverse cultures and preferences within the continent, there is a wide range of meat products and consumption patterns. For example, countries like Italy and Spain have a strong tradition of cured meats, while Northern European countries have a higher demand for fresh meat. Additionally, the EU's strict regulations on food safety and animal welfare have a significant impact on market dynamics, leading to changes in production and marketing strategies. These factors create a unique and complex market landscape for meat products in Europe.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Market within The Food market is heavily impacted by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending patterns, trade policies, and global food prices. In Europe, the market is influenced by the overall economic health of the region, including GDP growth, inflation rates, and unemployment levels. Fiscal policies, such as subsidies and taxes, also play a role in shaping the demand and supply of meat products. Furthermore, changing consumer preferences, such as a shift towards plant-based diets, and increasing concerns over sustainability and animal welfare are also impacting the Meat Market in Europe. These macroeconomic factors are expected to continue shaping the market in the coming years, driving the demand for alternative protein sources and sustainable meat production methods.

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.