Meat - South Africa | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$5.03bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 9.02% (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$82.42 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 822.00m kg by 2029. The Meat market is expected to show a volume growth of 4.7% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Meat market is expected to amount to 10.9kg 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.

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 South Africa has seen limited growth due to various factors, such as consumer preference for healthier options like plant-based meat substitutes, concerns over processed meat, and challenges in the fresh meat sector. However, with increasing health awareness and advancements in technology, the market is expected to experience gradual growth in the coming years.

Customer preferences: Consumers in South Africa are becoming more health-conscious and are seeking out meat options that align with their dietary preferences. This has resulted in a growing demand for plant-based and alternative meat products. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards ethically sourced and sustainable meat choices, as consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of traditional meat production. This shift in preferences is also being driven by the influence of Western food trends and a desire for healthier and more diverse dietary options.

Trends in the market: In South Africa, the Meat Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards more sustainable and ethical consumption. Consumers are increasingly seeking out locally sourced and organic meats, and there is a growing trend of plant-based alternatives. This trajectory is significant as it reflects a shift towards a more conscious and health-conscious consumer base. This trend may have implications for industry stakeholders, as they may need to adapt their production and marketing strategies to cater to this changing demand. Additionally, there may be opportunities for new players in the market to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and ethical meat products.

Local special circumstances: In South Africa, the Meat Market within The Food market has been greatly impacted by the country's diverse cultural heritage. This has resulted in a wide variety of traditional meat dishes, such as braai (barbecue), biltong (dried meat), and boerewors (sausage). Additionally, there are strict regulatory standards in place for meat production and processing, ensuring high quality and safety standards. The country's geographical landscape, with extensive grazing lands and a large livestock industry, also plays a significant role in the availability and affordability of meat products. These unique local factors contribute to the dynamic and competitive nature of the Meat Market in South Africa.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Market within The Food market in South Africa is heavily impacted by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and other relevant financial indicators. For instance, a strong national economy and favorable fiscal policies can lead to increased consumer spending on meat products, driving market growth. On the other hand, economic downturns and unfavorable policies can decrease consumer purchasing power, leading to a decline in market performance. Additionally, global economic trends, such as fluctuations in exchange rates, can affect the cost of importing meat products, impacting market prices and profitability.

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.