Meat - Southern Africa | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$7.18bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 8.91% (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$102.60 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 1.15bn kg by 2029. The Meat market is expected to show a volume growth of 4.9% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Meat market is expected to amount to 13.3kg 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 Southern Africa is facing minimal growth due to factors such as shifting consumer preferences towards healthier options, increasing concerns over animal welfare, and rising costs of production. These challenges impact the sub-markets of Fresh Meat, Processed Meat, and Meat Substitutes, leading to a slow overall market growth. Additionally, the region's reliance on traditional meat production methods and limited access to technology hinder the adoption of digital solutions in the industry, further impacting the market growth rate.

Customer preferences: In Southern Africa, there has been a noticeable shift towards sustainable and ethical meat production, driven by consumer demand for environmentally-friendly and socially responsible options. This trend is particularly evident in the younger generation, who are more conscious about the impact of their food choices on the planet. As a result, there has been an increase in demand for grass-fed and free-range meat, as well as plant-based alternatives. This trend is likely to continue as consumers become more socially and environmentally aware.

Trends in the market: In Southern Africa, the Meat Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards sustainable and ethically-sourced meat products. This trend is driven by consumer demand for transparency and ethical practices in the food industry. As a result, there is a growing number of retailers and restaurants offering grass-fed and free-range meat options. This trend is expected to continue as consumers become more conscious of their food choices and demand for healthier and environmentally-friendly options. Industry stakeholders need to adapt to this trend by sourcing sustainable meat products and promoting their ethical practices to attract and retain customers. Additionally, there is an opportunity for market players to differentiate themselves by offering unique and innovative sustainable meat products.

Local special circumstances: In Southern Africa, the Meat Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's rich cultural heritage and diverse geography. The demand for meat is deeply ingrained in the local food culture, with a preference for traditional meat products such as biltong and droëwors. Additionally, stringent regulations on imported meat products have created a thriving local market for domestic meat producers. This, combined with the growing middle class and increasing disposable income, has led to a rise in demand for premium, high-quality meat products in the region.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Market within The Food market in Southern Africa is significantly impacted by macroeconomic factors such as economic stability, consumer purchasing power, and government policies. Countries with a stable economy and strong consumer spending are seeing a rise in demand for high-quality meat products. In contrast, regions with economic volatility and weak consumer spending are experiencing a decline in market growth. Furthermore, government policies, such as trade agreements and import/export regulations, can greatly influence the availability and pricing of meat products, affecting market performance. The market is also influenced by global economic trends, such as fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates, which can impact the cost of production and ultimately, the price of meat products. Overall, the Meat Market in Southern Africa is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors that shape the overall economic landscape and consumer behavior in the region.

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.