Meat - Southern Europe | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$99.66bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.64% (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$421.00 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 10.59bn kg by 2029. The Meat market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.2% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Meat market is expected to amount to 39.3kg 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 Southern European Meat Market is facing limited growth due to factors such as increasing health consciousness, consumer preference for fresh and processed meat, and the rise of meat substitutes. This market is driven by the convenience of online health services and technological advancements, but its growth rate is impacted by stricter regulations and declining meat consumption.

Customer preferences: The Meat Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards plant-based alternatives as more consumers are adopting flexitarian and vegetarian diets. This trend is driven by concerns over sustainability and animal welfare, as well as increasing health consciousness. In addition, there is a growing demand for locally sourced and organic meat products, reflecting a preference for high-quality and ethically produced food. This shift is also influenced by cultural traditions in Southern Europe, where plant-based meals are often a staple in the diet. These factors are expected to drive the growth of the Meat Market in the coming years.

Trends in the market: In Southern Europe, the Meat Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards healthier and more sustainable meat options. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the negative impacts of traditional meat production on the environment and personal health. As a result, there is a rising demand for plant-based and alternative protein products. In addition, there is an increasing focus on transparency and ethical sourcing in the meat industry, with consumers wanting to know the origin and production methods of their meat. These trends have significant implications for industry stakeholders, as they must adapt to changing consumer preferences and expectations. Companies that are able to offer a diverse range of sustainable and ethical meat options, as well as provide transparent information to consumers, are likely to gain a competitive advantage in the market. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, as consumers become more conscious of their food choices and their impact on the environment.

Local special circumstances: In Southern Europe, the Meat Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's strong culinary traditions and cultural preferences. In countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece, meat is a central component of traditional dishes, leading to a high demand for quality cuts and specialty meats. Additionally, strict regulations on food production and labeling in these countries ensure that consumers have access to safe and authentic products. This creates a unique market dynamic where consumers value quality and authenticity over price, driving up the demand for premium meat products.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Market within The Food market in Southern Europe is significantly impacted by macroeconomic factors such as economic stability, consumer purchasing power, and trade agreements. Countries with a strong economy and stable political climate tend to have higher demand for meat products, while those with economic challenges may see a decline in meat consumption. Additionally, trade agreements between countries can affect the availability and pricing of imported meats, further influencing market performance. The growing trend towards healthier and sustainable food options is also impacting the Meat Market, as consumers are increasingly seeking out organic, grass-fed, and locally sourced meat products. This shift in consumer preferences is driving market growth in the region, as producers and retailers respond to the demand for more ethically and environmentally conscious options.

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.