Meat - United Kingdom | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$30.88bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.77% (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$454.40 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 2.72bn kg by 2029. The Meat market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.9% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Meat market is expected to amount to 37.5kg 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 within The Food market in the United Kingdom has been experiencing slow growth, influenced by factors such as consumer preferences for healthier options and increasing concerns about the environmental impact of meat production. The sub-markets of Fresh Meat, Processed Meat and Meat Substitutes have also played a role in shaping the overall market, with consumers showing a growing interest in plant-based alternatives. However, the demand for traditional meat products remains strong, indicating a stagnant growth rate for the market as a whole.

Customer preferences: Consumers in the United Kingdom are becoming increasingly health-conscious and environmentally aware, leading to a growing demand for plant-based meat alternatives. This trend is driven by cultural shifts towards more sustainable and ethical food choices, as well as a rising number of individuals following vegetarian and vegan diets. Additionally, there has been a surge in interest for locally sourced and organic meat products, reflecting a growing preference for natural and traceable food options.

Trends in the market: In the United Kingdom, the Meat Market within The Food market industry is experiencing a shift towards plant-based meat alternatives, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable options. This trend is expected to continue as major players in the industry, such as Tesco and Sainsbury's, have already introduced their own plant-based meat products. Additionally, the rise of online grocery shopping and meal delivery services is making it easier for consumers to access and try these alternatives. This trend has significant implications for industry stakeholders, as they may need to adapt their product offerings and production processes to meet the changing demands of consumers. It also presents opportunities for new players to enter the market and disrupt the traditional meat market. As this trend continues to gain momentum, it is crucial for industry stakeholders to closely monitor and respond to these developments in order to stay competitive in the evolving market.

Local special circumstances: In the United Kingdom, the Meat Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's strict food safety regulations and consumer demand for ethically-sourced and sustainably-raised meat products. Additionally, the UK's strong farming industry and emphasis on traditional meat dishes also play a role in shaping the market. In contrast to other markets, the UK has a high demand for organic and free-range meats, leading to the popularity of specialty butcher shops and farmers' markets. These factors contribute to a unique market landscape for meat products in the UK, setting it apart from other countries.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Market within The Food market in the United Kingdom is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, trade policies, and government regulations. The United Kingdom is one of the largest meat markets in Europe, with a high demand for high-quality, locally sourced meat products. However, the recent Brexit vote and potential trade agreements with other countries have caused uncertainty in the market. Additionally, the rising concerns over animal welfare and sustainable farming practices have led to stricter regulations, impacting the production and distribution of meat products. These factors, combined with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have created a challenging environment for the Meat Market within The Food market in the United Kingdom.

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.