Meat - Worldwide | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$1.46tn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.12% (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$188.40 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 184.30bn 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 20.7kg 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 Worldwide has been experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as fluctuating consumer preferences, increasing demand for alternative protein sources, and regulatory changes. This trend is driven by the sub-markets of Fresh Meat, Processed Meat, and Meat Substitutes, as consumers become more health-conscious and seek out sustainable and ethical options. However, challenges such as production costs and supply chain disruptions may impact the overall market's growth rate in the coming years.

Customer preferences: Consumers in the Meat Market within The Food market are increasingly opting for plant-based meat alternatives, driven by concerns about animal welfare and the environment. This trend is particularly prominent among younger generations, who are more health-conscious and environmentally aware. Additionally, there is a growing demand for locally sourced and sustainable meats, as consumers prioritize supporting small businesses and reducing their carbon footprint. The rise of flexitarianism and the popularity of alternative protein sources such as insects also reflect a shift towards more conscious and diverse dietary choices.

Trends in the market: In the Meat Market within The Food market, there is a global trend towards plant-based meats as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected annual growth rate of 8.6% from 2020 to 2027. This shift towards alternative protein sources has significant implications for industry stakeholders, as traditional meat producers may need to adapt their products and practices to remain competitive. Additionally, this trend presents opportunities for new players to enter the market with innovative and sustainable meat substitutes.

Local special circumstances: In the global Meat Market, factors such as geographical location, cultural preferences, and regulatory policies play a crucial role in shaping market trends. For instance, in Asia, the rising demand for protein-rich diets has led to the growth of the Meat Market, while in Europe, strict regulations on animal welfare and environmental sustainability have influenced consumer choices. In South America, the popularity of traditional meat-based dishes has driven the growth of the market, while in North America, the focus on organic and grass-fed meat options has gained traction.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and other relevant financial indicators. Countries with strong economic growth and stable fiscal policies tend to have a higher demand for meat products, resulting in a more competitive market. Additionally, the rising population and increasing disposable income are driving the demand for meat products, especially in emerging economies. Moreover, fluctuations in currency exchange rates and trade policies can significantly impact the import and export of meat products, affecting market performance.

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.