M. Shahbandeh
Research expert covering agriculture & FMCG
Global meat industry - statistics & facts
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.
In addition to producing the highest revenue from meat sales, the United States is also a major producer and exporter of meat, especially beef. The trade value of the U.S. beef industry amounted to about 9.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. Brazil is also a major exporter of meat, both in the form of broiler chickens and beef.
Leading producers
As the demand for meat rises worldwide, so must the production of meat. Most of the world’s meat is produced in Asia, which generated about 152 million metric tons of meat. Pork and poultry are the most widely produced types of meat, with sheep being the least produced. Although many people abstain from pork for nutritional or religious reasons, pork is widely produced in China and Europe. Some of the largest meat production companies in the world include Hormel Foods, Tyson, and Pilgrim's Pride.In addition to producing the highest revenue from meat sales, the United States is also a major producer and exporter of meat, especially beef. The trade value of the U.S. beef industry amounted to about 9.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. Brazil is also a major exporter of meat, both in the form of broiler chickens and beef.
Global meat consumption
The projected per capita meat consumption is expected to remain below 30 kilograms of meat per year until 2032. However, as the global population continues to climb, the overall consumption of meat has risen in the past several years. Additionally, red meat is expected to see a slight increase in consumption in the United States in the next decade.
