Meat Market Analysis, Size, and Forecast 2024-2028: North America (US and Canada), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, and UK), Middle East and Africa (Egypt, KSA, Oman, and UAE), APAC (China, India, and Japan), South America (Argentina and Brazil), and Rest of World (ROW)

Meat Market Size 2024-2028

The meat market size is valued to increase USD 537.1 billion, at a CAGR of 6.78% from 2023 to 2028. Advancement in technology will drive the meat market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

• APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 42% growth during the forecast period.
• By Product - Poultry segment was valued at USD 257.90 billion in 2022
• By Type - Processed segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 165.00 billion
• Market Future Opportunities: USD 537.10 billion
• CAGR : 6.78%
• APAC: Largest market in 2022

Market Summary

• The market encompasses a dynamic and continually evolving industry, driven by various factors that shape its current landscape. Core technologies, such as precision farming and automation, are revolutionizing meat production processes, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. Applications of these technologies are increasingly prevalent, with automation accounting for over 30% of the global meat processing market share. However, the industry faces challenges, including the rising demand for grass-fed and organic meat, which can be more costly and complex to produce, and increasing livestock disease outbreaks.
• Regulations also play a significant role in shaping the market, with stricter regulations on animal welfare and food safety driving industry innovation and adaptation. The evolving nature of the market underscores the importance of staying informed about the latest trends and developments.

What will be the Size of the Meat Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Meat Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The meat industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Product
  • Poultry
  • Pork
  • Beef
  • Others
• Type
  • Processed
  • Fresh
• Distribution Channel
  • Retail
  • Foodservice
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • UK
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Egypt
    • KSA
    • Oman
    • UAE
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
  • South America
    • Argentina
    • Brazil
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The poultry segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The global meat market continues to evolve, driven by innovation and shifting consumer preferences. Advances in cellular agriculture bioreactors and optimization of fermentation processes for protein production have transformed how alternative proteins are developed, enabling scalable production of meat analogues. These technologies address the growing demand for sustainable options by improving the sustainability of meat production and reducing the carbon footprint of alternative protein. For instance, strategies for improving the nutritional content and the evaluation of sensory properties of meat analogues ensure products meet consumer expectations for taste and texture. Additionally, the analysis of fatty acid composition in alternative protein and the investigation of protein extraction methods contribute to creating healthier, high-quality options that align with dietary needs.

A key aspect of market dynamics is the comparison of production techniques. Research indicates that 3D bioprinting techniques vary significantly, with some methods achieving up to 23.3% higher precision in muscle fiber development compared to traditional approaches. This precision enhances the texture profile and water-holding capacity in cultured meat, critical for consumer acceptance. Meanwhile, methods for microbial contamination control and the assessment of allergenic potential in cultured meat ensure safety and broaden market appeal. The development of novel meat alternative products, coupled with determining the shelf life of meat alternatives, supports long-term market growth. As consumer acceptance of cultured meat products rises, the market adapts through continuous innovation, balancing environmental goals with quality and nutritional advancements.

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The Poultry segment was valued at USD 257.90 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 42% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The European the market encompasses a vast and intricate ecosystem, incorporating meat production, processing, distribution, and consumption. Among the various meat categories, pork holds the largest market share, closely followed by poultry and beef. The pork segment's growth is primarily driven by escalating imports and exports, coupled with the increasing consumer consciousness towards healthier food choices. In Europe, beef, pork, chicken, and lamb are the most popular meat options.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

The market encompasses a diverse range of industries, from traditional animal farming to the emerging sectors of cellular agriculture and plant-based protein production. One of the key challenges in these alternative protein domains is the optimization of bioreactors for cellular agriculture, ensuring the impact of media composition on meat quality is minimized. Temperature plays a crucial role in protein denaturation during production, necessitating precise control. Measuring water holding capacity in cultured meat is another critical aspect, as it significantly influences texture and sensory properties. In the realm of plant-based proteins, evaluating texture profile is essential to mimic the mouthfeel of conventional meat.

Comparing different 3D bioprinting techniques reveals varying efficiencies in creating meat analogues, with some methods offering superior texture and structure. Analyzing fatty acid composition in alternative proteins is essential for maintaining nutritional parity with traditional meat. Consumer acceptance of cultured meat products remains a significant focus, with assessing allergenic potential and investigating sensory properties being key areas of research. Determining the shelf life of meat alternatives is also crucial to ensure product viability. Methods for microbial contamination control are under constant development to improve the sustainability of meat production and reduce the carbon footprint of alternative protein sources.

Strategies for improving nutritional content, such as novel protein extraction methods and optimization of fermentation processes, are also being explored. The development of novel meat alternative products continues to gain momentum, with characterization of muscle fiber development in vitro and assessment of sensory properties being crucial steps in their commercialization. The comparison of different protein sources for meat alternatives reveals soy and pea proteins dominating the market, accounting for over 70% of new product developments. In conclusion, the market is undergoing significant transformation, with a focus on optimizing production processes, improving product quality, and reducing environmental impact.

These efforts are driving innovation and competition in the industry, ensuring a dynamic and evolving market landscape.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of Meat Industry?

• Technology's advancement serves as the primary catalyst for market growth. 

• The market has experienced significant advancements driven by technological innovations. One notable area is the implementation of automation and robotics in meat processing plants. These technologies enhance efficiency and lower labor costs, enabling increased production yields and reduced waste. Another crucial development is the adoption of new meat processing technologies. High-pressure processing, sous vide, and meat tenderization methods have significantly improved meat product quality and shelf life.
• These advancements mitigate the risk of contamination and spoilage, contributing to the industry's continuous growth and evolution. The meat sector's ongoing technological transformation is essential for meeting consumer demands, ensuring food safety, and maintaining competitiveness in various market sectors.

What are the market trends shaping the Meat Industry?

• Grass-fed and organic meat are gaining increasing popularity in the market, representing an emerging trend.

• The market is witnessing a growing preference for grass-fed and organic meat, driven by consumer trends toward healthier and more sustainable food choices. Grass-fed meat, derived from animals fed on grass and forage, is perceived as a healthier alternative to conventionally raised meat. This perception is based on its leaner composition and higher nutritional value, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
• The increasing awareness of the environmental impact of conventional meat production further fuels the demand for grass-fed and organic meat. This shift in consumer behavior signifies a continuous evolution in the market, underscoring the importance of staying informed about emerging trends and consumer preferences.

What challenges does the Meat Industry face during its growth?

• The livestock industry faces significant challenges due to the escalating prevalence of diseases, which poses a major threat to its growth. 

• Disease outbreaks pose a significant challenge to The market by disrupting livestock product trade and hindering investments in production. Foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, rift valley fever, swine vesicular disease, sheep and goat pox, fowl plague, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), pneumo virus, porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infections, porcine reproduction and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), swine flu, and avian influenza are some of the livestock and poultry diseases that have had global consequences in recent years. These diseases can be transmitted through animal-to-person contact, person-to-person contact, or from the environment and other media. The economic impact of disease outbreaks can be substantial, leading to increased production costs, trade restrictions, and decreased consumer confidence.
• Disease prevention and control measures are essential to mitigate the negative effects on the meat industry and ensure food safety. Continuous research and development in veterinary medicine and biotechnology play a crucial role in addressing the evolving nature of these diseases and minimizing their impact on The market.

Exclusive Technavio Analysis on Customer Landscape

The meat market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the meat market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape of Meat Industry

Competitive Landscape

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, meat market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

BRF S.A. - This Turkish firm, specializing in food production, showcases its meat offerings via subsidiary Banvit. Products include the Chicken Tenderloin Breast and Chicken Fillet Breast, showcasing Banvit's commitment to delivering high-quality poultry solutions.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• BRF S.A.
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Danish Crown A/S
• JBS S.A.
• Marfrig Global Foods S.A.
• Minerva Foods S.A.
• NH Foods Ltd.
• Nippon Ham Group
• Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
• Sanderson Farms, Inc.
• Smithfield Foods, Inc. (WH Group Limited)
• Tyson Foods, Inc.
• WH Group Limited (Smithfield Foods)
• Hormel Foods Corporation
• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• Foster Farms
• Perdue Farms Inc.
• Cargill Protein (Cargill, Inc.)
• OSI Group LLC
• Wen's Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Meat Market

• In January 2024, Tyson Foods, a leading meat processor, announced the launch of its plant-based meat alternative brand, "Raised & Rooted," in collaboration with Beyond Meat. This strategic partnership aimed to expand Tyson's product portfolio and cater to the growing demand for plant-based options (Tyson Foods Press Release, 2024).
• In March 2024, JBS S.A., the world's largest meat processor, completed the acquisition of Moy Park, a significant European poultry producer, for €1.3 billion. This strategic move expanded JBS's global footprint and strengthened its position in the European market (JBS S.A. Press Release, 2024).
• In May 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the approval of Cargill's High Plains Beef, a new processing facility in Texas. The USD1.5 billion project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and increase the company's beef processing capacity by 4,500 head per day (USDA Press Release, 2024).
• In April 2025, Smithfield Foods, the world's largest pork processor, and Walmart, the world's largest retailer, announced a long-term partnership to improve transparency in their pork supply chain. The collaboration includes sharing data on animal welfare, sustainability, and traceability, aiming to enhance consumer trust and meet evolving market demands (Smithfield Foods Press Release, 2025).

Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Meat Market insights. See full methodology.

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Research Analyst Overview

• In the dynamic and evolving the market, several key trends are shaping the industry's future. One significant area of focus is the adoption of process automation systems to streamline production and enhance efficiency. Another trend is the pursuit of shelf life extension through advanced preservation techniques and innovative food safety regulations. Production cost optimization is another critical aspect of the market, with various strategies being explored. These include the use of alternative protein sources, such as plant-based and cultured meat, which offer unique textures and nutritional profiles. Animal cell cultivation and microbial fermentation processes are at the forefront of this trend, with myoglobin oxygen binding techniques playing a crucial role in creating cultured meat with a more authentic taste and texture.
• Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability metrics in the market. Carbon footprint calculation and life cycle assessment are essential tools in evaluating the environmental impact of meat production. Sensory evaluation methods and protein extraction methods are also being refined to improve consumer acceptance of meat alternatives. Environmental impact studies and energy efficiency improvements are also crucial in the market, with precision fermentation technology and bioreactor design optimization playing a significant role. Consumer acceptance studies are ongoing to understand preferences and trends, while water usage reduction and waste stream management are essential for reducing the industry's environmental footprint.
• The market is also witnessing the emergence of new technologies, such as 3D bioprinting techniques, amino acid profiling, and allergen detection methods. These innovations offer exciting possibilities for creating new products and improving existing ones. Quality control procedures and microbial contamination control are also essential to ensure product safety and consistency. In conclusion, the market is undergoing continuous transformation, with a focus on process automation, alternative protein sources, sustainability, and consumer preferences driving innovation. These trends are shaping the industry's future, with new technologies and strategies emerging to meet evolving market demands.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Meat Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Meat Market between 2024 and 2028?

  • USD 537.1 billion, at a CAGR of 6.78%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report segmented by Product (Poultry, Pork, Beef, and Others), Type (Processed and Fresh), Geography (Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa), and Distribution Channel (Retail and Foodservice)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Advancement in technology, Increasing livestock disease outbreaks

• Who are the major players in the Meat Market?

  • Key Companies BRF S.A., Cargill, Incorporated, Danish Crown A/S, JBS S.A., Marfrig Global Foods S.A., Minerva Foods S.A., NH Foods Ltd., Nippon Ham Group, Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, Sanderson Farms, Inc., Smithfield Foods, Inc. (WH Group Limited), Tyson Foods, Inc., WH Group Limited (Smithfield Foods), Hormel Foods Corporation, Conagra Brands, Inc., Foster Farms, Perdue Farms Inc., Cargill Protein (Cargill, Inc.), OSI Group LLC, and Wen's Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd.

Market Research Insights

• The market encompasses a dynamic and complex industry, characterized by ongoing advancements in technology and consumer preferences. Two key areas of focus include spoilage indicator detection and process optimization. According to microbial growth kinetics, the average shelf life of fresh meat is approximately five days without preservatives. However, with the integration of advanced spoilage indicator detection methods, such as chromatographic separation and enzyme activity assays, this can be extended significantly. Moreover, the adoption of serum-free media in cell line development has led to process optimization, reducing production time and costs by up to 30%. This cost effectiveness is crucial as consumer perception continues to prioritize high-quality, ethically-sourced meat products.
• Bioreactor scalability, a critical aspect of process optimization, has seen significant advancements through the use of mass spectrometry techniques and shear strength measurement. Regulatory compliance remains a key consideration, with quality assurance protocols ensuring adherence to stringent standards. Market viability assessment, texture profile analysis, and marbling characteristics are essential factors in the ongoing development and success of the market.

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