Meat Market Report 2026

The meat market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.21 trillion in 2025 to $1.3 trillion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing global protein consumption, expansion of livestock farming, rise in urbanization-driven meat demand, early development of frozen and chilled meat supply chains, growth in retail availability of meat products.

The meat market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.72 trillion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for convenient meat formats, increasing focus on sustainable meat production, expansion of international meat trade, higher investment in meat processing technologies, growing consumer preference for nutrient-rich protein sources. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for high-quality protein sources, rising popularity of premium and specialty meat cuts, expansion of processed and ready-to-eat meat products, growing emphasis on cold chain and storage efficiency, shift toward ethical and transparent meat sourcing.

Growing meat consumption is anticipated to significantly boost the meat market in the future. Meat, which includes the flesh and other edible components of animals such as cattle, swine, and sheep, is a major source of protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals like selenium, niacin, and vitamin B12. As global demand for meat rises, fueled by its nutritional benefits and cultural significance, the meat market is set for expansion. For example, a report by Sentient Media, a US-based non-profit media organization, indicated that in December 2023, the average American consumed approximately 224.6 pounds of meat annually, encompassing a variety of sources such as cattle, pigs, broilers, and turkeys. This consumption trend is expected to continue increasing, further driving the growth of the meat market. Therefore, the rising levels of meat consumption are a key factor propelling the meat industry forward.

Major companies in the meat market are exploring innovative products using advanced technologies such as cultured meat technology, also known as in vitro meat. This technology involves producing meat by culturing animal cells in vitro, offering benefits such as environmental sustainability, disease prevention, and improved animal welfare. For example, in March 2023, Hormel, a US-based food processing company, launched a unique product called Hardcourt Smoked Hormel Black Label Bacon. This bacon is smoked using northern cherry maple wood, the same wood used to make the final floors of the 2023 college basketball tournament courts. This limited-edition bacon is available in 68 commemorative packages, each containing a stack of Hardcourt Smoked Hormel Black Label Bacon, a certificate of authenticity, and collectible maple wood chips.

In August 2024, Conagra Brands, Inc., a US-based food company, announced the acquisition of Sweetwood Smoke & Co. for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition is intended to enhance Conagra's portfolio in the snacking category, specifically focusing on meat snacks. By leveraging Sweetwood's expertise in smoked meats, Conagra aims to strengthen its position in the burgeoning market for protein-rich snacks. Sweetwood Smoke & Co., known for its high-quality smoked meat products, operates as a wholesale food and beverage company in the United States. This move aligns with the increasing consumer demand for convenient and protein-packed snack options, positioning Conagra to capitalize on growth opportunities within the meat snack segment.

Major companies operating in the meat market are WH Group Limited, Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, Smithfield Foods Inc., Hormel Foods Corporation, Conagra Brands Inc., National Beef Packing Company LLC, Danish Crown A/S, Seaboard Corporation, Cargill Incorporated, JBS S.A., Sysco Corporation, Tyson Foods Inc., NH Foods Ltd., OSI Group LLC, Perdue Farms Incorporated, Minerva Foods S.A., Vion Food Group N.V., Marfrig Global Foods S.A., Maple Leaf Foods Inc., BRF Global S.A., Triumph Foods LLC, Sanderson Farms Inc., Cherkizovo Group OJSC, Wayne Farms LLC, West Liberty Foods LLC, Clemens Food Group Inc., The Maschhoffs LLC, Dawn Meats Group Limited, China Yurun Food Group Co Ltd.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are affecting the meat market by increasing import and export costs for raw, chilled, frozen, and processed meat products, raising price pressures across chicken, beef, pork, and mutton categories. Regions heavily involved in cross-border meat trade such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific experience volatility in supply, pricing, and margins due to tariff shifts. However, tariffs may encourage domestic processing capacity, strengthen local meat industries, and drive investment in regional supply chains, offering long-term strategic advantages despite short-term disruptions.

The meat market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides meat market statistics, including meat industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a meat market share, detailed meat market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the meat industry. This meat market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Meat refers to the flesh of animals that is consumed by humans after cooking. It is a rich source of essential nutrients such as high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins.

In the meat market, the main types of meat are raw and processed. Raw meat refers to uncooked muscle tissue from animals, such as chicken, beef, pork, mutton, and others, that is used for sustenance. These raw meat products are available through various distribution channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, departmental stores, specialty stores, online stores, and others.Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the meat market in 2025. The regions covered in the meat market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the meat market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The meat market consists of sales of chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, and game meats. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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