Red Meat Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Red Meat Market is projected to expand from a valuation of USD 895.26 Million in 2025 to USD 1.12 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 3.89%. Defined as the flesh of mammals such as beef, veal, pork, lamb, and mutton that appears red when raw, the market's trajectory is largely underpinned by macroeconomic factors like growing global populations and rising disposable incomes in developing countries, which foster a transition toward protein-centric diets. According to the United States Department of Agriculture's forecast in October 2024, global beef production is anticipated to hit 59.5 million tons, signaling robust output adjustments in major international territories.

However, the sector faces substantial headwinds due to mounting regulatory and social scrutiny concerning greenhouse gas emissions and environmental sustainability. Producers are increasingly compelled to adhere to stringent mandates and absorb higher input costs related to sustainable operations, factors that threaten to limit production volumes and reduce profit margins throughout the global supply chain.

Market Drivers

Increasing disposable income within emerging economies acts as a primary driver for the structural expansion of the red meat industry, facilitating a notable shift in worldwide dietary preferences. As urbanization progresses rapidly in Latin America and Asia, the growing middle class is moving away from grain-heavy diets in favor of nutrition plans anchored by high-quality animal proteins. This rise in economic mobility is directly linked to elevated per capita consumption of pork and beef, prompting producers to increase output to meet domestic needs; for example, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's October 2024 report forecasts that pork production in Vietnam will reach 3.8 million tons in 2025, illustrating the surging demand for protein in developing regions.

Concurrently, the growth of organized retail channels and the spread of global quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains are vastly improving market access. Major meat processing corporations are increasingly aligning with modern supermarket chains and e-commerce platforms to provide convenient, processed, and ready-to-cook options that appeal to contemporary consumers. This strategic consolidation enhances supply chain efficiency and drives significant revenue, as evidenced by JBS S.A.'s November 2024 report of record net revenues totaling USD 19.9 billion for the third quarter. Additionally, pricing trends underscore this supply-demand dynamic, with the FAO Meat Price Index averaging 120.4 points in October 2024, indicating sustained value retention within the industry.

Market Challenges

Escalating regulatory and social pressure focused on environmental sustainability is acting as a major constraint on the development of the Global Red Meat Market. Governments and oversight bodies are increasingly enforcing rigorous carbon emission limits and land-use regulations, forcing producers to fundamentally alter traditional farming methods. Complying with these standards requires significant capital expenditure on green technologies and waste management infrastructure, which raises operational expenses and narrows profit margins for processors and farmers alike, making economic viability increasingly challenging for small and mid-sized enterprises.

As a result, this strict regulatory climate is causing a structural reduction in livestock inventories, thereby restricting the sector's capacity to generate sufficient volumes to satisfy demand. To manage compliance risks, producers are often shrinking herd sizes or repurposing grazing land for other uses. For instance, Beef + Lamb New Zealand reported in August 2024 that the national sheep flock fell by 4.3 percent to 23 million head, a decline largely attributed to the conversion of pastoral land into forestry for carbon farming. Such decreases in primary production inevitably curtail market supply, impeding the overall growth of the industry.

Market Trends

Adopting AI-driven automation and robotics within meat processing has emerged as a vital strategy for manufacturers seeking to mitigate labor instability and improve yield accuracy. Industry leaders are implementing advanced robotic cutting machinery and automated logistical systems powered by machine learning to uphold production consistency despite workforce challenges, thereby guaranteeing steady output for high-value products. This shift toward operational modernization is evidenced by significant investments in infrastructure, such as Tyson Foods' opening of a $355 million facility in Kentucky in January 2024, which features autonomous guide vehicles and high-tech robotics to substantially expand production capacity.

Simultaneously, there is a marked market transition toward pasture-raised and grass-fed beef, driven by consumers who increasingly associate ethical farming practices with environmental balance and personal health. This trend goes beyond simple regulatory adherence, as shoppers actively seek products with verified claims concerning sustainable land management and animal welfare to ensure their purchases align with their ethical values. This changing demand is reflected in consumer sentiment; an Agriculture Dive article from May 2024 cites a report by FMI - The Food Industry Association, noting that 83 percent of consumers now factor in animal welfare or environmental impact when buying meat products.

Key Players Profiled in the Red Meat Market

• Australian Agricultural Company Limited
• BRF S.A.
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Hormel Foods Corporation
• Itoham Yonekyu Holdings Inc.
• JBS SA
• Marfrig Global Foods SA
• Minerva S/A
• Tyson Foods, Inc.
• NH Foods Ltd.

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Red Meat Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Red Meat Market, by Product Type:

• Beef
• Pig
• Sheep & Goat
• Others

Red Meat Market, by Sales Channel:

• Supermarket/Hypermarket
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

Red Meat Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Red Meat Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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