Red Meat Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, By Product Type (Beef, Pig, Sheep & Goat, Others), By Sales Channel (Supermarket/Hypermarket, Convenience Stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2019-2029F

Market Overview

Global Red Meat market was valued at USD 870.78 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 1,071.67 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 3.58% during the forecast period. The global red meat market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for protein-rich diets, expanding urbanization, and rising disposable incomes. Red meat, which includes beef, lamb, pork, and veal, remains a staple in various cuisines worldwide, valued for its nutritional benefits, including high protein and essential vitamins such as B12 and iron.

The growing consumption of beef owing to the increased health benefits associated with its consumption such as rich in protein, promotes cognitive function and many more is likely to propel its market growth in the future. As a part of this, in 2021, the United States consumed 30 billion pounds of beef, setting a record. This represents the highest consumption throughout the time under consideration and an increase of almost 8.7% over the previous year. Hence, to meet the demand of consumers residing there, the manufacturers have eventually increased the production. As a part of this, the United States is one of the well-known producers of veal and beef across the world. Production surpassed 12.6 million metric tons in 2022. Approximately 30 million beef cows, more than three times as many as dairy cows, were kept in the United States in 2022 to meet the demand for production.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Protein-Rich Diets

One of the most significant drivers of the global red meat market is the increasing consumer preference for protein-rich diets. Protein plays a vital role in muscle development, weight management, and overall health, making it a staple in modern dietary practices. Red meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and veal, is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin B12.

With a growing global population and rising awareness about the importance of balanced nutrition, red meat continues to be a primary choice for meeting protein needs. The demand is further bolstered by the fitness and wellness trends that emphasize the importance of protein for active lifestyles. The popularity of high-protein diets, such as the ketogenic and paleo diets, has also increased the consumption of red meat globally.

Additionally, developing nations in regions like Asia-Pacific and Africa are witnessing a surge in red meat consumption due to increasing disposable incomes and urbanization. As consumers in these regions diversify their diets, red meat is becoming a more prominent protein source.

Technological Advancements in Meat Processing and Packaging

Technological innovations in meat processing and packaging are significantly contributing to the growth of the global red meat market. These advancements have improved the quality, safety, and convenience of red meat products, making them more appealing to consumers.

Modern processing techniques ensure that meat retains its nutritional value while enhancing its texture and flavor. Additionally, innovations in packaging, such as vacuum-sealed and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), have extended shelf life, reduced food waste, and ensured product freshness. These technologies are particularly valuable for red meat products, which are highly perishable.

Convenience-based products like ready-to-cook and pre-seasoned red meat cuts are also gaining popularity among busy urban consumers. These products save time and effort while meeting the demand for high-quality meals at home. Furthermore, advanced cold chain logistics and refrigeration technologies have improved the global distribution of red meat, ensuring consistent supply across various markets.

Shifting Consumer Preferences Towards Premium and Sustainable Products

Consumer preferences are increasingly leaning toward premium, organic, and sustainably produced red meat products. This shift is driven by rising health consciousness and awareness of ethical and environmental concerns associated with conventional meat production. Consumers are now prioritizing meat products that are free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial additives. Organic and grass-fed meat, known for its superior quality and perceived health benefits, has gained significant traction. Additionally, certifications such as "free-range" and "animal welfare-approved" have become influential in shaping purchasing decisions.

The growing focus on sustainability has prompted meat producers to adopt eco-friendly practices, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving livestock management, and minimizing water usage. These practices appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who are willing to pay a premium for sustainably produced red meat.

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Key Market Challenges

Environmental and Ethical Concerns

The environmental and ethical impact of red meat production is a growing concern for both consumers and policymakers. Livestock farming is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. The high carbon footprint of red meat production has drawn criticism from environmental activists and sustainability advocates, prompting consumers to reconsider their purchasing decisions. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stricter environmental policies, placing additional pressure on meat producers to adopt sustainable practices. For instance, carbon taxes and emission reduction targets are increasing operational costs for livestock farms, particularly in regions with stringent regulations.

Ethical concerns regarding animal welfare also pose challenges to the industry. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing farming practices, favoring products that align with humane treatment standards. Certifications such as "free-range" and "grass-fed" have become essential for meeting consumer expectations, but they often involve higher production costs, which can strain profit margins.

These challenges are compounded by growing advocacy for lab-grown or cultured meat, which claims to offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional red meat. As these alternative protein sources gain traction, traditional meat producers must innovate and adopt more sustainable practices to maintain their market share.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Rising Costs

Supply chain complexities and rising costs represent another major challenge for the global red meat market. The production and distribution of red meat involve multiple stages, from farming and slaughtering to processing, packaging, and transportation. Any disruption at these stages can significantly impact product availability and pricing.

Factors such as disease outbreaks among livestock, extreme weather events, and geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply chains and reduce meat production. For example, outbreaks of diseases like African swine fever and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have historically caused significant supply chain disruptions, leading to reduced production and inflated prices.

Transportation and logistics costs have also risen due to increasing fuel prices and labor shortages. These challenges are particularly acute in regions with inadequate infrastructure, where transportation delays can lead to spoilage and waste, further driving up costs.

Key Market Trends

Rise of Organic and Grass-Fed Meat

Consumer demand for organic and grass-fed red meat is surging, driven by increasing health consciousness and concerns about the environmental and ethical implications of conventional meat production. Organic meat, produced without synthetic chemicals, antibiotics, or hormones, is perceived as a healthier and more sustainable option. Similarly, grass-fed meat, known for its superior flavor and nutritional profile, appeals to consumers seeking natural and ethically sourced products.

This trend is particularly strong in developed markets such as North America and Europe, where consumers are willing to pay a premium for quality and traceability. Certifications and labels indicating organic, grass-fed, or free-range practices have become essential in attracting and retaining this consumer base.

Additionally, the trend aligns with the growing emphasis on animal welfare. Grass-fed and organic practices often involve more humane treatment of livestock, which resonates with consumers concerned about ethical sourcing. As this trend gains momentum, producers are investing in sustainable farming practices and supply chain transparency to meet consumer expectations.

Growing Popularity of Processed and Convenience-Based Meat Products

The busy lifestyles of modern consumers have fueled the demand for convenience-based products, including processed red meat options such as ready-to-cook meals, pre-seasoned cuts, and packaged deli meats. These products save time while offering the flavor and quality of freshly prepared meals, making them an attractive choice for urban populations.

Technological advancements in food processing and packaging have further bolstered this trend. Techniques like vacuum-sealing and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) ensure that red meat products retain freshness, flavor, and nutritional value for longer periods. This has made processed and packaged meat a staple in supermarkets and convenience stores.

Additionally, the growing presence of meal kit services has contributed to the popularity of portioned and pre-prepared red meat products. These services often include high-quality meat cuts, catering to consumers who seek convenience without compromising on quality.

This trend is expected to expand further with the rise of e-commerce, as online platforms provide an efficient channel for the distribution of processed and convenience-based red meat products.

Segmental Insights

Sales Channel Insights

Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the global red meat market, driven by their extensive product variety, convenience, and accessibility. These retail formats offer consumers a wide range of fresh, frozen, and processed red meat products under one roof, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. The availability of high-quality red meat, including organic and grass-fed options, along with frequent promotions and discounts, enhances consumer appeal. Additionally, supermarkets and hypermarkets maintain robust cold storage and supply chain systems, ensuring the freshness and safety of their offerings. 

Their strategic locations in urban and suburban areas, combined with the increasing trend of one-stop shopping, have solidified their position as the preferred channel for purchasing red meat. While online platforms are gaining traction, the ability of supermarkets and hypermarkets to provide an interactive shopping experience and instant product access ensures their continued dominance in the global red meat market.     

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Regional Insights

Asia Pacific leads the global red meat market, driven by its large population, growing urbanization, and evolving dietary patterns. The region’s increasing disposable incomes and expanding middle-class population have boosted demand for high-quality protein sources, including red meat. Countries like China, Australia, and India are key contributors, with China being the largest consumer and producer globally. 

The region's cultural and culinary traditions, which often feature red meat as a staple ingredient, further support its dominance. Additionally, the growing popularity of processed and convenience-based red meat products aligns with Asia Pacific's fast-paced urban lifestyles.

Robust export capabilities, particularly from Australia and New Zealand, contribute to the region's prominence in international trade. However, the industry faces challenges such as environmental concerns and supply chain disruptions, necessitating a focus on sustainability and innovation to sustain its leadership in the global red meat market.

Recent Developments

• In Jan 2024, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has introduced a new red meat toolkit and advertising campaign to promote the nutritional value and sustainability of Scotch beef, lamb, and pork. The initiative aims to support Scotland's red meat sector by educating consumers and showcasing the industry's commitment to quality and responsible production practices.

• In Nov 2024, New Zealand's red meat sector has launched the next phase of its "Taste Pure Nature" campaign in China, focusing on enhancing the country's beef and lamb exports. Led by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), the campaign aims to strengthen buyer preferences through nutrition, grass-fed verification, traceability, and New Zealand branding.

• In July 2023, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is launching the Carbon EDGE program to help red meat producers reduce their environmental impact while maintaining profitability. This initiative will provide a range of tools and resources to support producers in adopting sustainable practices, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the industry's sustainability credentials.

Key Market Players

• 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, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•   Red Meat Market, By Product Type:

o   Beef

o   Pig

o   Sheep & Goat

o   Others

• Red Meat Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Supermarket/Hypermarket

o   Convenience Stores

o   Online

o   Others

• Red Meat Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Australia

§  South Korea

§  Indonesia

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   South America

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

§  Brazil

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

Competitive Landscape

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

Available Customizations:

Global Red Meat Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

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

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