Report

The Edible Meat Market size is estimated at 1.27 trillion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 1.37 trillion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.56% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Increased consumption of pork is driving the market demand


- The global edible meat market is driven by pork consumption, which had the highest growth rate by value in 2022. It is also anticipated that a CAGR of 2.13% will be registered during the forecast period on a value basis. The consumption of pork was largely led by the Asia-Pacific region, with a market share of 68.31% by value in 2022. Pork is considered a staple diet in Asian countries, and consumers usually prefer fresh pork instead of frozen and processed pork. Multiple catering businesses in China, Japan, and Australia are likely to further boost the demand for fresh pork in the future.
- China emerged as the world's largest consumer of beef, with a market share of 19.35% by value in 2022. In 2022, the Chinese market consumed 8.84 million tons of beef. However, most countries with high beef per capita consumption are likely to witness their level of beef consumption decline in favor of poultry meat.
- Also, the consumption of poultry increased drastically globally during the review period, registering a growth of 16.45% in 2022 compared to 2018. The changing consumption patterns of global consumers toward nutritious and healthy foods are driving poultry consumption. North America is the second-major poultry consumption region, with a share of 20% by value in 2022. The affordability of chicken compared to other meat types makes it an attractive option for consumers, especially those who are looking for cost-effective protein sources.
- The decrease in sheep and lamb production has been accompanied by higher prices, which are responsible for the greater production costs. Mutton was priced 20% higher than any other meat in 2022. Shortages in supply and high prices diminished the consumption of sheep and lamb and prevented their growth.

Increased investment in the meat sector drives market growth


- Edible meat was majorly consumed in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022. From 2019 to 2022, it registered a CAGR of 2.96%. The increased consumption of edible meat resulted in an Asian meat complex, which connects Asian countries and the larger world via meat commodities and their feedstocks. Much of the meat consumed in Southeast Asia is produced locally, primarily through industrialized systems. Large corporations increasingly shape the Asian edible meat market.
- Africa is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region in the edible meat market for the forecast period. It registered a growth of 3.89% in 2022. The consumption of edible meat is growing in Africa, and investment opportunities are likely to be more attractive than in other global regions. Future investments would be required along the entire value chain, including facilities for raising poultry and pork, abattoirs, feed production, transportation, and equipment supply. The demand for poultry products increased drastically due to the increasing number of retail restaurant chains, such as KFC, Steers, Wimpy, and Debonairs.
- The Middle East is the second fastest-growing region in the edible meat market. It is expected to register a growth of 2.28% during the forecast period. In Middle Eastern countries, the meat market is expanding rigorously due to rising meat consumption. In 2022, JBS SA invested USD 2 billion and bought two plants in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, specializing mainly in frozen food, including beef and chicken. In 2022, Tyson Foods planned to expand its footprint by investing in a Saudi Arabia-based meat company, acquiring a 15% equity stake in Tanmiah and a 60% equity stake in Supreme Foods Processing Company.


Global Edible Meat Market Trends



Production across regions is likely to boost a growth in demand


- Beef production grew by 6.90% between 2017 and 2022. Global beef production for 2023 is anticipated to increase by nearly 1% to 59.6 million tons, according to USDA's April 2022 forecast. The drought in Argentina has led to more herd break-ups and increased production by 6% compared to the previous year. Similarly, larger fattening stalls and higher slaughter of cows are expected to boost US production by 1% from April 2022. New Zealand production will increase by 3% as male dairy calves are now marketed for beef.
- Due to the high input costs, EU production is cut by 1% due to lower slaughter numbers and lower weights. Upward revisions in forecasts for New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil offset declines in forecasts for Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Strong demand from China is expected to attract supplies from Brazil and Argentina. Australia is likely to benefit from increasing demand from Japan and South Korea. Additionally, strong US demand for processed beef will boost supplies from Australia and New Zealand.
- Beef production is dominated by North America, which produced 32.13% in 2022. Beef production in North America was highly impacted by the increased production costs and increased feed expenses due to dry conditions. The drought also negatively affected locations in western North America. On January 1, 2022, in Canada, beef cow inventories were down by 1% for the fifth consecutive year, reaching 3.5 million heads. The total US cattle inventories were down by 2% compared to last year, reaching 91.9 million heads. South America also caters to global beef production, producing almost 20.12% of global beef production in 2022. The increased beef demand worldwide increased production and productivity gains.


Production uncertainties across regions are impacting the prices


- The average global price of beef increased by 9.15% between 2017 and 2022, with the United States accounting for the highest price at USD 6.93/kg. Beef has faced strong demand and high prices worldwide, with a visible change in international market dynamics. Local disruptions, such as droughts and increasing consumer demand in individual countries or regions, now exert a greater impact on global trade.
- Key drivers influencing prices in top beef-producing countries include a demand-driven surge in beef prices in the United States. The US beef sector has clearly been in a demand-driven market, witnessing a 40.75% price increase in 2022 compared to 2017. In Brazil, a delay in seasonal rains leads to the production of fewer cattle, forcing processors to raise cattle prices and maintain supply, particularly given demand in the Chinese market. The market faced a reduction in livestock supply across the European Union, resulting in poor profitability of the sector. In June 2023, the retail prices of different forms of beef in the United States were USD 5.028/lb for ground beef, USD 7.020/lb for uncooked beef roasts, and USD 10.359/lb for beef steaks.
- In China, slow growth in domestic beef production, which failed to keep up with local consumption growth prompted by pork-to-beef substitution during the African swine fever outbreak, led to rising beef imports in 2021 and 2022, which, in turn, led to a rise in prices in the country. Australia's supply also impacted the world market, as consecutive years of drought and large herd liquidations resulted in the country's lowest cattle population in 30 years. Australian young stock prices were up by almost 20% in February 2021 compared to the previous year.


Edible Meat Industry Overview

The Edible Meat Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 13.69%. The major players in this market are Cargill Inc., JBS SA, Sysco Corporation, Tyson Foods Inc. and WH Group Limited (sorted alphabetically).

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