Global meat industry - statistics & facts
The market value of the meat industry is expected to rise significantly. The global meat market revenue is estimated to grow by 500 billion U.S. dollars in the next five years, reaching over two trillion U.S. dollars by 2030. The U.S. was leading the processed meat industry worldwide, with 42 billion U.S. dollars in processed meat and sausage market revenue in 2024. Followed by Germany with a revenue of over 20.6 billion U.S. dollars. Russia, France, and Mexico are finishing the top five countries with the biggest revenue from processed meats.
Leading producers
As the demand for meat rises worldwide, so must the production of meat. Between 2016 and 2024, the production volume of meat worldwide has increased from 317 million metric tons to about 350.75 million metric tons. Most of the world’s meat is produced in Asia, which generated about 163 million metric tons of meat. Pork and poultry are the most widely produced types of meat, with sheep being the least produced. Although many people abstain from pork for nutritional or religious reasons, pork is widely produced in China and Europe. Some of the largest meat production companies in the world include Hormel Foods, Tyson, and Pilgrim's Pride.
In addition to producing the highest revenue from meat sales, the United States is also a major producer and exporter of meat, especially beef. The trade value of the U.S. beef industry amounted to over seven billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Brazil is also a major exporter of meat, both in the form of broiler chickens and beef.
Global meat consumption
The projected per capita meat consumption is expected to remain below 30 kilograms of meat per year until 2033. However, as the global population continues to climb, the overall consumption of meat has risen in the past several years. Additionally, red meat is expected to see a slight increase in consumption in the United States in the next decade.
