Edible Animal Fat Market Size

Market Size Snapshot

Note – Market size depicts the revenue generated over the financial year

The animal fat market is expected to grow at a steady rate, from $3.36 billion in 2024 to $5.0 billion by 2035. The CAGR for this period is 3.68%, indicating a robust demand for edible animal fats in various applications, including food processing, gastronomy, and the manufacture of special fats. The trend towards natural and traditional food products, as well as the growing trend towards a more animal-based diet, are important factors contributing to the expansion of the market. The edible animal fats market is driven by several factors, including the development of new fats and fats that improve the quality and shelf life of these products. Also, the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of certain fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils, is driving the demand for these fats. The main players in the industry, such as Cargill and Archer Daniels, are implementing various strategies to gain a larger share of the market. In recent years, they have invested in sustainable sourcing and production methods, which are expected to support the trend towards health-conscious and environmentally friendly products, and to consolidate their market positions.

Regional Market Size

Regional Deep Dive

The market for edible animal fats is characterized by different patterns of consumption and regulatory systems in different regions. North America is driven by the increasing demand for natural and organic foodstuffs, while in Europe the focus is on the production process being sustainable and animal welfare friendly. In Asia-Pacific, the demand for edible animal fats is growing, as urbanization and dietary preferences change. In the Middle East and Africa, demand is mainly influenced by cultural practices and economic conditions, which dictate the use of animal fats in traditional cuisine. In Latin America, where the agriculture is rich, the edible animal fats market is growing. The main use of edible animal fats is in the food industry. In general, the dynamics of the market for edible animal fats are mainly influenced by the preferences of consumers, the regulatory changes and the economic conditions of each region.

Europe

• The European Union's stringent regulations on animal welfare and sustainability are driving the market towards more ethical sourcing of animal fats, with companies like Unilever committing to sustainable palm oil and animal fat sourcing.
• Innovations in food technology, such as the development of fat-reduced products, are gaining traction, with brands like Knorr launching products that utilize animal fats in healthier formulations.

Asia Pacific

• The increasing popularity of traditional cuisines that utilize animal fats, such as in Chinese and Indian cooking, is boosting demand, with local companies like Yurun Group expanding their production capabilities.
• Government initiatives in countries like India to promote the use of indigenous animal fats in cooking are influencing market dynamics, as they align with cultural preferences and support local farmers.

Latin America

• The region's strong agricultural sector is leading to increased production of animal fats, with companies like JBS and BRF investing in processing facilities to meet local and export demands.
• Cultural factors, such as the use of lard in traditional Latin American dishes, are sustaining demand, while health trends are pushing for the development of lower-fat alternatives.

North America

• The rise of plant-based diets has led to innovations in animal fat alternatives, with companies like Beyond Meat exploring fat substitutes that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional animal fats.
• Regulatory changes, such as the USDA's guidelines on animal fat labeling, are pushing manufacturers to be more transparent about sourcing and production practices, impacting consumer trust and purchasing decisions.

Middle East And Africa

• Cultural preferences for specific types of animal fats, such as ghee in South Asia and the Middle East, are driving demand, with local producers like Almarai capitalizing on these traditional uses.
• Economic factors, including the rising cost of vegetable oils, are prompting consumers to revert to traditional animal fats, which are often seen as more affordable and accessible.

Did You Know?

“In many cultures, animal fats are not only used for cooking but also play a significant role in traditional medicine and rituals, highlighting their cultural importance beyond mere culinary applications.” — Culinary Traditions and Health Practices Journal

Segmental Market Size

The market for edible animal fats is currently stable, mainly because of its essential role in food production and in gastronomic applications. The rising demand for natural and traditional fats in the kitchen, the growing use of animal fats in processed foods for flavouring. The regulatory policy favouring the use of natural products over synthetics. The edible animal fats market is currently at a mature stage, with major players like Cargill and Tyson Foods at the forefront. These companies have developed a strong distribution network and a wide range of products for both food industry and consumers. The main uses are for baking, frying and as an ingredient in processed foods, where animal fats are appreciated for their flavour and their functionality. The growing emphasis on animal well-being and on the environment is bringing about changes in sourcing practices, with companies increasingly focusing on the traceability and the ethics of obtaining fats. Also, the use of new rendering and fat-mixing techniques is influencing the evolution of the market, improving the quality and consistency of products.

Future Outlook

During the period 2024 to 2035, the global edible animal fats market is expected to increase from $3.36 billion to $5.0 billion, at a CAGR of 3.68%. This growth is driven by the rising demand for natural and traditional fats, and the growing popularity of animal-derived products in various culinary applications. As health-conscious consumers seek to replace synthetic fats with animal fats, the market penetration is expected to rise steadily, especially in regions with a long history of culinary traditions based on animal fats, such as Europe and Asia. By 2035, the edible animal fats market is expected to reach about a quarter of the total fats market, as a result of both consumers' preferences and the versatility of these fats in enhancing the taste and texture of food. The development of new technologies and government policy will also play an important role in the future of the edible animal fats market. It is expected that the quality and shelf life of animal fats will be further improved by new production methods, resulting in more favorable conditions for both producers and consumers. Moreover, regulations aimed at promoting the sustainable use of resources and animal welfare are expected to influence the market and encourage producers to adopt more ethical practices. And as consumers turn to authentic and high-quality ingredients, the market is likely to grow. In short, the edible animal fats market is expected to grow steadily in the future, driven by changing consumer preferences and industry development.