United States Meat market Research Report Information By Type (Frozen, Canned, Chilled, and Fresh), Animal Type (Beef, Pig, Poultry, and Others), and Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online Retail, and Foodservice), – and North America Market Forecast Till 2032

United States Meat market Overview

United States meat market Size was valued at USD 135.2 Billion in 2022. The United States meat market industry is projected to grow from USD 141.9 Billion in 2023 to USD 209.7 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The major market drivers include the increase in the demand for convenient and easy-to-eat food, rising preference for protein-rich diets, and increasing focus on sustainable and ethical meat production.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

United States Meat Market Trends

• Increasing health consciousness and rising preference for protein-rich diets among individuals are driving the market growth

The global market is witnessing robust growth, primarily driven by increasing meat consumption among the populace, thereby driving market CAGR. This trend is fueled by the rising demand for protein-rich diets and a growing health consciousness among consumers. Consequently, there's a notable surge in meat sales worldwide. As consumers prioritize health, there's a rising preference for leaner meat cuts and products free from antibiotics and hormones, alongside a heightened interest in sustainable and ethical meat production methods. This has spurred the expansion of niche markets for grass-fed, organic, and free-range meat products. As per USDA data for 2022, the typical U.S. resident consumes 224.6 pounds of meat annually, encompassing beef, pork, broilers, and turkey. This consumption level exceeds recommended dietary guidelines by over 40 percent. The notable rise in meat consumption signifies a substantial increase compared to 1970 figures, where the average individual consumed just over 20 percent more meat.

The demand for protein is experiencing a notable upsurge due to heightened consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits associated with high-quality food consumption. The rapid pace of life in developed regions has prompted a shift among the working class towards processed products, aligning with their lifestyle demands. Additionally, the expanding gym attendance in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico has significantly boosted the demand for animal-based protein in recent years. In 2022, a substantial 52% of Americans report adherence to specific diets or eating patterns, marking a significant increase from the previous year's figures (39% in 2021, 43% in 2020, 38% in 2019), excluding the newly introduced options of mindful eating and intuitive eating. This surge in dietary practices is primarily observed among consumers under the age of 50. The prevalent diets or eating patterns this year encompass clean eating (16%), mindful eating (14%), calorie counting (13%), and plant-based diets (12%). Thus driving the United States' meat market revenue.

United States Meat Market Segment Insights

• United States Meat Type Insights

The United States meat market segmentation, based on type includes Frozen, Canned, Chilled, and Fresh. The frozen segment dominated the market. Increasing consumption of convenience food items is fueling the demand for frozen products. Furthermore, consumers are drawn to the extended shelf life offered by these products, impacting their purchasing choices. Among the popular frozen items purchased by consumers are meatballs, chicken nuggets, beef patties, fillets, and chicken breasts.

Figure 1: United States Meat Market, by Type, 2023 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

United States Meat Animal Type Insights

The United States meat market segmentation, based on Animal Type, includes Beef, Pig, Poultry, and Others. The Beef category generated the most income. The United States stands as one of the largest beef producers globally, generating over 11.4 million metric tons annually. Leading states in beef production include Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, California, and Oklahoma, as per Livestock Marketing Information Center data from 2017. Despite its significant production capacity, the nation imports substantial quantities of beef products from other countries. Due to the high demand for both fresh and processed beef, this segment maintains dominance in the U.S. market. Notably, U.S. beef exports surged to a new record in 2022, totaling 3.5 billion pounds, marking a more than 3 percent increase from the previous record set in 2021. The primary driver behind this growth was a notable 16 percent rise in exports to China, escalating from over 540 million pounds in 2021 to approximately 627 million pounds in 2022.

United States Meat Distribution Channel Insights

The United States meat market segmentation, based on Distribution Channel, includes Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online Retail and Foodservice. The Hypermarkets/Supermarkets category generated the most income. The landscape of the supermarket/hypermarket industry is undergoing constant and rapid change, with investors leveraging buyer convenience to enhance the shopping experience. According to the Food Industry Association's 2018 report, approximately 43% of total grocery sales in 2017 were conducted through supermarkets/hypermarkets, accounting for a significant portion of annual fresh meat sales. Supermarkets are also prioritizing compliance with new regulatory standards, such as quality assurance and refrigerant leak prevention enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while simultaneously focusing on offering high-quality products to consumers. The increasing digitalization globally is expected to facilitate the growth of online retail channels, further transforming the industry. Additionally, the demand for convenience in shopping, coupled with the rise in internet usage and busy lifestyles, is driving consumers toward internet retailing as a preferred shopping option.

United States Meat Country Insights

According to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN), projections indicate that the global population will reach 8.6 billion by 2030, 9.8 billion by 2050, and 11.2 billion by 2100. With this population growth, there arises an increased demand for a variety of food types, placing pressure on global resources. In addition to population growth, socio-economic changes such as rising income levels and rapid urbanization contribute to a growing demand for protein. Consequently, the livestock industry is expanding to meet this need for protein sources, as animal-based products remain crucial sources of dietary protein and calories, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO forecasts suggest that meat production will rise from 218.0 million metric tons in 1997-1999 to 376.0 million metric tons by 2030. Moreover, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and Food and Agriculture Organization (OECD-FAO), global meat demand is expected to reach 371.68 million tons by 2030, with per capita meat consumption projected to rise to 35.4 kg r.w.e. by 2027, reflecting an increase of 1.1 kg r.w.e. compared to the base period. This surge in demand for protein-rich foods, coupled with consumer preferences for low-fat, high-protein diets, has significantly boosted the consumption of animal-based protein worldwide.

United States Meat Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are constantly providing increased and enhanced offerings, which will help the United States Meat market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the United States meat industry must offer cost-effective items.

Major players in the United States meat market are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations, including Tyson Foods, Inc. (Arkansans, U.S.), Cargill, Inc. (Minnesota, U.S.), Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Virginia, U.S.), Hormel Foods Corporation (Minnesota, U.S.), Conagra Brands, Inc. (Illinois, U.S.), Foster Farms (California, U.S.), Sysco Corporation (Texas, U.S.), National Beef Packing Co., LLC (Missouri, U.S.), Perdue Farms, Inc. (Maryland, U.S.), OSI Group, LLC (Illinois, U.S)

Key Companies in the United States Meat market include

• Tyson Foods, Inc. (Arkansans, U.S.)


• Cargill, Inc. (Minnesota, U.S.)


• Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Virginia, U.S.)


•  Hormel Foods Corporation (Minnesota, U.S.)


• Conagra Brands, Inc. (Illinois, U.S.)


•  Foster Farms (California, U.S.)


•  Sysco Corporation (Texas, U.S.)


• National Beef Packing Co., LLC (Missouri, U.S.)


• Perdue Farms, Inc. (Maryland, U.S.)


• OSI Group, LLC (Illinois, U.S.)

United States Meat Industry Developments

May 2023: Tyson Foods' Claryville facility announced its expanded cocktail sausage manufacturing capacity, a move aimed at meeting heightened customer demand for its Hillshire Farm brand products. This expansion, costing USD 83 million, involves adding 15,000 square feet to the existing 342,000 square foot facility and integrating state-of-the-art equipment to boost production by 50%, enhancing customer service capabilities.

April 2023: the producers of the HERDEZ brand introduced the HERDEZ Mexican Refrigerated Entrées line, featuring two enticing varieties: HERDEZ Chicken Shredded in Mild Chipotle Sauce and HERDEZ Carnitas Slow Cooked Pork

United States Meat Market Segmentation

United States Meat Type Outlook

• Frozen


•  Canned


• Chilled


•  Fresh

United States Meat Animal Type Outlook

•  Beef


•  Pig


•  Poultry


•  Others

United States Meat Distribution Channel Outlook

•  Hypermarkets/Supermarkets


• Convenience Stores


•  Specialty Stores


•  Online Retail


•  Foodservice

United States Meat Regional Outlook

• North America


•  US


•  Canada


•  Mexico


•  Rest of North America