Global Livestock And Meat Market Outlook 2025-2035
The Global Livestock and Meat Market is poised for steady growth through 2035, driven by rising protein consumption, evolving consumer preferences, and technological advancements in meat processing. The market covers a wide assortment of meat types including beef, pork, poultry, sheep and goat, each catering to various segments such as food processing, household, and foodservice. The industry ecosystem is further shaped by market leaders like JBS S.A., Tyson Foods, and WH Group, significant investments in sustainable and organic production, and a robust shift towards online and specialty retail channels. Despite economic uncertainties and regulatory landscapes, innovation, consolidation, and demand from emerging economies sustain market momentum.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Rising global demand for animal-based protein, particularly in developing markets, is fueling expansion. For example, JBS S.A.
continues to invest heavily in expanding its processing capacity to meet increased demand.
Advancements in meat processing and preservation technologies boost efficiency and product shelf-life. Tyson Foods recently launched new automated facilities to enhance productivity and supply chain resilience.
Key Trends
Growing consumer preference for organic and ethically-produced meat products, prompting companies like Cargill to increase their organic meat range.
Digital transformation in distribution, such as the surge in online meat sales. WH Group, for example, has expanded its e-commerce reach in Asia-Pacific and North America.
Key Opportunities
Emergence of plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives, leading to product diversification. Tyson Foods’ continued investment in alternative protein start-ups highlights this shift.
Expansion into emerging markets with rising urbanization supports new revenue streams, as BRF S.A. has done with partnerships to expand into the Middle East and Africa.
Key Challenges
Stringent regulatory standards and certifications, including traceability and food safety, pose compliance challenges. Smithfield Foods recently navigated complex regulatory updates in global export markets.
Volatility of feed costs impacting operational margins, as recently experienced by Marfrig with fluctuating corn and soybean prices.
Key Restraints
Sustainability concerns related to livestock emissions and resource utilization are pressing. Danish Crown introduced ambitious sustainability goals but faces emission reduction hurdles.
Growing health consciousness and rise of vegetarian/veganism restrain overall meat demand. Vion Food Group has launched alternative protein lines to adapt but sees a slow shift in traditional markets.
By 2025, poultry occupies the largest share of the global livestock and meat market at 38%, reflecting its relatively lower price point and universal appeal. Pork follows with 29%, driven by strong demand in Asia and Europe. Beef accounts for 23%, reflecting robust markets in the Americas and Europe, while sheep & goat, alongside other meats, together make up the remaining 10%. The trend points towards consumers opting for leaner and more affordable meat choices, but premiumization and organic beef segments are experiencing modest growth in mature markets.
Food processing holds the largest market share in 2025 at 42%, reflecting the importance of value-added products and processed meats globally. Household consumption follows at 30%, indicative of traditional purchasing patterns, while the foodservice sector, including restaurants and QSRs, represents a significant 19%. Industrial and institutional uses, including ready-meal producers and catering, together account for 9% of the market. The ongoing recovery of the hospitality sector and increased home cooking trend play essential roles in shaping the market distribution.
Global Livestock And Meat Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
The global livestock and meat market is projected to grow from 1,120,000 million USD in 2020 to 1,580,000 million USD by 2025, reaching 2,360,000 million USD by 2035. This robust CAGR is supported by both population growth and rising per capita meat consumption. Factors such as improved cold chain logistics, innovations in preservation, and the entry of new players across Asia-Pacific and Africa augment this growth trajectory. The market also benefits from an expanding processed meat sector and the inclusion of premium, organic, and alternative meats.
Year-On-Year Growth (%) of Global Livestock And Meat Market, 2020-2035
The YOY growth for the global livestock and meat market averages around 5.8% during 2020-2025, slightly moderating to 4.6% in the 2025-2030 period, and around 3.6% by 2035 as the market matures. The highest growth rates are anticipated in developing countries due to rapid urbanization and dietary shifts. Temporary volatility is expected due to feed price fluctuations and regulatory changes, yet the sector’s resilience ensures sustained mid-term growth.
Asia-Pacific dominates the global livestock and meat market in 2025 with a commanding 41% share, mainly propelled by China and India’s massive consumption base. North America follows at 23% owing to high per capita meat intake, advanced supply chains, and leading producers. Europe captures 19%, balancing traditional meat consumption with a growing market for organic and specialty meats. Other regions, including South America, Middle East, and Africa, together contribute 17%, with Brazil and Argentina being notable exporters.
JBS S.A. leads the global market with a 12% share in 2025, followed by Tyson Foods at 9%, WH Group at 7%, Cargill at 6%, and BRF S.A. at 5%. The remaining 61% is split among numerous regional and specialty players, reflecting the industry’s competitive landscape. Larger players are consolidating operations, investing in sustainability and innovation, while nimble regional producers address niche market demands, sustaining overall growth.
Food processing companies account for the majority of global meat purchases at 37%, followed by supermarkets/hypermarkets at 28%, and foodservice providers at 18%. Institutional and household buyers share the remainder, reflecting the import role of retail and hospitality sectors in meat distribution. As consumer habits shift towards convenience, online and specialty retail purchasing continues to gain traction among both end-users and commercial buyers.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
1580000
Regions
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East, Africa
Segments
By Type (Beef, Pork, Poultry, Sheep & Goat, Others), By Application (Food Processing, Household, Foodservice, Industrial, Institutional, Others), By Distribution Channels (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, Specialty Stores, Direct Sales, Others), By Technology (Conventional, Organic, Processed, Chilled, Frozen, Canned), By Organization Size (Small, Medium, Large)
June 2024: Tyson Foods announced the commissioning of a new automated poultry processing facility in the US to boost supply chain efficiency.
July 2024: BRF S.A. established a strategic partnership with a major Middle Eastern food distributor to enhance regional penetration.
August 2024: WH Group expanded its e-commerce meat delivery services across more Chinese cities, leveraging digital logistics.
September 2024: Danish Crown launched an initiative to cut carbon emissions by 30% at its European processing facilities by 2030.
October 2024: Cargill invested in a Singaporean alt-protein start-up to diversify its product offerings and meet shifting consumer demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Lena
Senior Research Consultant
Lena is a Senior Research Consultant specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Agriculture. Lena brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Lena has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
