United States Edible Meat Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

United States Edible Meat Market Analysis

The United States Edible Meat Market size is estimated at 136.2 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 145.3 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.30% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The United States edible meat industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and retail dynamics. The retail landscape has evolved considerably, with approximately 150,174 convenience stores operating across the country in 2023, complemented by a robust network of 5,552 meat processing businesses as of 2022. This extensive distribution network has enhanced accessibility while maintaining product quality through advanced cold chain infrastructure and stringent food safety protocols. The industry has also witnessed substantial technological integration, with retailers implementing advanced checkout systems, contactless payments, and sophisticated inventory management solutions to improve operational efficiency.

Consumer behavior in the edible meat industry continues to shift toward healthier and more sustainable options, particularly evident in protein choices. Chicken meat has emerged as the most consumed meat variant, with Americans consuming approximately 8 billion chickens in 2021, primarily due to its perception as a leaner protein source and lower environmental impact compared to red meat. The industry has responded by expanding product offerings and improving transparency in sourcing and production methods, with many retailers now providing detailed information about meat origin and processing methods to meet consumer demands for transparency.

The foodservice sector has become increasingly influential in shaping meat consumption patterns, with the proliferation of food trucks playing a significant role. As of 2022, there were 36,234 food truck establishments in the United States, representing a 48% increase from 2019. This growth has been accompanied by innovative meat-based menu offerings and fusion cuisines, particularly evident in the popularity of gourmet burgers, with Americans consuming approximately 20 billion burgers in 2022, averaging 60 patties per person annually. The industry has also adapted to diverse cultural preferences, influenced by a growing immigrant population that, along with their US-born children, numbers approximately 87.7 million people (27% of the US population) as of 2022.

Regional consumption patterns reveal distinct preferences across the United States, with red meat consumption particularly highlighting these differences. In 2022, annual beef consumption per person was highest in the Midwest at 73 pounds, while the South and West recorded 65 pounds each, and the Northeast showed 63 pounds per person. These regional variations have prompted retailers and processors to develop targeted marketing strategies and product offerings that cater to local preferences while maintaining consistent quality standards. The industry has responded by implementing advanced processing technologies and expanding distribution networks to ensure fresh meat availability across all regions.

United States Edible Meat Market Trends

Increased domestic production and rising exports from asian countries is driving the market growth

• Meat producers in the United States are technology-driven, which helps in strategically supplementing forage-based diets to fulfill animal requirements for protein, vitamins, or minerals. The US is one of the largest beef producers in the entire world, with a share of nearly 30% in 2022. The country produced 12.89 million metric tons of beef in 2022, up 0.15 million metric tons from 2021. The top beef-producing states in the US are Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Ohio is ranked among the top beef-producing states throughout the nation and had around 2.9 million cattle slaughtered in 2022. Ohio's beef production also increased by 2% in 2022 compared to 2021.
• The US primarily produces high-quality, grain-fed beef. Beef farms and ranches represent over 30% of US farms. The US beef industry is divided into two sectors, namely cow-calf operations and cattle feeding. The focus of the cow-calf operation is to maintain a herd of beef cattle to raise calves. The cattle feeding sector focuses on preparing cattle for various means of production. Beef cattle are raised in all the states of the United States. As of January 2023, there were around 28.9 million beef cattle in the United States, down 4% from last year.
• Beef production in the US is anticipated to grow in the coming years due to the growing demand for American beef from Asia. In 2021, for the first time in the last five years, the United States sent more edible meat to China than Australia, and it currently leads in important export markets like Japan and South Korea. The US frozen beef exports to Asia grew, registering a CAGR of 9.90% by value from 2017 to 2022. The US struggled with ongoing supply chain issues, transportation problems, and ample supplies of domestic products, especially on its West Coast.

Rise in feed cost and lower production of cattle lead to a rise in prices

• The price of beef witnessed a 40% growth from 2017 to 2022. Rising retail demand boosted the need for the wholesale demand for beef. The supply fell as slaughterhouses were shut, and overall slaughter declined, leading to higher beef prices. Therefore, there was a higher focus on fresh/chilled and frozen beef. However, livestock producers earned low prices for their animals despite the high price of meat. The number of cattle and calves at the end of 2022 was around 89.3 million, which was a decline of 3% from the previous year. Cattle prices are expected to receive support from packer demand due to the relatively stable demand for beef and limited supplies of steers and heifers in feedlots.
• In the United States, beef prices were predicted to rise by 15% from 2022 to 2023 and stay high until 2025. This projection is influenced by a severe drought that affected most of the cattle trade this summer and prompted many producers to sell their herds early for slaughter, which will impact the herd size for 2023. In November 2022, 59.3% of the lower 48 states and 49.59% of the US were in a drought, impacting feed production by raising the cost of feed. Feed expenses are the largest operating cost for cow-calf producers, comprising 75% of the operational costs.
• Intervention from authorities may be required in the future to stabilize beef prices and create a supply balance. Companies must increase their production in meat plants to higher volumes, provided the USDA relaxes certain regulatory requirements as it has done in the past. For instance, in April 2020, the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service temporarily permitted beef processing plants to accelerate processing speeds to supplement the US meat supply as demand increased.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: Type

Beef Segment in US Edible Meat Market

The beef segment dominates the United States edible meat market, accounting for approximately 46% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by the high consumption of beef through various forms, including fresh/chilled, frozen, and processed variants. The segment's growth is supported by the increasing demand for American beef from Asian markets, particularly from countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. The United States has successfully positioned itself as a leading beef exporter, surpassing traditional competitors in key export markets. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the diverse range of beef products available, from premium steaks to processed items like ground beef, sausages, and ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, the segment is experiencing growth in the grass-fed and organic beef categories, as consumers increasingly seek healthier and more sustainable options. The segment is also projected to maintain its growth trajectory with a CAGR of approximately 1.4% during 2024-2029, driven by technological advancements in production and processing methods.

Remaining Segments in US Edible Meat Market

The remaining segments in the US edible meat market include poultry meat, pork, mutton, and other meat varieties, each serving distinct consumer preferences and dietary requirements. The poultry meat segment holds a significant position as the second-largest category, benefiting from its perception as a healthier protein option and its versatility in various cuisines. Pork maintains its strong presence in the market through popular products like bacon, ham, and sausages, while also seeing growth in premium and specialty cuts. The mutton segment, though smaller, caters to specific ethnic markets and premium consumers, particularly during holiday seasons. The other meat segment, which includes alternative meat sources, serves niche markets and specialized dietary preferences. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and cater to the varying preferences of American consumers, from health-conscious individuals to those seeking traditional meat products.

Segment Analysis: Form

Fresh/Chilled Segment in US Edible Meat Market

The fresh meat segment dominates the US edible meat market, accounting for approximately 44% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by increasing consumer preference for certified fresh meat and transparency in meat sourcing. Major retailers and meat producers are responding to this demand by providing detailed information about the origin and processing of fresh meat products. The segment's growth is further supported by technological advancements in cold chain logistics and storage facilities, ensuring longer shelf life while maintaining product quality. Leading companies like Cargill and Conagra have strengthened their presence in distribution channels, contributing to increased sales in the fresh meat category. The segment particularly benefits from consumer trust in traditional meat counters at retail stores, where customers can visually inspect products and receive expert advice from butchers.

Processed Segment in US Edible Meat Market

The processed meat segment is projected to be the fastest-growing category in the US edible meat market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 2% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by innovations in processing technologies and the entry of new players focusing on value-added processed meat products. Large corporations are increasingly investing in robotics and artificial intelligence to develop advanced processing technologies, improving both efficiency and product quality. The segment's expansion is further supported by changing consumer preferences toward convenient, ready-to-eat processed meat products and the growing demand for protein-rich processed meat foods. The market is witnessing significant developments in clean-label processed meat, with manufacturers focusing on natural preservatives and minimal additives to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The frozen meat and canned segments continue to play vital roles in the US edible meat market. The frozen meat segment maintains its significance due to its longer shelf life and convenience in storage and transportation, making it particularly appealing to both consumers and foodservice operators. Advanced freezing technologies and improved packaging solutions have enhanced the quality perception of frozen meat products. Meanwhile, the canned meat segment serves as a stable market component, particularly valued for its long shelf life and convenience in emergency food storage. Both segments benefit from ongoing innovations in packaging technology and preservation methods, while also adapting to evolving consumer preferences for more sustainable and convenient packaged meat products.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

Off-trade Segment in US Edible Meat Market

The off-trade segment, particularly through supermarkets and hypermarkets, dominates the US edible meat market, accounting for approximately 65% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is attributed to the increasing trend of at-home meal consumption and the extensive network of supermarket chains across the country. Major retail chains like Walmart, Costco, and Kroger have strengthened their position by offering competitive pricing, maintaining high food safety standards, and providing a wide variety of certified meat products. These channels have also enhanced their appeal through advanced technologies like contactless checkout systems and digital payment options, while simultaneously offering authentic meat products with clean labels and comprehensive safety certifications. The segment's growth is further supported by the implementation of efficient inventory management systems and the ability to provide bulk purchase options at competitive prices.

Online Channel Segment in US Edible Meat Market

The online channel is experiencing rapid growth in the US edible meat market, projected to grow at approximately 7% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones and the rising adoption of grocery shopping applications among younger consumers. The channel's expansion is supported by the high internet penetration rate, which stands at around 90% of the total population. Major grocery chains are implementing omnichannel strategies to appeal to all consumer groups, with mobile sales becoming an increasingly significant component. The growth is further accelerated by the DIRECT ACT, which allows state-inspected meat to be sold across state lines through online platforms. The continuous introduction of new meat products through online sales channels, coupled with the convenience of home delivery and click-and-collect services, has significantly contributed to the segment's expansion.

Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel

The remaining distribution channels include convenience stores, other off-trade channels, and the on-trade segment. Convenience stores play a crucial role in providing easy access to meat snacks and ready-to-eat meat products, particularly in urban areas. The other off-trade channels, comprising specialty stores, food vending machines, and direct sales, cater to specific consumer needs and preferences. The on-trade segment, which includes restaurants, cafeterias, and food service providers, continues to be significant in the market, driven by the growing trend of dining out and the increasing popularity of various cuisines. These channels collectively contribute to the market's diversity and accessibility, offering different value propositions to consumers based on convenience, specialty products, and dining experiences.

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