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

United States Red Meat Market Analysis

The United States Red Meat Market size is estimated at 95.26 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 102.2 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.42% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The United States red meat industry continues to undergo significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and demographic shifts. With over 8 million expatriates residing in the country as of 2023, there is increasing demand for diverse meat products and preparation methods. This demographic evolution is further exemplified by the growing Hispanic/Latino population, which has reached 62.1 million, representing a significant influence on meat consumption patterns and preferences. The industry is adapting to these changes through product diversification and enhanced meat distribution networks, while maintaining traditional production methods that cater to established consumer bases.

The foodservice sector plays a pivotal role in meat distribution and consumption patterns. The presence of over 45,000 Chinese restaurants across the United States in 2022, surpassing the combined number of McDonald's and Burger King locations, demonstrates the diverse culinary landscape driving red meat market consumption. Additionally, the rise of alternative dining formats is evident in the growth of food truck operations, which reached 36,324 establishments in 2022, creating new channels for meat product distribution and consumption. This evolution in foodservice has prompted traditional meat processors to adapt their product offerings and distribution strategies.

Infrastructure development and retail modernization continue to shape the industry landscape. Texas leads with 16,018 convenience stores as of 2022, highlighting the importance of accessible distribution channels for retail meat products. The retail sector's evolution is particularly evident in the growing integration of technology and improved cold chain management, ensuring product quality and accessibility. Traditional retail channels are being complemented by modern distribution methods, with convenience stores increasingly serving as crucial points of access for meat products, particularly in rural and highway-adjacent locations.

The industry's production landscape remains robust, with significant regional specialization. Iowa's substantial inventory of approximately 23 million pigs in 2022 exemplifies the scale of domestic production capabilities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's recent investment of $43 million in meat processing facilities demonstrates ongoing commitment to infrastructure modernization and capacity expansion. This investment strategy aims to enhance production efficiency, improve food safety standards, and maintain the U.S. meat industry's competitiveness while meeting evolving consumer demands and regulatory requirements.

United States Red 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 Red Meat Market

The beef segment dominates the United States red meat market, accounting for approximately 60% of the total market volume in 2024. This significant market share is primarily attributed to the country's position as one of the largest beef producers globally, with a share of nearly 30% of global production. The segment's strong performance is supported by the country's extensive network of beef farms and ranches, which represent over 30% of US farms. The beef industry in the United States is structured into two main sectors: cow-calf operations and cattle feeding, ensuring a steady supply chain. Additionally, the segment is expected to maintain its market leadership while growing at a rate of approximately 1.4% during 2024-2029, driven by increasing demand for American beef from Asian markets, particularly in countries like Japan and South Korea. The growth is further supported by the industry's technology-driven approach, which helps in strategically supplementing forage-based diets to fulfill animal requirements for protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Remaining Segments in US Red Meat Market

The pork segment represents the second-largest share in the US red meat market, supported by the country's extensive pork processing infrastructure and strong consumer demand for processed meat products. The mutton segment, while smaller in market share, serves specific ethnic markets and religious communities, with production concentrated in states like Texas and California. The other meat segment, which includes specialty meats like horse meat and rabbit, caters to niche markets and specific consumer preferences. These segments are characterized by distinct distribution channels and consumer bases, with processed forms gaining popularity across all categories. The market dynamics of these segments are influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and the growing demand for value-added meat products.

Segment Analysis: Form

Fresh/Chilled Segment in US Red Meat Market

The fresh meat/chilled meat segment dominates the US red meat market, commanding approximately 54% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by increasing consumer preference for fresh meat products due to their perceived higher nutritional content and quality. The segment's growth is supported by advanced cold chain infrastructure and efficient distribution networks across the country. Supermarkets and hypermarkets have dedicated fresh meat counters with temperature-controlled displays, making fresh meat readily accessible to consumers. Additionally, the lifting of import restrictions on fresh meat from various countries has helped maintain steady supply levels, contributing to the segment's market leadership.

Processed Segment in US Red Meat Market

The processed meat segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the US red meat market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 3% during 2024-2029. This growth trajectory is driven by increasing consumer demand for convenience foods and ready-to-eat meat products. The segment's expansion is supported by continuous product innovations, including new flavoring techniques and healthier processing methods. The US government's investment of USD 1 billion in financing to encourage independent processed meat processors and ranchers is expected to boost processing capabilities. Additionally, the rising popularity of processed meat products like sausages, bacon, and deli meats among younger consumers and busy professionals is contributing to the segment's growth momentum.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The frozen meat and canned segments play crucial roles in the US red meat market, offering different value propositions to consumers. The frozen meat segment provides longer shelf life and convenience of storage, making it particularly popular among bulk buyers and food service operators. Advanced freezing techniques and improved packaging have enhanced the quality perception of frozen meat products. Meanwhile, the canned segment serves specific market needs, particularly for emergency food supplies and convenience-oriented consumers. These segments are supported by innovations in preservation techniques and packaging technologies, ensuring product quality and safety while meeting diverse consumer preferences.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-Trade Segment in US Red Meat Market

The on-trade channel dominates the United States red meat market, accounting for approximately 50% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is driven by the diverse population with various cultural backgrounds and dietary preferences, including over 8 million expats living in the United States who contribute to foodservice growth. Red meat holds substantial cultural significance in many cuisines, including American, Tex-Mex, and Southern cuisines, with beef being the most consumed meat through on-trade distribution channels. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the extensive network of restaurants, food trucks, and foodservice establishments across the country, with over 36,000 food truck operations alone contributing to the market's robustness. The channel offers a wide range of products, including gourmet burgers, steaks, and ethnic-inspired meat preparations, catering to diverse consumer preferences and dining experiences.

Off-Trade Segment in US Red Meat Market

The off-trade channel is experiencing significant growth in the United States red meat market, projected to expand at approximately 1% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing consumer preference for frozen meat/canned and processed meat products, which are readily available in supermarkets and online stores. The channel's expansion is further supported by technological advancements in retail, including free checkout systems, AI implementation, and auto-billing capabilities, particularly in supermarkets. The rise of online grocery shopping has been particularly noteworthy, with customers showing a strong preference for click-and-collect services over home delivery. Modern consumers are spending significantly more time browsing products online, viewing around 4.4 times more items and dedicating six times more time to online shopping platforms, indicating a fundamental shift in purchasing behavior that continues to drive the segment's growth.

Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel

The distribution channel landscape of the US red meat market is comprehensively covered by the on-trade and off-trade segments, with the off-trade segment further subdivided into various retail formats. These include convenience stores, which serve as crucial points of sale for grab-and-go meat products and ready-to-eat meals, particularly along highways and in urban areas. Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide extensive meat sections with dedicated deli counters, while online channels offer convenient home delivery and subscription services for meat products. The "others" category encompasses various distribution points such as specialty meat shops, butcher shops, and direct-from-farm sales, each serving specific consumer needs and preferences in the market.

Free With This Report

We offer a comprehensive and exhaustive set of data pointers. These cover global, regional, and country-level metrics that illustrate the fundamentals of the meat and meat substitutes industry. Clients can access in-depth market analysis through 45+ free charts. This analysis is based on the production of various meat and seafood types, as well as the prices of meat, meat substitutes, and different seafood types. We provide granular-level segmental information, supported by a repository of market data, trends, and expert analysis. Data and analysis on meat types, seafood types, meat substitute types, forms, distribution channels, and more are available. These are provided in the form of comprehensive reports as well as Excel-based data worksheets.