Livestock and Meat

Global Livestock and Meat Market to Reach US$598.7 Billion by 2030

The global market for Livestock and Meat estimated at US$473.0 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$598.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Live Animals Trade, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.0% CAGR and reach US$239.2 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Edible Meat segment is estimated at 4.9% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$128.9 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 7.2% CAGR

The Livestock and Meat market in the U.S. is estimated at US$128.9 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$120.3 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 7.2% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.7% and 3.1% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.3% CAGR.

Global Livestock And Meat Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is the Livestock and Meat Sector Undergoing a Global Restructuring?
The global livestock and meat industry is navigating a phase of structural transformation, driven by evolving dietary patterns, climate concerns, zoonotic disease risks, and supply chain modernization. Meat remains a staple source of protein and economic livelihood in both developed and developing nations; however, pressure from environmental regulations, animal welfare advocacy, and plant-based food innovation is compelling producers to reassess traditional production models. Rapid urbanization and rising incomes are simultaneously driving higher demand for processed, value-added, and premium meat cuts-especially poultry, pork, and beef-altering both consumption patterns and distribution logistics.

Livestock producers are adapting through vertical integration, precision livestock farming, and regional diversification. New production centers are emerging in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa, shifting the global supply axis. Simultaneously, large meat conglomerates are investing in traceability systems, AI-powered animal health monitoring, and climate-smart feed formulations to maintain profitability amid sustainability challenges. The global meat trade is also being reshaped by geopolitical tensions, trade agreements, and shifting disease landscapes, particularly with respect to African Swine Fever, Avian Influenza, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

How Are Technology and Sustainability Interventions Influencing Production Models?
Livestock management is being redefined by data analytics, automation, and genomics. Precision livestock farming (PLF) is enabling real-time monitoring of animal health, behavior, and nutrition using sensors, RFID tags, and computer vision. These tools are improving yield predictability, disease prevention, and reproductive efficiency. Genetic selection and genomic breeding technologies are also enhancing feed conversion ratios, meat quality, and disease resilience, particularly in cattle and swine. Furthermore, advances in veterinary biologics, including mRNA-based vaccines and targeted antimicrobials, are helping reduce dependency on antibiotics and improving biosafety protocols.

Sustainability pressures are catalyzing a shift toward alternative feed ingredients-such as algae, insect meal, and methane-reducing additives-that lower livestock GHG emissions. Water recycling systems, manure-to-energy conversion, and carbon footprint labeling are becoming standard in export-oriented supply chains. Major meatpackers and retailers are demanding certified sustainable sourcing, especially in beef and lamb, where deforestation and land degradation are under scrutiny. Life cycle analysis (LCA) tools and blockchain-based traceability systems are being deployed to demonstrate compliance with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) benchmarks, particularly in European and North American markets.

Lab-grown meat and hybrid meat products are entering the commercial domain, targeting flexitarian and environmentally conscious consumers. While cultured meat remains in the pilot stage in most regions, its potential to disrupt the conventional meat value chain is already prompting strategic responses, including R&D alliances, equity investments, and product co-development by traditional meat processors. These intersecting forces are redefining what constitutes competitiveness and sustainability in modern livestock and meat production.

Which Regional Trends and Consumer Behaviors Are Reshaping the Market?
Asia-Pacific continues to be the largest and fastest-growing region for meat consumption, led by China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Rising urban middle classes, increased cold chain infrastructure, and shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and nutrition-rich meats are fueling demand. Poultry has emerged as the most popular protein, given its affordability, shorter production cycles, and minimal religious restrictions. The African market is also expanding, with poultry and goat meat witnessing strong uptake due to population growth and improved market access.

In contrast, per capita meat consumption in Europe is plateauing or declining, particularly in Western markets, due to concerns over health, animal welfare, and environmental impact. This is prompting diversification into organic, free-range, and antibiotic-free meat lines, as well as expansion of plant-meat hybrids. North America remains a meat-heavy market but is also witnessing a shift toward value-added, traceable, and sustainably sourced products. Labeling claims such as grass-fed, hormone-free, and carbon-neutral are influencing purchasing behavior, particularly among Gen Z and millennial consumers.

Global meat trade flows are becoming more fluid in response to disease outbreaks, tariff revisions, and logistics innovations. For instance, China’s import dependence has risen sharply post-African Swine Fever, creating export opportunities for Brazil, the U.S., and Australia. Meanwhile, regional trade blocs such as Mercosur, ASEAN, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are shaping future growth trajectories through tariff-free access and harmonized sanitary standards. E-commerce and direct-to-consumer meat delivery platforms are also growing, especially for premium and niche cuts, reshaping retail engagement and cold logistics.

What Is Fueling Growth in the Livestock and Meat Market Globally?
The growth in the global livestock and meat market is driven by several factors, including population growth, rising protein demand in emerging economies, and technological modernization of animal farming systems. With over 9 billion people projected by 2050, the demand for animal protein is set to increase, particularly in regions undergoing rapid urbanization and income growth. This demographic expansion is elevating meat consumption from subsistence levels to discretionary, premiumized, and health-conscious patterns.

Innovation in livestock breeding, health management, and precision farming is significantly boosting productivity, reducing input costs, and improving animal welfare. These improvements are enabling producers to scale up sustainably while meeting international safety and quality standards. Moreover, expanding investment in cold chain logistics, rural connectivity, and export-oriented meat processing infrastructure is strengthening global supply resilience. Strategic trade realignments and cross-border joint ventures are unlocking new market access points and diversifying risk exposure.

Simultaneously, evolving consumer expectations around sustainability, ethical sourcing, and traceability are reshaping product development and brand positioning. Producers and processors are responding with transparency initiatives, ESG certifications, and circular production models that align with investor and retailer priorities. Together, these market, technology, and policy dynamics are reinforcing the structural growth trajectory of the global livestock and meat industry.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Livestock and Meat market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Livestock Activity (Live Animals Trade, Edible Meat, Meat By-products, Livestock Products)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 33 Featured) -

• Agri Beef Co.
• Amadori Group
• BRF S.A.
• Cargill, Inc.
• Chinese National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO)
• Danish Crown
• Foyle Food Group
• Friboi (JBS brand)
• Hormel Foods Corporation
• Itoham Foods Inc.
• JBS S.A.
• Marfrig Global Foods
• Minerva Foods
• NH Foods Ltd.
• Perdue Farms
• Smithfield Foods
• Tönnies Group
• Tyson Foods, Inc.
• Vion Food Group
• WH Group (Owner of Smithfield)

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