Global Meat Industry
In the world market for meat, part of the processed food industry, chilled meat and fish/seafood products are the leading product segments in the industry.
Market drivers include rising population, market recovery following setbacks due to diseases such as the avian flu, and greater levels of urbanization. Asia-Pacific is a leading region in meat consumption, where demand is rising due to strong economic growth and higher incomes.
Meat retail expansion is reliant on distribution systems, affordable transportation costs, urbanization, with subsequent construction of supermarkets and hypermarkets, effective disease control, and good slaughter facilities. As health conscious consumers in the West turn to vegetarian diets, meat demand is slowing. This is offset by rising demand in Asia-Pacific, which is followed by North America and the EU in terms of consumption.
Key Meat Market Segments
Global demand for beef continues to rise due to the meat’s high protein content, coming third in the list of meats consumed primarily as sources of protein. The beef market is bolstered by rising disposable incomes and growing awareness of the important role of protein in the diet.
India is to knock the US from third place in terms of beef exporters, mainly rising supplies and competitive pricing strategies. Expansion in the US beef industry is slowed by falling production. Russia continues to top the list of the world’s beef importers.
Other main segments are lamb, pork and poultry meat.
