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

India Edible Meat Market Analysis

The India Edible Meat Market size is estimated at 14.72 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 16.42 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.21% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The meat industry in India is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and demographics. While India maintains a substantial vegetarian population base of around 20%, there are stark regional variations in meat consumption in India patterns. States like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Jharkhand have reported non-vegetarian populations exceeding 97%, indicating strong market potential in these regions. The rising awareness about protein intake and increasing disposable incomes have led to a shift in dietary preferences, particularly among the urban population. The industry is witnessing substantial modernization efforts, with the government taking steps to upgrade municipal slaughterhouses and improve hygiene standards.

The digital transformation of the Indian meat market retail sector has emerged as a pivotal trend, supported by increasing internet penetration, which reached 47% with 658 million users in 2022. The market has witnessed the emergence of several specialized meat delivery platforms and apps, with new players like Yummyli entering the space in 2023. Traditional retailers are also expanding their online presence, offering consumers greater convenience and product variety. This digital shift has been particularly significant in urban areas, where busy lifestyles and a growing preference for doorstep delivery are driving online meat purchases.

The organized retail sector has become increasingly important in meat distribution, with modern retail grocery outlets, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, reaching approximately 22,000 stores in 2022. These outlets are differentiating themselves through superior storage facilities, hygiene standards, and diverse product offerings. The retail landscape has evolved to accommodate various consumer preferences, with stores offering both fresh and frozen options, as well as value-added products like marinated meats and ready-to-cook items. The retail prices of poultry meat, ranging from USD 2.21 to USD 4.83 in 2022, have made it an accessible protein option for many consumers.

The industry is witnessing significant infrastructure development and government support. A notable example is the Jammu and Kashmir government's approval of a USD 39 million project in 2023 to achieve self-reliance in the mutton sector, including the establishment of 72 breed-based farms. The tourism sector has also contributed substantially to non-vegetarian consumption in India, with India recording 677.63 million domestic and 6.19 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2021-22. This has led to increased demand from the hospitality sector and has influenced the variety of meat products available in the market. The industry is seeing investments in cold chain infrastructure, processing facilities, and quality control measures to meet the growing demand for high-quality meat products. This reflects the current status of the meat industry in India, showcasing its growth and adaptation to modern consumer needs.

India Edible Meat Market Trends

Production is propelling due to domestic consumption and export demand

• In 2022, beef production in India grew by 3.69% from 2021. The increase in production is attributed to the rising demand for carabeef from India's export markets. The carabeef export is expected to grow to 1.48 MMT in 2023, driven by increased demand in Malaysia and the Middle East. India's carabeef and beef consumption projections for 2023 are expected to increase as water-bovine beef remains the country's most cost-effective animal protein source after poultry. However, religious taboos related to the consumption of cattle meat are a restraint to the growth.
• India has the highest number of live bovine animals worldwide, followed by Brazil and China in absolute terms. The national bovine herd is made up of bovine dairies and Asian domestic water buffaloes. The total bovine population is expected to reach 307.5 million in 2023, compared with 306.7 million bovine heads in 2022. With the improvement in the reproductive health of animals, calf crop numbers will gradually march upward.
• In 2022, India experienced an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle in various parts of the country. The overall observed impact of the outbreak was not severe, and the disease has now been largely contained. A new homologous vaccine, developed indigenously by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), is expected to help control the spread of the virus in the coming years. The government is supporting the local livestock by providing a substantial allocation in the Fiscal Year Budget 2023/24 for the Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD).

Modest demand growth, coupled with government initiatives, is stabilizing the prices of beef

• In 2022, beef prices in India reached USD 3.06/kg. The prices gradually increased by 8.52% between 2017 and 2022. India’s 2022 carabeef and beef consumption was 2.9 MMT, representing a nearly 5% increase from 2021’s estimate of roughly 2.8 million metric tons. Carabeef has strong consumer demand, primarily driven by its affordable pricing.
• The wholesale price index (WPI) for buffalo meat (carabeef) and beef in 2022 (January-June) rose 6%, a modest increase compared to other meats, which makes these red meats relatively more affordable and accessible to consumers. During the first quarter of 2023, the approximate wholesale price range for Indian beef was between USD 1.07 and USD 2.63/ kilogram. Over the last five years, the import price per kilogram of beef into India has been relatively stable. In 2017, the price was USD 2.99/kg, which decreased to USD 2.86/kg in 2022. Based on this trend, the import price per kilogram of beef into India in 2023 was predicted to be around USD 2.84/kg.
• About 50% of total meat production is generated in unregistered, makeshift abattoirs. Marketing and transaction costs of livestock products are high, taking 15% to 20% from the sale price. The government's USD 1.80 billion Atma Nirbha Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package announced the creation of an Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), the primary objective of which is to increase milk and meat processing capacity and product variety, increasing farmers’ price realization. Prices in 2022 were also increasing due to a rise in food prices, feed prices, commodity prices, fuel prices, and supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine war, which increased India's food inflation level by 7.7% Y-o-Y in March 2022.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: Type

Poultry Segment in India Edible Meat Market

The poultry meat segment dominates the India edible meat market, accounting for approximately 44% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by poultry meat's affordability compared to other popular edible meat types, being priced almost 40% lower than alternatives. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by its widespread acceptance across different religious groups in India and the increasing protein consciousness among consumers. Additionally, the segment is experiencing the fastest growth trajectory, projected to grow at nearly 3% during 2024-2029, driven by the rapid expansion of quick-service restaurants, growing urbanization, and increasing disposable income. The growth is also supported by the development of cold chain infrastructure and the rising adoption of processed poultry products in urban areas.

Remaining Segments in India Edible Meat Market

The mutton segment holds a strong position as the second-largest category in the market, benefiting from its traditional popularity in Indian cuisine and its premium positioning in the market. The beef segment maintains a steady presence, particularly in specific regions where it faces fewer regulatory restrictions. The pork segment, while smaller, shows potential in certain geographical pockets, especially in northeastern states and urban centers where there is growing acceptance of pork products. The other meat segment, which includes various specialty meats, caters to niche consumer preferences and specific regional demands. These segments are continuously evolving with changing consumer preferences, improved distribution networks, and the emergence of organized retail channels.

Segment Analysis: Form

Fresh/Chilled Segment in India Edible Meat Market

The fresh meat/Chilled segment dominates the India edible meat market, accounting for approximately 68% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by Indian consumers' strong preference for fresh meat products, particularly in the poultry category. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by the widespread presence of local butcher shops and the cultural preference for freshly prepared meat across the country. Many consumers perceive fresh meat as more hygienic and better tasting compared to other forms. The implementation of several efforts by the Indian government to promote proper cold chain infrastructure and quality standards in fresh meat handling has also supported the segment's market position.

Processed Segment in India Edible Meat Market

The processed meat segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the Indian edible meat market during 2024-2029, with an expected CAGR of approximately 4%. This growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat foods across India, particularly in urban areas with a growing working population. The segment's expansion is supported by increasing consumer awareness about convenience foods, improved cold chain infrastructure, and the entry of several organized players offering innovative processed meat products. The development of new processing facilities and the introduction of various value-added meat products are further catalyzing this growth trajectory.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The frozen meat and canned segments complete the form segmentation of India's edible meat market, each serving distinct consumer needs and preferences. The frozen meat segment has gained traction due to its longer shelf life and convenience, particularly in urban areas with adequate cold storage facilities. This segment is especially popular among food service businesses and modern retail channels. Meanwhile, the canned segment, though smaller, serves a niche market primarily focused on convenience and ready-to-eat products. Both segments are witnessing gradual adoption as cold chain infrastructure improves and modern retail expands across the country.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-Trade Segment in India Edible Meat Market

The on-trade distribution channel continues to dominate the India edible meat market, holding approximately 58% market share in 2024. This channel's prominence is driven by the expanding foodservice sector, including restaurants, hotels, and food joints across the country. Major quick-service restaurant chains like KFC and Domino's Pizza have been instrumental in driving consumption through this channel by continuously expanding their chicken meat-based menu offerings. The segment's growth is further supported by both domestic and international tourism, with key players like IRCTC and Air India enhancing their non-vegetarian menu options to include popular dishes like chicken meat Biryani and Murgh Rezala. Poultry remains the most consumed meat type through on-trade channels, accounting for about 42% of the segment, followed by mutton at nearly 34%, reflecting the strong preference for these protein sources in foodservice establishments.

Online Channel Segment in India Edible Meat Market

The online channel is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the Indian edible meat market, projected to grow at approximately 8% CAGR during 2024-2029. This remarkable growth is being driven by the increasing adoption of e-commerce platforms and the convenience of doorstep delivery services. Several specialized meat delivery platforms have expanded their operations across multiple states, with companies like Meatigo and Licious leading the way in providing high-quality meat products through digital channels. The segment's growth is further supported by the assurance of safety and hygiene standards, along with the availability of various branded meat products that cater to different consumer preferences. The rise of new startups in the online meat delivery space, coupled with the increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage across India, is expected to continue driving this segment's expansion in the coming years.

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