North America Processed Meat Market Size and Share

North America Processed Meat Market Summary
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North America Processed Meat Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The North American processed meat market size reached USD 15.60 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 17.60 billion by 2030, growing at a 4.11% CAGR. Expansion rests on resilient household demand for convenient proteins, steady capital expenditure on automation, and supportive trade policies that facilitate intra-regional pork and beef flows. Poultry retains a structural advantage due to its efficient feed-to-protein conversion and adaptable processing lines, while pork captures premium spending as branded charcuterie and dry-cured formats proliferate. Retailers continue to scale case-ready programs that lower shrink and extend shelf life, and e-commerce gains density through click-and-collect and insulated parcel services. Simultaneously, processors accelerate robotics and computer-vision deployment to offset labor scarcity, improve yield, and comply with stringent USDA-FSIS hygiene rules.

Key Report Takeaways

  •  By meat type, poultry led with a 47.48% processed meat market share in 2024, whereas pork posted the fastest 5.25% CAGR to 2030.
  • By distribution channel, the off-trade segment held 55.34% of the processed meat market size in 2024 and is growing at a 6.55% CAGR through 2030.
  • By geography, the United States commanded 68.61% revenue share in 2024, while Mexico is projected to expand at a 5.68% CAGR to 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Meat Type: Pork Drives Premium Innovation Despite Poultry Dominance

In 2024, poultry holds a dominant 47.48% market share, driven by cost advantages and versatile processing capabilities. This versatility allows for the production of a wide range of products, from nuggets to deli meats. Established supply chains and strong consumer familiarity sustain consistent demand across distribution channels. Processing innovations contribute to extended shelf life and improved texture profiles. In the beef segment, the focus remains on premium cuts and value-added products. For instance, Cargill has invested USD 90 million in automating its Colorado plant, aiming to optimize yields through real-time computer vision systems that provide instant feedback to refine cutting techniques.

Pork, with a 5.25% CAGR, strategically targets premium and artisanal segments, supported by strong export demand and growing domestic consumption. According to the Economic Research Service[3]Economic Research Service, "Per capita consumption of pork in the United States", www.ers.usda.govdata from 2023, per capita consumption of pork in the United States was 50.2 pounds. Innovations in processing, particularly in dry-cured products, are evident. JBS's USD 200 million investment in its Missouri facility highlights this trend, incorporating advanced automation with six automated guided vehicles and 28 computerized drying rooms. Mutton and other meats cater to niche markets with specialized processing requirements, often focusing on ethnic foods and premium restaurant channels. Compliance with USDA-FSIS inspection standards drives the adoption of advanced technologies across all meat types. AI-powered systems are increasingly used to automate the detection of contamination and quality defects.

North America Processed Meat Market: Market Share by Meat Type
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By Distribution Channels: Off-Trade Leads Digital Transformation

Off-trade channels command 55.34% market share and drive growth at 6.55% CAGR, reflecting retail sector investments in case-ready packaging, e-commerce fulfillment, and cold chain optimization. Supermarkets and hypermarkets benefit from consumer preference for one-stop shopping and bulk purchasing, while convenience stores capture impulse purchases and grab-and-go protein snacks. Online retail expansion accelerates through partnerships between processors and e-commerce platforms, with companies developing packaging solutions that maintain product integrity during direct-to-consumer shipping.

The channel's growth reflects technological innovations in packaging, including Sealed Air's compostable protein trays with 54% biobased content that match traditional EPS performance while supporting sustainability goals. On-trade channels serve foodservice operators requiring consistent quality and portion control, with hotels, restaurants, and catering segments demanding specialized cuts and packaging formats. The segment benefits from North America's foodservice recovery, though growth rates lag off-trade channels due to labor constraints and operational complexity. Distribution efficiency improvements through automated warehousing and route optimization support both channel types while reducing delivery costs and improving product freshness.

North America Processed Meat Market: Market Share by Distribution Channels
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Geography Analysis

In 2024, the United States holds a commanding 68.61% market share, driven by its extensive processing infrastructure, well-established supply chains, and strong consumer demand for convenience foods. Smithfield Foods, a leading player in the U.S. market, reports annual sales of USD 14.142 billion and continues to invest heavily in automation and facility upgrades to sustain its competitive advantage. The U.S. market benefits significantly from integrated livestock production systems, advanced processing technologies, and robust export capabilities that cater to global demand. A notable example of the industry's confidence in domestic growth is the recent launch of Sustainable Beef LLC's 560,000 square foot facility in North Platte, Nebraska. This facility is expected to generate over 850 direct jobs, further reinforcing the sector's expansion and economic contribution.

Canada's processed meat industry is increasingly focusing on premium product offerings and expanding its presence in export markets. Companies such as Maple Leaf Foods have reported improved profitability, attributing this success to enhanced operational efficiencies and strategic product mix optimization. The country's regulatory framework actively supports innovations in food safety, while environmental initiatives are driving the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions. On the other hand, Mexico is emerging as the fastest-growing market in the region, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.68%. 

This growth is fueled by a 4.5% year-over-year increase in meat consumption and a rising dependency on imported protein products. Mexico's pork self-sufficiency rate, currently at only 48%, presents significant opportunities for North American exporters. At the same time, the expansion of domestic processing capacity is aiding the development of the local market. According to USDA projections, this growth trajectory is expected to continue through 2033, supported by urbanization trends and the expansion of the middle class, both of which are driving increased protein consumption.

Competitive Landscape

Market concentration at 6 out of 10 signifies a moderately consolidated market, with mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity actively reshaping the competitive dynamics across North America. Leading companies are adopting vertical integration strategies while heavily investing in automation and advanced technologies to mitigate labor shortages and enhance operational efficiency. For example, Tyson Foods has committed USD 1.3 billion over three years to automate hazardous and repetitive tasks. This investment includes the implementation of computer vision systems and robotics across multiple facilities, as reported by Just Food. 

Larger players in the market capitalize on scale advantages in procurement, processing efficiency, and distribution networks, while smaller competitors focus on differentiating themselves through premium product offerings and regional market specialization. Strategic consolidation remains a key trend, with targeted acquisitions driving growth and expansion. For instance, Premium Brands acquired three meat companies for USD 66 million, aiming to increase processing capacity and broaden its geographic footprint. 

The adoption of advanced technologies is creating a competitive edge for companies. Cargill, for example, has introduced CarVe computer vision systems, which enhance meat yield by providing real-time feedback and leveraging data analytics. Shifting consumer preferences are opening up opportunities in premium artisanal products, ethnic food categories, and sustainable packaging solutions. At the same time, USDA-FSIS regulatory compliance requirements are fostering standardization across the industry. However, these regulations also create significant barriers to entry for smaller processors, who often lack the resources to implement advanced food safety systems, further intensifying the competitive pressures in the market.

North America Processed Meat Industry Leaders

  1. Hormel Foods Corporation

  2. Marfrig Global Foods S.A.

  3. Sysco Corporation

  4. Tyson Foods Inc.

  5. WH Group Limited

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
North America Processed Meat Market
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Recent Industry Developments

  • September 2025: Meat snack brand Carnal launched two new products: Beef Sticks and Umami Cut Beef Jerky. The new Umami Cut Jerky builds on this by offering high-quality beef cuts infused with aged soy, fermented black garlic, and spring black truffles, delivering a savory and steak-like textured snack.
  • September 2025: MrBeast, Jimmy Donaldson, the world’s most popular YouTuber, partnered with Jack Link's to launch on-the-go snacks, including Turkey Mini Sticks, Original Beef Mini Sticks, Zero Sugar Original Beef Mini Sticks, Teriyaki Beef Mini Sticks, Original Beef Jerky, and Peppered Beef Jerky, and others.
  • September 2025: Slim Jim and Buffalo Wild Wings launched bold new Chicken Sticks. The products are available in 2 different flavors, Buffalo Style and Hot. The products are suitable for on-the-go snacking, lunch boxes, road trips, and more.
  • May 2025: New Primal, a prominent name in clean-ingredient meat snacks, has introduced its latest product: Rotisserie-Seasoned Chicken Sticks. The products are all-natural and have rotisserie seasoning flavors, offering consumers a convenient and satisfying high-protein snack option on the go.

Table of Contents for North America Processed Meat Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Rising demand for RTE/RTC protein meals
    • 4.2.2 Expanding foodservice and retail sectors
    • 4.2.3 Increased consumer awareness of protein-rich diets and wellness trends.
    • 4.2.4 Government support for industry growth, expansion and investment
    • 4.2.5 Growing demand for high-value, artisan, and branded processed meats.
    • 4.2.6 Technological advancements in meat processing, packaging, and preservation
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Fluctuating and rising raw material
    • 4.3.2 Growing competition from plant-based and alternative protein
    • 4.3.3 Supply-related challenges
    • 4.3.4 Price sensitivity among consumers
  • 4.4 Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECAST (Value and Volume )

  • 5.1 Meat Type
    • 5.1.1 Beef
    • 5.1.1.1 Sausages
    • 5.1.1.2 Jerky
    • 5.1.1.3 Steaks
    • 5.1.1.4 Briskets
    • 5.1.1.5 Patties
    • 5.1.1.6 Others
    • 5.1.2 Pork
    • 5.1.2.1 Sausages
    • 5.1.2.2 Bacon
    • 5.1.2.3 Ham
    • 5.1.2.4 Others
    • 5.1.3 Poultry
    • 5.1.3.1 Nuggets
    • 5.1.3.2 Sausages
    • 5.1.3.3 Drumsticks
    • 5.1.3.4 Meatballs
    • 5.1.3.5 Deli Meat
    • 5.1.3.6 Others
    • 5.1.4 Mutton
    • 5.1.4.1 Sausages
    • 5.1.4.2 Minced meat
    • 5.1.4.3 Ground Meat
    • 5.1.4.4 Others
    • 5.1.5 Others
  • 5.2 Distribution Channels
    • 5.2.1 Off-Trade
    • 5.2.1.1 Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
    • 5.2.1.2 Convenience Stores
    • 5.2.1.3 Online Retail
    • 5.2.1.4 Others
    • 5.2.2 On-Trade
    • 5.2.2.1 Hotels
    • 5.2.2.2 Restaurants
    • 5.2.2.3 Catering
  • 5.3 Geography
    • 5.3.1 United States
    • 5.3.2 Canada
    • 5.3.3 Mexico
    • 5.3.4 Rest of North America

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials (if available), Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products & Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Tyson Foods Inc.
    • 6.4.2 WH Group Ltd./Smithfield Foods
    • 6.4.3 Hormel Foods Corp.
    • 6.4.4 JBS SA
    • 6.4.5 Maple Leaf Foods
    • 6.4.6 Marfrig Global Foods
    • 6.4.7 Sysco Corp.
    • 6.4.8 BRF S.A.
    • 6.4.9 Industrias Bachoco
    • 6.4.10 OSI Group
    • 6.4.11 Perdue Farms
    • 6.4.12 Cargill Inc.
    • 6.4.13 Seaboard Foods
    • 6.4.14 Sanderson Farms
    • 6.4.15 Pilgrim’s Pride
    • 6.4.16 Conagra Brands
    • 6.4.17 Monogram Foods
    • 6.4.18 Jack Link’s Protein Snacks
    • 6.4.19 Foster Farms
    • 6.4.20 Butterball LLC

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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North America Processed Meat Market Report Scope

Beef, Mutton, Pork, Poultry are covered as segments by Type. Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Canada, Mexico, United States are covered as segments by Country.
Meat Type
Beef Sausages
Jerky
Steaks
Briskets
Patties
Others
Pork Sausages
Bacon
Ham
Others
Poultry Nuggets
Sausages
Drumsticks
Meatballs
Deli Meat
Others
Mutton Sausages
Minced meat
Ground Meat
Others
Others
Distribution Channels
Off-Trade Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Online Retail
Others
On-Trade Hotels
Restaurants
Catering
Geography
United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Meat Type Beef Sausages
Jerky
Steaks
Briskets
Patties
Others
Pork Sausages
Bacon
Ham
Others
Poultry Nuggets
Sausages
Drumsticks
Meatballs
Deli Meat
Others
Mutton Sausages
Minced meat
Ground Meat
Others
Others
Distribution Channels Off-Trade Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Online Retail
Others
On-Trade Hotels
Restaurants
Catering
Geography United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
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Market Definition

  • Meat - Meat is defined as the flesh or other edible parts of an animal used for food. The end use of the meat industry consists of only human consumption. Meat is generally purchased from retail outlets for home cooking and consumption. For the market studied, only uncooked meat has been considered. This could be processed in various forms, which have been covered under the “Processed” form. The other purchases of meat happen through the consumption of meat at foodservice outlets (restaurants, hotels, catering, etc.). ​
  • Other Meats - The other meat segment includes the meat of camel, horse, rabbit, etc. These are not so commonly consumed meat types but still, have a presence in distinct parts of the world. Regardless of it being part of red meat, we have considered these meat types separately for a better understanding of the market. ​
  • Poultry Meat - Poultry meat also called white meat, comes from birds raised commercially or domestically for human consumption. This includes chicken, turkey, ducks, and geese.​
  • Red Meat - Red meat typically has a red color when raw and a dark color when cooked. It includes any meat that comes from mammals, such as beef, lamb, pork, goat, veal, and mutton.​
Keyword Definition
A5 It is a Japanese grading system for beef. The 'A' means the carcass yield is the highest possible and the numeric rating relates to beef marbling, color and brightness of the flesh, its texture and color, luster, and fat quality. A5 is the highest mark wagyu beef can score.
Abbatoir It is another name for a slaughterhouse and refers to the premise used for or in connection with the slaughter of animals whose meat is intended for human consumption.
Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) It is a disease that affects shrimp and is characterized by high mortalities, in many cases reaching 100% within 30-35 days of stocking grow-out ponds.
African Swine Fever (ASF) It is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs caused by a double-stranded DNA virus in the Asfarviridae family.
Albacore Tuna It is one of the smallest species of tuna found in the six distinct stocks known globally in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
Angus beef It is beef derived from a specific breed of cattle indigenous to Scotland. It requires certification from the American Angus Association to receive the "Certified Angus Beef" quality mark
Bacon It is salted or smoked meat that comes from the back or sides of a pig
Black Angus It is beef derived from a black-hided breed of cows that don't have horns.
Bologna It is an Italian smoked sausage made of meat, typically large and made from pork, beef or veal.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) It is a progressive neurological disorder of cattle that results from infection by an unusual transmissible agent called a prion.
Bratwurst It refers to a type of German sausage made from pork, beef or veal.
BRC British Retail Consortium
Brisket It is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of beef or veal. The beef brisket is one of the nine beef primal cuts.
Broiler It refers to any chicken (Gallus domesticus) that is bred and raised specifically for meat production.
Bushel It is a unit of measurement for grains and pulses. 1 bushel = 27.216 kg
Carcass It refers to the dressed body of a meat animal from which butchers trim the meat
CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Chicken Tender It refers to chicken meat prepared from the pectoralis minor muscles of a chicken bird.
Chuck Steak It refers to a cut of beef that is part of the chuck primal, which is a large section of meat from the shoulder area of a cow
Corned Beef It refers to beef brisket cured in brine and boiled, typically served cold.
CWT Also known as a hundredweight, it is a unit of measurement used to define the quantity of meat. 1 CWT = 50.80 kg
Drumstick It refers to a chicken leg without the thigh.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority
ERS Economic Research Service of the USDA
Ewe It is an adult female sheep.
FDA Food and Drug Administration
Fillet Mignon It is a cut of meat taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin.
Flank Steak It is a cut of beef steak taken from the flank, which lies forward of the rear quarter of a cow.
Foodservice It refers to the part of the food industry which includes businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
Forage It refers to animal feed.
Foreshank It is the upper part of the foreleg of cattle
Franks Also known as frankfurter or Würstchen, it is a type of highly seasoned smoked sausage popular in Austria and Germany.
FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Gizzard It refers to an organ found in the digestive tract of birds. It is also called the mechanical stomach of a bird.
Gluten It is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley
Grain-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have been fed a diet supplemented with soy and corn and other additives. Grainfed cows can also be given antibiotics and growth hormones to fatten them up more quickly.
Grass-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have only been fed grass as feed.
Ham It refers to the pork meat taken from the leg of a pig.
HoReCa Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes
Jerky It is lean trimmed meat that has been cut into strips and dried (dehydrated) to prevent spoilage.
Kobe Beef It is Wagyu beef specifically from the Kuroge Washu breed of cows in Japan. To be classified as Kobe beef, the cow must have been born, raised, and slaughtered within the Hyōgo prefecture in the city of Kobe in Japan.
Liverwurst It is type of German sausage made from beef or pork liver.
Loin It refers to the sides between the lower ribs and pelvis, and the lower part of the back of a cow.
Mortadella It is a large Italian sausage or luncheon meat made of finely hashed or ground heat-cured pork, which incorporates at least 15% small cubes of pork fat.
Pastrami It refers to a highly seasoned smoked beef, typically served in thin slices.
Pepperoni It is an American variety of spicy salami made from cured meat.
Plate It refers to a forequarter cut from the belly of a cow, just below the rib cut.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) It is a disease occurring in swine causing late-term reproductive failure and severe pneumonia in neonatal pigs.
Primal cuts It refers to the major sections of the carcass.
Quorn It is a meat substitute product prepared using mycoprotein as an ingredient, in which the fungus culture is dried and mixed with egg albumen or potato protein, which acts as a binder, and then is adjusted in texture and pressed into various forms.
Ready-to-Cook (RTC) It refers to food products that include all of the ingredients, where some preparation or cooking is required through a process that is given on the package.
Ready-to-Eat (RTE) It refers to a food product prepared or cooked in advance, with no further cooking or preparation required before being eaten
Retort Packaging It is a process of aseptic packaging food in which food is filled into a pouch or metal can, sealed, and then heated to extremely high temperatures, rendering the product commercially sterile.
Round Steak It refers to a beef steak from the the rear leg of the cow.
Rump Steak It refers to a cut of beef derived from the division between the leg and the chine.
Salami It is a cured sausage consisting of fermented and air-dried meat.
Saturated fat It is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
Sausage It is a meat product made of finely chopped and seasoned meat, which may be fresh, smoked, or pickled and which is then usually stuffed into a casing.
Scallop It is an edible shellfish that is a mollusk with a ribbed shell in two parts.
Seitan It is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
Self-service kios It refers to a self-order point-of-sale (POS) system through which customers place and pay for their own orders at kiosks, enabling totally contactless and frictionless service.
Sirloin It is a cut of beef from the bottom and side parts of a cow's back.
Surimi It is a paste made from deboned fish
Tenderloin It refers to a cut of beef consisting of the entire tenderloin muscle of a cow
Tiger Shrimp It refers to a large shrimp variety from the Indian and Pacific oceans
Trans fat Also called trans-unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids, it is a type of unsaturated fat that naturally occurs in small amounts in meat.
Vannamei shrimp It refers to tropical prawns and shrimp that are farmed in areas near the equator, generally along the coast in artificial ponds.
Wagyu Bee It is beef derived from any of four strains of a breed of black or red Japanese cattle that are valued for their highly marbled meat.
Zoosanitary It refers to the cleanliness of animals or animal product
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.​
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.​
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.​
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms.
research-methodology
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