North America Red Meat Industry Overview

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Study Period: | 2016 - 2028 |
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Largest Share by Type: | Beef |
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Largest Share by Country: | United States |
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CAGR: | 0.86 % |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
North America Red Meat Market Analysis
The North America Red Meat Market is projected to register a CAGR of 0.86%
- Largest Segment by Type - Beef : The market is observing growth due to the rising demand for grass-fed beef as it is leaner and has less fat. It is also marketed as a higher quality and premium product.
- Largest Segment by Country - United States : The US is ideal for raising livestock due to the presence of grasslands and abundant water. Distribution is much easier with processing plants spread across the country.
- Fastest-growing Segment by Type - Pork : With the USDA's Farm Service Agency providing financial support to small pork producers in the country, the market has achieved stability through economic crises.
- Fastest-growing Segment by Country - Mexico : The country's improved meat practices, along with higher quality, safety, supply, and better accessibility, have contributed to the growth of the Mexican market.
North America Red Meat Industry Segments
Beef, Mutton, Pork are covered as segments by Type. Fresh / Chilled, Frozen / Canned, Processed are covered as segments by Form. Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Canada, Mexico, United States are covered as segments by Country.Type | |
Beef | |
Mutton | |
Pork | |
Other Meat |
Form | |
Fresh / Chilled | |
Frozen / Canned | |
Processed |
Distribution Channel | ||||||
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On-Trade |
Country | |
Canada | |
Mexico | |
United States | |
Rest Of North America |
North America Red Meat Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the North America Red Meat Market according to our research experts:
Beef is the largest segment by Type.
- The North American edible meat market is driven by beef, which had the highest growth rate by value in 2021. It is expected to register a CAGR of 8.82% over the forecast period. There was a change in the consumption pattern of US shoppers, with 28% of them focused on choosing nutritious and healthy meat in 2021. This trend has been evident throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with sales of grass-fed beef growing much faster, up by 45%, in value compared to 2020.
- The decrease in sheep and lamb production was accompanied by higher prices, which were responsible for the greater production costs. Their production costs 20% more than any other meat in the region. A shortage in supply and high prices declined the consumption of sheep and lamb and prevented their growth. Pork is the fastest-growing meat type in the North American region, expected to reach a CAGR of 0.85% by value during the forecast period. Pork consumption remains relatively steady, with fluctuations occurring due to price changes associated with supply.
- The government and regulatory authorities are taking additional steps to stabilize the pig farming sector in the region. The US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) approved more than USD 545 million in payments to producers who applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. This initiative is aimed at producers who have suffered a 5% or larger price decline due to COVID-19 and face high additional costs due to lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to marketing and shipping. The number of pigs slaughtered in the United States reached 2,452,000 in 2020.

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United States is the largest segment by Country.
- The United States held the major market share of red meat during the review period, as the sales value increased by about 43.4% from 2016 to 2021. This increase was majorly due to the increased beef consumption in the United States. Beef accounted for about 63% of the market share in 2021 compared to other meat types. Beef producers are very technology-driven, utilizing techniques like 3D printing and sensors to improve beef production.
- Mexico is the fastest-growing country in North America. It is projected to record a CAGR of 1.33% during the forecast period (2022-2028) due to the steadily growing US exports to Mexico over the past few years. This increase in exports is boosted by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Mexico's growing meat consumption. Mexico has the largest market, by volume, for US pork and poultry and the second-largest market for US beef exports. As pork imports and production increased in Mexico, people began preferring less expensive pork over beef.
- Even though Q4 2021 was disrupted due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases, high inflation, and supply chain disruptions, consumers continued to buy poultry products. The retail supply chain continued to move more pounds of meat through the system, registering an increase of 3.5% compared to 2019.
- On-trade is the major distribution channel, accounting for 58% of the market share in 2021. The major companies operating in the red meat market, such as Tyson Foods Inc. and Cargill Incorporated, have more than 40 processing plants and partnerships with on-trade distribution channels, such as restaurants and hotels.

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North America Red Meat Market Competitor Analysis
The North America Red Meat Market is moderately consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 44.91%. The major players in this market are Cargill, Incorporated, Hormel Foods Corporation, Marfrig Global Foods SA, Sysco Corporation and Tyson Foods, Inc. (sorted alphabetically).
North America Red Meat Market Top Players
Cargill, Incorporated
Hormel Foods Corporation
Marfrig Global Foods SA
Sysco Corporation
Tyson Foods, Inc.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

North America Red Meat Market Recent Developments
- August 2022: Tyson Foods has announced the expansion of its Caseyville Prepared Foods Facility. The USD180 million investment project will help meet the growing demand for Tyson Foods’ iconic Hillshire Farm® and Jimmy Dean® branded products. The first line is expected to begin production this fall with the expansion set to be completed in the summer of 2023. The Caseyville plant currently produces Hillshire Farm® and Jimmy Dean® products and the 170,000 square foot expansion will specifically allow a larger production of grab-n-go snacking and breakfast items.
- June 2022: Hormel foods launched newest product i.e HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® Sandwich Pepperoni. The product is free from preservatives, nitrites or nitrates.
- March 2022: Carando®, the artisan of Classic Italian Meats, expanded its offerings with the launch of Sweet Italian Sausage. Using Carando's time-honored recipe, the new dinner links are prepared with 100% pork and blended with Italian herbs and spices to deliver a complex, robust, and authentic taste.
North America Red Meat Market Report - Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1. Study Assumptions & Market Definition
2.2. Scope of the Study
2.3. Research Methodology
3. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
3.1. Price Trends
3.2. Production Trends
3.3. Regulatory Framework
3.4. Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
4. MARKET SEGMENTATION
4.1. Type
4.1.1. Beef
4.1.2. Mutton
4.1.3. Pork
4.1.4. Other Meat
4.2. Form
4.2.1. Fresh / Chilled
4.2.2. Frozen / Canned
4.2.3. Processed
4.3. Distribution Channel
4.3.1. Off-Trade
4.3.1.1. Convenience Stores
4.3.1.2. Online Channel
4.3.1.3. Supermarkets And Hypermarkets
4.3.1.4. Others
4.3.2. On-Trade
4.4. Country
4.4.1. Canada
4.4.2. Mexico
4.4.3. United States
4.4.4. Rest Of North America
5. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
5.1. Key Strategic Moves
5.2. Market Share Analysis
5.3. Company Landscape
5.4. Company Profiles
5.4.1. Cargill, Incorporated
5.4.2. Conagra Brands Incorporated
5.4.3. Hormel Foods Corporation
5.4.4. JBS SA
5.4.5. Marfrig Global Foods SA
5.4.6. NH Foods Ltd
5.4.7. OSI Group
5.4.8. Perdue Farms Inc.
5.4.9. Sysco Corporation
5.4.10. The Clemens Family Corporation
5.4.11. The Kraft Heinz Company
5.4.12. Tyson Foods, Inc.
5.4.13. Vion Group
5.4.14. WH Group Limited
6. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR MEAT INDUSTRY CEOS
7. APPENDIX
7.1. Global Overview
7.1.1. Overview
7.1.2. Porter’s Five Forces Framework
7.1.3. Global Value Chain Analysis
7.1.4. Market Dynamics (DROs)
7.2. Sources & References
7.3. List of Tables & Figures
7.4. Primary Insights
7.5. Data Pack
7.6. Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
Figure 1:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, BEEF, PRICE IN USD/METRIC TONNES, 2016 - 2022
Figure 2:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, MUTTON, PRICE IN USD/METRIC TONNES, 2016 - 2022
Figure 3:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, PORK, PRICE IN USD/METRIC TONNES, 2016 - 2022
Figure 4:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, BEEF, PRODUCTION IN METRIC TONNES, 2016 - 2028
Figure 5:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, MUTTON, PRODUCTION IN METRIC TONNES, 2016 - 2028
Figure 6:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, PORK, PRODUCTION IN METRIC TONNES, 2016 - 2028
Figure 7:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME, METRIC TONNES, 2016 - 2028
Figure 8:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE, USD, 2016 - 2028
Figure 9:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, BY TYPE, 2016 - 2028
Figure 10:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, BY TYPE, 2016 - 2028
Figure 11:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME SHARE (%), BY TYPE, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 12:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE SHARE (%), BY TYPE, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 13:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, BEEF, 2016 - 2028
Figure 14:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, BEEF, 2016 - 2028
Figure 15:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, BEEF, VALUE SHARE (%), BY FORM, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 16:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, MUTTON, 2016 - 2028
Figure 17:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, MUTTON, 2016 - 2028
Figure 18:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, MUTTON, VALUE SHARE (%), BY FORM, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 19:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, PORK, 2016 - 2028
Figure 20:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, PORK, 2016 - 2028
Figure 21:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, PORK, VALUE SHARE (%), BY FORM, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 22:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, OTHER MEAT, 2016 - 2028
Figure 23:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, OTHER MEAT, 2016 - 2028
Figure 24:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, OTHER MEAT, VALUE SHARE (%), BY FORM, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 25:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, BY FORM, 2016 - 2028
Figure 26:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, BY FORM, 2016 - 2028
Figure 27:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME SHARE (%), BY FORM, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 28:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE SHARE (%), BY FORM, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 29:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, FRESH / CHILLED, 2016 - 2028
Figure 30:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, FRESH / CHILLED, 2016 - 2028
Figure 31:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, FRESH / CHILLED, VALUE SHARE (%), BY TYPE, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 32:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, FROZEN / CANNED, 2016 - 2028
Figure 33:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, FROZEN / CANNED, 2016 - 2028
Figure 34:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, FROZEN / CANNED, VALUE SHARE (%), BY TYPE, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 35:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, PROCESSED, 2016 - 2028
Figure 36:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, PROCESSED, 2016 - 2028
Figure 37:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, PROCESSED, VALUE SHARE (%), BY TYPE, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 38:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, 2016 - 2028
Figure 39:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, 2016 - 2028
Figure 40:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME SHARE (%), BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 41:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE SHARE (%), BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 42:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, BY OFF-TRADE, 2016 - 2028
Figure 43:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, BY OFF-TRADE, 2016 - 2028
Figure 44:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME SHARE (%), BY OFF-TRADE, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 45:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE SHARE (%), BY OFF-TRADE, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 46:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, CONVENIENCE STORES, 2016 - 2028
Figure 47:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, CONVENIENCE STORES, 2016 - 2028
Figure 48:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, CONVENIENCE STORES, VALUE SHARE (%), BY TYPE, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 49:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, ONLINE CHANNEL, 2016 - 2028
Figure 50:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, ONLINE CHANNEL, 2016 - 2028
Figure 51:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, ONLINE CHANNEL, VALUE SHARE (%), BY TYPE, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 52:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, SUPERMARKETS AND HYPERMARKETS, 2016 - 2028
Figure 53:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, SUPERMARKETS AND HYPERMARKETS, 2016 - 2028
Figure 54:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, SUPERMARKETS AND HYPERMARKETS, VALUE SHARE (%), BY TYPE, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 55:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, OTHERS, 2016 - 2028
Figure 56:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, OTHERS, 2016 - 2028
Figure 57:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, OTHERS, VALUE SHARE (%), BY TYPE, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 58:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, ON-TRADE, 2016 - 2028
Figure 59:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, ON-TRADE, 2016 - 2028
Figure 60:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, BY COUNTRY, 2016 - 2028
Figure 61:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, BY COUNTRY, 2016 - 2028
Figure 62:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME SHARE (%), BY COUNTRY, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 63:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME SHARE (%), BY COUNTRY, 2016 VS 2022 VS 2028
Figure 64:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, CANADA, 2016 - 2028
Figure 65:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, CANADA, 2016 - 2028
Figure 66:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, CANADA, VALUE SHARE (%), BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 67:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, MEXICO, 2016 - 2028
Figure 68:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, MEXICO, 2016 - 2028
Figure 69:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, MEXICO, VALUE SHARE (%), BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 70:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, UNITED STATES, 2016 - 2028
Figure 71:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, UNITED STATES, 2016 - 2028
Figure 72:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, UNITED STATES, VALUE SHARE (%), BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 73:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VOLUME IN METRIC TONNES, REST OF NORTH AMERICA, 2016 - 2028
Figure 74:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, VALUE IN USD, REST OF NORTH AMERICA, 2016 - 2028
Figure 75:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, REST OF NORTH AMERICA, VALUE SHARE (%), BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, 2021 VS 2028
Figure 76:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES, BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, 2017 - 2022
Figure 77:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET, TOTAL NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, 2017 - 2022
Figure 78:
NORTH AMERICA RED MEAT MARKET SHARE(%), BY KEY PLAYERS, 2021
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.
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