United States Red Meat Market Size and Share

United States Red Meat Market (2025 - 2030)
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United States Red Meat Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The United States red meat market size stands at USD 123.11 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 130.23 billion by 2030, registering a 1.13% CAGR over the forecast period. This performance reflects a mature consumer base in which per-capita beef and pork intake has plateaued near historical highs while stable household incomes, entrenched culinary traditions, and reliable cold-chain logistics underpin steady retail demand. Automation investments, tighter food-safety standards, and growing export opportunities further temper cost headwinds and sustain moderate value expansion. Retailers continue to emphasize loyalty-driven promotions, whereas processors leverage robotics to extract yield gains that offset labor constraints. Meanwhile, premium grass-fed and heritage cuts capture spend from fitness-focused and aging consumers seeking nutrient-dense foods. Environmental scrutiny and alternative proteins pose measured challenges, but their influence remains confined to niche urban demographics rather than the mainstream United States red meat market.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By product type, beef led with 43.14% of United States red meat market share in 2024, while mutton is advancing at a 2.58% CAGR through 2030.
  • By form, fresh and chilled products accounted for 48.39% of the United States red meat market size in 2024; processed meat is projected to rise at a 2.71% CAGR to 2030.
  • By distribution channel, off-trade outlets controlled 57.81% revenue in 2024, whereas on-trade demand is recovering at a 2.47% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Beef Dominance Faces Niche Disruption

Beef retained a commanding 43.14% share of the U.S. red meat market in 2024, underscoring deeply rooted consumer preferences and the strength of its established supply chain infrastructure. Its dominance is supported by wide product availability, competitive pricing, and its traditional role in American cuisine, from household consumption to casual dining and quick-service formats. The segment benefits from strong retail and foodservice penetration, making beef a staple across diverse demographics. However, growth momentum for beef is showing signs of moderation as rising health consciousness encourages consumers to explore leaner or alternative protein options. Premium positioning within certain sub-categories, such as grass-fed and organic beef, is boosting value but not significantly expanding overall volume. 

Mutton stands out as the fastest-growing segment in the U.S. red meat market, forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 2.58% through 2030. Its growth is driven by increasing immigrant populations from Middle Eastern and South Asian communities, who sustain traditional dietary patterns that prominently feature mutton. The segment is further supported by premium restaurant applications that highlight mutton’s distinctive flavor profile and appeal to adventurous consumers seeking unique dining experiences. Rising interest in authentic ethnic cuisines is broadening mutton’s consumer base beyond core immigrant populations. While its overall market share remains smaller compared to beef and pork, its niche appeal allows it to command premium pricing in both retail and foodservice channels. 

United States Red Meat Market: Market Share by Product Type
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By Form: Fresh Products Lead While Processing Gains Momentum

Fresh and chilled red meat products held the dominant 48.39% share of the U.S. red meat market in 2024, underscoring consumer preferences for freshness, natural texture, and quality perception. Their popularity is anchored in home cooking traditions, where versatility in meal preparation supports steady demand across retail and foodservice channels. Consumers often associate fresh and chilled meat with superior taste and nutritional value, reinforcing preference over frozen or heavily processed alternatives. However, maintaining product quality comes with challenges, as this segment faces significant cost pressures stemming from complex cold chain logistics and frequent restocking needs. Shorter shelf life also limits supply efficiency and intensifies competition on pricing and distribution margins.

The processed red meat segment is projected to expand at a steady CAGR of 2.71% from 2024 to 2030, making it the fastest-growing category in the U.S. market. This growth is propelled by evolving consumer lifestyles that prioritize convenience, time efficiency, and balanced nutrition. Processed products—such as ready-to-cook cuts, marinated meats, sausages, and deli items—are increasingly favored by urban consumers and working families seeking quick meal solutions. Advances in processing technologies and packaging innovations are improving product safety, shelf life, and flavor consistency, further elevating acceptance rates. The segment also benefits from the rise of premium and value-added subcategories, appealing to both budget-conscious and quality-driven consumers. 

By Distribution Channel: Off-Trade Strength Meets On-Trade Recovery

Off-trade channels accounted for the largest share of the U.S. red meat market in 2024, commanding 57.81% of total sales. This segment includes supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty meat retailers that capitalize on consumer preferences for competitive pricing, variety, and the ability to compare products before purchase. Bulk buying options and promotional discounts further strengthen off-trade appeal, particularly among cost-conscious households and large families. The extensive availability of fresh, chilled, and processed red meat in these outlets ensures steady consumer engagement across both urban and suburban markets. Additionally, established supply chain networks and consistent product turnover help maintain quality standards while meeting diverse dietary preferences. With the combination of convenience, accessibility, and competitive pricing, off-trade channels remain the leading platform for red meat distribution in the United States.

The on-trade segment is set to grow at a CAGR of 2.47% through 2030, marking it as the fastest-expanding channel in the U.S. red meat market. This growth reflects the ongoing recovery of foodservice operations as staffing levels stabilize and consumer dining habits return to pre-pandemic norms. Restaurants, steakhouses, premium dining venues, and ethnic eateries are seeing renewed demand for high-quality red meat offerings, driven by consumers seeking both social dining experiences and diverse flavor profiles. Increased tourism activity and regional culinary festivals are also contributing to higher traffic in on-trade establishments. The trend is further supported by menu innovations, pairing red meat with global cuisines and premium preparation methods to attract affluent and adventurous diners. With the rebound in consumer confidence and the rising appeal of experiential dining, on-trade channels are expected to steadily regain market share and deliver consistent growth within the U.S. red meat distribution landscape.

United States Red Meat Market: Market Share by Distribution Channel
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Geography Analysis

The United States red meat market demonstrates distinct geographic patterns influenced by regional preferences, production hubs, and demographic factors. The Southern region stands out as the largest consumer and producer of red meat, particularly beef, pork, and chicken. This dominance is driven by a strong cultural affinity for meat-based diets and barbecue traditions, coupled with favorable agricultural conditions and well-established livestock industries. These factors enable the region to maintain robust supply chains and distribution networks, ensuring a steady flow of red meat products. The Midwest also plays a significant role in the market, benefiting from extensive cattle ranching and feedlot operations that support both local consumption and broader distribution. Meanwhile, the Northeast and West Coast regions exhibit unique consumption patterns, influenced by higher income levels and diverse culinary trends, which further shape the market dynamics.

Regional supply and demand dynamics are closely aligned, with processed and packaged meat products often tailored to meet local tastes. For instance, the Southern region's strong demand for traditional barbecue cuts contrasts with the Northeast's preference for premium and specialty meat products. The Midwest, with its vast agricultural base, not only supports local consumption but also serves as a critical supplier to other regions. On the West Coast, consumer preferences lean toward organic, grass-fed, and sustainably sourced beef, reflecting the region's health-conscious and environmentally aware population. These geographic disparities ensure that production and distribution networks adapt to meet the specific needs of each region, highlighting the importance of localized strategies in the red meat market.

Immigrant populations in key metropolitan areas further shape the geographic demand for specific red meat types. For example, growing Middle Eastern and South Asian communities in cities like New York, Chicago, and Houston have increased the consumption of mutton and lamb, which are integral to their dietary customs. This demand has spurred the growth of ethnic restaurants and specialty meat retailers, creating opportunities in niche market segments. On the West Coast, cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, known for their premium food trends, exhibit a higher preference for organic and sustainably sourced beef products. These evolving preferences, influenced by cultural heritage and modern consumer values, drive regional product offerings and marketing strategies, underscoring the diverse and dynamic nature of the United States red meat market.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the United States red meat market is highly concentrated, with four major processors—Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, and Smithfield Foods—dominating the industry. These companies collectively achieve a concentration score of 7, reflecting significant consolidation. They leverage economies of scale to maintain competitive advantages across procurement, processing, and distribution. By employing vertical integration strategies, they control critical aspects of the supply chain, including feed production, livestock raising, processing, and branded product marketing. This approach not only strengthens their market position but also creates substantial barriers for smaller competitors, while enabling them to respond effectively to supply chain disruptions and regulatory changes. Additionally, their extensive distribution networks allow them to reach a broader consumer base, further solidifying their dominance. 

Technology adoption plays a pivotal role in shaping the competitive dynamics of the market. Leading processors actively invest in advanced technologies such as automation systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency. These technologies reduce dependency on labor, improve yield efficiency, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. For instance, Cargill's CarVe robotic system and Tyson's comprehensive automation program highlight how capital-intensive technology deployments enable these companies to establish sustainable competitive advantages. Smaller processors often struggle to replicate such investments, further widening the competitive gap. 

As these major players continue to dominate the market, their focus on vertical integration and technological innovation solidifies their leadership. Their ability to manage end-to-end operations and adopt cutting-edge technologies positions them to address evolving market challenges effectively. This dominance not only reinforces their competitive edge but also shapes the overall structure of the United States red meat market, leaving limited room for smaller competitors to thrive. 

United States Red Meat Industry Leaders

  1. Hormel Foods Corporation

  2. Tyson Foods Inc.

  3. JBS S.A.

  4. BRF S.A.

  5. Smithfield Foods Inc.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United States Red Meat Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • September 2025: JBS has entered into a strategic partnership with GreenGasUSA in the U.S. to advance sustainability efforts. The collaboration is set to bolster the production of renewable natural gas (RNG). JBS's commitment is clear: the company is on a mission to slash its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The partnership zeroes in on amplifying JBS's capacity to capture methane and optimize biogas production from wastewater. This will be achieved by deploying GreenGasUSA's advanced gas purification systems at pivotal production sites.
  • July 2025: Tyson Foods invested nearly USD 23.5 million to modernise its facility in Henderson County, Kentucky, US. This investment targeted the Robards facility, enabling Tyson to better cater to the surging demand for protein products.
  • July 2025: Clemens Food Group, a pork processor, had announced a USD 130 million investment to renovate and expand its processing facility located in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Renovations on a section of the existing building had commenced in February. The project's expansion phase was set to kick off in late 2025, aiming for completion in the first half of 2027.
  • February 2025: JBS USA, a prominent global food entity, committed USD 200 million to its beef production sites in Cactus, Texas, and Greeley, Colorado. The enhancements in Cactus featured a cutting-edge fabrication floor and an expanded ground beef room, while Greeley saw the addition of a new distribution center.

Table of Contents for United States Red Meat Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and 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 consumer demand for protein-rich diets
    • 4.2.2 Growth in foodservice and quick-service restaurant sectors
    • 4.2.3 Advancements in meat processing and packaging technology
    • 4.2.4 Cultural preference for beef and pork in American cuisine
    • 4.2.5 Rising demand for processed and convenience red meat products
    • 4.2.6 Increasing export opportunities through global trade agreements
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Rising concerns over health impacts of red meat consumption
    • 4.3.2 Increasing popularity of plant-based and alternative proteins
    • 4.3.3 Price volatility and raw material cost fluctuations
    • 4.3.4 Environmental impact concerns of beef production
  • 4.4 Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Product Type
    • 5.1.1 Beef
    • 5.1.2 Pork
    • 5.1.3 Mutton
    • 5.1.4 Other Meat
  • 5.2 By Form
    • 5.2.1 Fresh/Chilled
    • 5.2.2 Frozen
    • 5.2.3 Canned
    • 5.2.4 Processed
  • 5.3 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.3.1 On-Trade
    • 5.3.2 Off-Trade
    • 5.3.2.1 Supermarkets/ Hypermarkets
    • 5.3.2.2 Convenience Stores
    • 5.3.2.3 Online Retail Channel
    • 5.3.2.4 Other Distribution Channel

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles {(includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products & Services, and Recent Developments)}
    • 6.4.1 Tyson Foods, Inc.
    • 6.4.2 JBS S.A.
    • 6.4.3 BRF S.A.
    • 6.4.4 Hormel Foods Corporation
    • 6.4.5 Smithfield Foods, Inc.
    • 6.4.6 Conagra Brands, Inc.
    • 6.4.7 Cargill, Incorporated
    • 6.4.8 National Beef Packing Company, LLC
    • 6.4.9 Sysco Corporation
    • 6.4.10 Clemens Food Group
    • 6.4.11 Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
    • 6.4.12 Perdue Farms, Inc.
    • 6.4.13 Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
    • 6.4.14 Minerva Foods USA, LLC
    • 6.4.15 Seaboard Foods LLC
    • 6.4.16 Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc.
    • 6.4.17 OSI Group, LLC
    • 6.4.18 American Foods Group, LLC
    • 6.4.19 Agri Beef Co.
    • 6.4.20 Wolverine Packing Co.

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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United States Red Meat Market Report Scope

Beef, Mutton, Pork are covered as segments by Type. Canned, Fresh / Chilled, Frozen, Processed are covered as segments by Form. Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.
By Product Type
Beef
Pork
Mutton
Other Meat
By Form
Fresh/Chilled
Frozen
Canned
Processed
By Distribution Channel
On-Trade
Off-Trade Supermarkets/ Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Online Retail Channel
Other Distribution Channel
By Product Type Beef
Pork
Mutton
Other Meat
By Form Fresh/Chilled
Frozen
Canned
Processed
By Distribution Channel On-Trade
Off-Trade Supermarkets/ Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Online Retail Channel
Other Distribution Channel
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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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