World Wide Meat Sales are Increasing as Consumers Move to Online Shopping and Delivery

The meat industry is a dynamic sector influenced by many factors. Understanding meat sales trends is crucial for anyone involved in this industry. Whether you are a meat producer, supplier, or retailer, being able to adapt to shifting consumer preferences, market fluctuations, and emerging technologies is vital for success.

Meat consumption has been on an upward trajectory for decades. This trend is primarily driven by global population growth and rising incomes, especially in developing countries. As nations become more affluent, their citizens often incorporate more meat into their balanced diets.

Key Meat Sales Trends in 2024

This ongoing growth, however, doesn't mean the meat industry isn’t without challenges or requires transformation. This year, we are seeing a few meat sales trends really taking shape.

1. Premiumization and Value-Added Products

In developed markets like the US and Europe, while overall meat consumption has plateaued, consumers are increasingly interested in premium cuts, specialty meats, and value-added products. Think organic, grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and artisanal sausages that brands like The Meat Box deliver.

These products are usually perceived as higher quality and more ethically sourced, aligning with growing consumer consciousness around animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. For example, the organic meat industry in the US alone was valued at over $1 billion in 2022. These products meet the demands of consumers willing to pay a premium for what they consider to be healthier, tastier, and more sustainable options.

2. Plant-Based and Cell-Based Alternatives

You’ve probably noticed the rise of plant-based meat alternatives over the past couple of years. This surge in popularity is driven by consumers concerned about the environment, animal welfare, and their health. Plant-based options are often marketed as more sustainable, especially regarding their lower carbon footprint compared to traditional livestock farming.

Although not yet mainstream, cell-based meat (also known as cultured or cultivated meat), is an emerging area within meat sales trends. This innovative technology grows meat from animal cells in a lab setting. It eliminates the need to raise animals for slaughter, significantly decreasing the environmental footprint and ethical concerns associated with traditional meat production. While still in its nascent stages, cell-based meat could become a disruptive force within the meat industry as technology improves and production costs decrease.

3. E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many aspects of life online, including grocery shopping. Meat sales through e-commerce platforms saw a significant spike. This trend continues as consumers find purchasing meat online a convenient alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Alongside the growth in e-commerce, a rising number of meat producers are establishing direct-to-consumer channels. This allows them to connect directly with their customer base and have more control over branding and pricing. Many consumers also appreciate the transparency that direct sourcing provides.

4. Focus on Health and Transparency

Today’s consumers are more conscious about the food they put into their bodies. This means demanding transparency in meat sales trends. Consumers are reading labels, researching sources, and wanting to know more about how their meat was raised and processed. They are seeking leaner cuts of meat with reduced fat and lower sodium. This demand for healthy meats has led to the rise of products with ‘clean’ labels – those free of antibiotics, hormones, and artificial ingredients.

Additionally, there is increased scrutiny of processed meat consumption. Scientific studies have linked diets high in processed meats to increased risks of certain types of cancer. As a result, you may find that many consumers are choosing to reduce their consumption or are choosing unprocessed options more frequently.

5. Globalized Tastes and Convenience

As the world becomes more interconnected, culinary influences are being shared widely. This leads to new and innovative meat products entering the market to satisfy increasingly adventurous palates. We are seeing growth in ethnic meat varieties beyond traditional beef, pork, and chicken. Think of the increasing popularity of goat, lamb, and duck, as well as specialty meats like bison and venison.

Today’s consumers lead busy lives. There's been a sharp increase in the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meat products. For instance, meal kits containing pre-portioned ingredients are now widely popular because they offer a simplified way to cook at home. These factors all play a role in how the meat industry adapts its product development and marketing strategies.

FAQs about Meat Sales Trends

What is the trend in the meat industry?

The meat industry is experiencing a multifaceted shift marked by heightened demand for premium, sustainably-sourced meats, and a growing interest in plant-based alternatives driven by concerns about health, environment, and ethics. This dynamic landscape is further shaped by a growing trend in convenient online ordering and globalized palates.

Is the Meat market declining?

Despite the emergence of meat alternatives, the global meat market is not declining. It continues to grow, driven by a complex interplay of rising global populations, greater disposable income, evolving culinary preferences, and ongoing improvements within the meat production industry.

What are the meat trends in 2024?

2024 meat trends revolve around value, convenience, and awareness. Consumers desire transparency, clear sourcing, and "clean" ingredients while also showing willingness to spend more on higher-quality and convenient meat options.

What is going on with the meat industry?

The meat industry faces pressure to become more sustainable and ethical. At the same time, plant-based and cellular agriculture innovations are changing meat consumption paradigms. This evolution means that established players must adapt while offering consumers diverse, transparently-sourced, and responsibly-produced meat choices.

Meat sales trends show a clear transition underway. Factors like rising health consciousness and shifting dietary preferences, especially toward sustainably-sourced and processed meats, have brought about a new era within this global industry. Although traditional meat and poultry likely aren't disappearing from dinner plates any time soon, adaptation to emerging trends, embracing technology, and focusing on transparency will dictate who successfully feeds this ever-growing consumer base.

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