US Meat Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis to 2028

November 10, 2025

The U.S. meat market was valued at USD 170.38 billion in 2020, witnessing a moderate impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily disrupted the country’s livestock processing and supply chain. As a result, the market recorded a 1.51% decline in 2020. However, it quickly regained momentum, projected to grow from USD 172.94 billion in 2021 to USD 215.76 billion by 2028, reflecting a CAGR of 3.21% during the forecast period (2021–2028). The growth in CAGR is primarily driven by the rising preference for protein-rich and balanced diets, which gained significant traction during and after the pandemic period.

The U.S. meat industry continues to experience strong growth, fueled by increasing consumer awareness about the nutritional value of animal protein and its role in maintaining overall health. The rapidly expanding food processing and foodservice industries have further accelerated the adoption of meat-based products.

The growing popularity of high-protein and ketogenic diets among U.S. consumers is expected to remain a key growth driver. Additionally, the rising demand for processed and convenience meat products — including ready-to-eat meals, ready-to-cook products, and meat snacks — is expected to sustain market momentum throughout the forecast period.

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Latest Trends Growing Demand for Convenience Foods Fueling Market Expansion The shift toward convenience-oriented lifestyles among the working population has significantly increased reliance on ready-to-eat and semi-prepared food products. Consumers today seek flavorful and quick-to-prepare meals without the need for extensive cooking, which has accelerated the consumption of processed meat products across households.

The expanding foodservice and catering industries are also contributing to this trend, with increased demand for pork, beef, and poultry used in innovative recipes and global cuisines.

Furthermore, the rapid growth of e-commerce platforms has made online meat purchasing more accessible, especially during the pandemic. This digital transformation has boosted sales of processed and packaged livestock products, opening new opportunities for producers and distributors in the U.S. meat industry.

Segmentation Analysis By Type Chilled Meat Segment Dominates Due to High Household Consumption In the U.S., meat forms an essential part of the average diet, contributing approximately 15% of total energy intake, 40% of protein, and 20% of fat intake. Among available forms—fresh, frozen, chilled, and canned—the chilled meat segment holds the largest market share, primarily due to its widespread household use and superior freshness. Retailers and foodservice providers continue to prefer chilled products to meet consumer demand for quality and safety.

By Animal Type Beef Leads the Market, While Poultry Shows Fastest Growth The beef segment represents the largest share of the U.S. meat market, with the country producing over 11.4 million metric tons of beef annually. According to data from the Livestock Marketing Information Center (2017), states such as Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, California, and Oklahoma are key contributors to national beef output. Meanwhile, poultry consumption is growing at the fastest rate due to its affordability, versatility, and rising preference for lean protein among health-conscious consumers.

By Distribution Channel Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Continue to Lead Sales Channels The supermarket/hypermarket sector remains the primary retail channel for meat products in the U.S., offering consumers a wide product variety and convenient purchasing experience. According to the Food Industry Association (2018), around 43% of total grocery sales—including a significant share of fresh meat—were made through supermarkets and hypermarkets in 2017. Continuous retail innovation and enhanced shopping experiences have further strengthened the segment’s dominance in meat distribution.

Key Companies Profiled Tyson Foods, Inc. (Arkansas, U.S.) Cargill, Inc. (Minnesota, U.S.) Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Virginia, U.S.) Hormel Foods Corporation (Minnesota, U.S.) Conagra Brands, Inc. (Illinois, U.S.) Foster Farms (California, U.S.) Sysco Corporation (Texas, U.S.) National Beef Packing Co., LLC (Missouri, U.S.) Perdue Farms, Inc. (Maryland, U.S.) OSI Group, LLC (Illinois, U.S.)

Key Industry Developments July 2021 – Nestlé announced a partnership with Israel-based startup Meat Technologies to enter the cultured meat sector. The collaboration reflects a growing industry focus on sustainable and alternative protein sources, with Nestlé positioning itself among the early global players investing in lab-grown meat innovation.

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Report Coverage The U.S. meat market report delivers a comprehensive analysis of industry dynamics, highlighting major companies, product categories, and distribution channels. It provides detailed insights into market trends, emerging opportunities, and technological advancements shaping the sector. The report also examines the combined impact of consumer behavior shifts, supply chain evolution, and innovative processing techniques that continue to drive growth across the U.S. meat industry.