Ground Meat Market Size | Growth Forecast To 2033

Ground Meat Market Overview

Global Ground Meat Market size is anticipated to be valued at USD 41.7 million in 2024 , with a projected growth to USD 63.9 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.48%.

The Ground Meat Market has witnessed consistent demand driven by rising global meat consumption, which exceeded 340 million metric tons in 2024. Ground meat accounts for over 28% of total meat usage in households and commercial kitchens due to its versatility. In 2023, ground beef remained the most preferred type, representing 41% of total ground meat consumed globally. Ground poultry followed closely, accounting for 27%, while pork held 22%. Plant-based ground meat alternatives are growing and now account for 10% of the market share. More than 53 countries regulate the import and sale of ground meat products with strict labeling and processing standards. In 2024, over 820 processing facilities were registered under international meat safety frameworks. Rising preference for low-fat and antibiotic-free meat products has increased consumer interest, with 38% of buyers in North America opting for labeled organic or natural ground meat products. The foodservice industry, including QSR chains and burger outlets, utilized over 6 million tons of ground meat in 2023. In terms of packaging, vacuum-sealed and MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) represented 62% of all ground meat retail packaging solutions, improving shelf-life by 5–10 days.

The U.S. Ground Meat Market constitutes one of the largest and most mature segments globally. In 2024, Americans consumed over 27 billion pounds of meat, out of which 6.2 billion pounds were in ground form. Ground beef dominated the category, accounting for 59% of all ground meat sold in U.S. retail outlets. Ground poultry gained traction, accounting for 21% of market demand, while ground pork held 15%. Plant-based meat substitutes are becoming mainstream, securing 5% of the U.S. ground meat market share in 2024. Around 48% of American households purchase ground meat weekly, with nearly 67% preferring pre-packaged formats. Over 72% of fast food chains in the U.S. include ground meat as a primary ingredient in their best-selling menu items. USDA-regulated facilities in the U.S. process more than 4.8 million tons of ground meat annually. Furthermore, major processors such as Tyson Foods and Cargill operate more than 35 processing plants nationwide. The U.S. market has also shown growth in demand for hormone-free and antibiotic-free meat, with sales of such products rising by 14% year-over-year in 2024. Retailers such as warehouse clubs and supermarket chains accounted for over 70% of ground meat retail sales in the U.S.

Key Findings

Key Market Driver: 63% of consumers prioritize convenience in cooking, propelling demand for easy-to-prepare ground meat.

Major Market Restraint: 47% of consumers cite food safety and contamination fears in fresh ground meat purchases.

Emerging Trends: 38% growth in plant-based ground meat purchases noted from 2023 to 2025.

Regional Leadership: North America contributes 34% of the global ground meat consumption volume.

Competitive Landscape: Top five companies together control 48% of the global market share.

Market Segmentation: Beef holds 41%, poultry 27%, pork 22%, plant-based 10% of type-based share.

Recent Development: 56% of new product launches in 2024 included sustainable packaging and clean-label claims.

Ground Meat Market Latest Trends

The Ground Meat Market is undergoing a transformation due to evolving consumer preferences and innovations in alternative proteins. In 2024, over 80 million consumers globally shifted towards leaner ground meat options with fat content below 10%, up from 67 million in 2022. Increased demand for quick meal solutions has made ground meat a staple in urban households, with ready-to-cook products accounting for 33% of packaged ground meat sales. Fast food consumption remains a significant driver, as over 58% of burgers sold in major chains are made using ground beef or poultry blends. Technological advancements in meat grinding and preservation now allow processors to extend shelf life by 25% using MAP and vacuum technologies.

Plant-based alternatives are also reshaping the market, with Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, and other startups contributing to the 38% rise in plant-based ground meat consumption since 2023. The market share of vegan and vegetarian-friendly ground options has increased to 10%, up from 6% in 2021. These products often feature pea protein, soy, and mycoprotein as primary ingredients and are fortified with B12 and iron to match traditional meat nutritional profiles.

Clean-label trends have also emerged as strong influencers. In 2024, over 54% of surveyed consumers in Europe and North America stated they preferred ground meat with no artificial additives. This has prompted over 75 meat processors to reformulate products to exclude synthetic preservatives and flavor enhancers. The retail sector has responded by allocating 12% more shelf space to organic or clean-label ground meat in major supermarket chains.

Ground Meat Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for convenience in protein consumption.

Consumers globally are shifting towards easy-to-cook protein options. Ground meat, due to its short cooking time and versatility, fits this trend. In 2024, 63% of working professionals in urban settings reported buying ground meat due to its convenience. Retailers noted a 21% increase in demand for pre-portioned ground meat packs, which reduce meal prep time. Fast food chains using ground meat saw a 16% increase in burger sales year-on-year. The proliferation of air fryers and meal kits has also supported this driver, with ground meat being the most included protein in over 62% of subscription meal boxes.

RESTRAINT

Food safety concerns and product recalls.

The Ground Meat Market faces ongoing challenges related to foodborne illnesses. In 2023, over 28 ground meat recall incidents were recorded in the U.S. alone, affecting more than 15,000 tons of product. Approximately 47% of surveyed consumers expressed concern about E. coli and Salmonella contamination. This perception led to an 11% drop in fresh ground beef sales during recall periods. High-profile recalls often impact brand reputation, with companies facing up to 8% decline in quarterly sales after an event. Regulatory pressure has intensified, with 36 new safety protocols introduced in Europe in 2024.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in plant-based and blended meat products.

There is a significant opportunity in hybrid and plant-based ground meat options. Blended meat products—combining animal protein with mushrooms or legumes—grew by 24% in market share from 2022 to 2024. Plant-based meat reached 10% of total market share in 2024. Retailers are reporting up to 3x faster inventory turnover for vegan ground meat compared to conventional pork variants. Health-conscious consumers aged 18–35 represent 52% of this demand. Foodservice chains have launched more than 210 new menu items using plant-based ground meat since 2023.

CHALLENGE

Rising raw material and operational costs.

The market is challenged by increasing prices of livestock feed, labor, and transportation. In 2024, the cost of cattle feed rose by 17%, impacting the margins of ground beef producers. Fuel costs increased logistics expenses by 12% for meat transportation companies. Labor shortages in meat processing facilities resulted in a 9% decrease in production output across key regions like the U.S. Midwest and Germany. These rising costs have translated into a 14% increase in retail ground meat prices since 2022, affecting affordability for price-sensitive consumers.

Ground Meat Market Segmentation

The Ground Meat Market is segmented by type into beef, pork, poultry, and plant-based; and by application into retail, foodservice, and ready-to-eat meals. Ground beef dominates in both retail and foodservice channels, while poultry is increasingly used in healthy and low-fat product lines. Plant-based alternatives are gaining traction in retail formats.

By Type

Beef: Ground beef holds a 41% market share globally and is widely used in burgers, meatballs, and tacos. In the U.S., 59% of ground meat sales are attributed to beef. Premium and organic beef products constitute 19% of beef ground meat sales. Demand in Latin America, where per capita beef consumption exceeds 35 kg annually, supports strong regional sales.
Pork: Ground pork accounts for 22% of the global ground meat market. In Asia, pork is the dominant meat, with China consuming over 50 million tons annually—20% of which is in ground form. Ground pork is commonly used in dumplings, sausages, and noodles across Asian cuisines.
Poultry: Ground poultry constitutes 27% of market share. It is particularly popular in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where religious dietary restrictions favor poultry. In 2024, 38% of new ground poultry launches featured low-fat or lean labels. Processed chicken blends are the fastest-growing segment in frozen categories.
Plant-Based: Plant-based ground meat reached 10% market share in 2024. In Europe, Germany and the Netherlands have over 400 SKUs of plant-based ground meat. U.S. millennials and Gen Z represent 52% of its consumer base. Most products are soy, pea, or lentil-based and fortified with nutrients.

By Application

Retail: Retail sales account for 58% of the total market. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms sold over 12 million tons of ground meat globally in 2024. Packaging innovations such as resealable trays now make up 33% of all retail formats. Organic and grass-fed labels are present on 29% of U.S. retail SKUs.
Foodservice: Foodservice represents 34% of consumption. QSR chains and diners are major buyers, with over 80% of their meat items featuring ground formats. In India, 66% of foodservice meat purchases are in ground chicken or lamb formats. Fast-growing regional burger chains have increased demand for custom blends.
Ready-to-Eat Meals: Ready-to-eat meals account for 8% of the market but are growing fast. Over 2.4 million units of frozen lasagna, shepherd’s pie, and stuffed pasta featuring ground meat were sold in the EU in Q3 2024. Plant-based RTE meals grew by 22% in unit volume since 2023.

Ground Meat Market Regional Outlook

North America

North America holds a 34% share of the global Ground Meat Market, led by the United States, which consumes more than 6.2 billion pounds of ground meat annually. Canada contributes significantly, with over 780,000 metric tons of ground meat consumed in 2024, primarily beef and poultry. Mexico is also a rising contributor, consuming over 1.2 million metric tons. In 2023, over 48% of North American households reported weekly purchases of ground meat products. Regional retail data shows 52% of ground meat sales occur through hypermarkets and supermarkets, while 28% flow through foodservice channels. Demand for grass-fed, hormone-free beef in North America grew by 17% in 2024. The plant-based ground meat segment rose to 9% of North American sales, driven by vegan and flexitarian consumers.

Europe

Europe accounts for 26% of global consumption, with Germany, the UK, and France leading. In 2024, Europe consumed over 4.1 million metric tons of ground meat. Ground pork remains dominant, with over 42% market share, followed by poultry at 29% and beef at 22%. Plant-based options rose to 7% of the total. European Union regulations impacted 65% of imported ground meat products with new clean-label requirements. In 2023, 37% of European consumers preferred ground meat products with traceable origin. The UK saw a 24% surge in demand for pre-seasoned ground meat packs. In Scandinavia, organic ground beef made up 33% of retail shelf space, reflecting growing health awareness.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific holds 28% of the global Ground Meat Market. China leads with more than 10 million metric tons of ground pork consumption, representing 48% of total regional ground meat. India shows high poultry ground meat usage due to religious sensitivities—accounting for 62% of its ground meat consumption. Japan and South Korea collectively consume 1.4 million metric tons of ground meat annually, with 21% coming from beef. Plant-based variants are rising in urban centers, now constituting 6% of Asia-Pacific ground meat sales. Online sales of ground meat increased by 31% year-on-year in countries like China and Indonesia. Cold-chain infrastructure investments rose 18% in 2024 to support ground meat distribution across APAC.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa contribute 12% to global demand. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are top markets, with combined ground meat consumption of over 2.2 million metric tons in 2024. Poultry is the most consumed, with 44% market share, followed by beef at 38%. Pork is minimal due to religious restrictions, at only 2%. Demand for Halal-certified ground meat is high, representing 76% of all meat consumed in GCC countries. In South Africa, ground beef is preferred, accounting for 52% of sales. Regional foodservice outlets like shawarma stands and grill houses drive over 60% of ground meat purchases. Imports make up 41% of ground meat sold in MEA. Government support for cold storage projects increased by 23% to improve supply chains.

List of Top Ground Meat Market Companies

Cargill (USA)
JBS (Brazil)
Tyson Foods (USA)
BRF (Brazil)
WH Group (China)
Minerva Foods (Brazil)
Clemens Food Group (USA)
Conagra Brands (USA)
Hormel Foods (USA)
NH Foods (Japan)

Top 2 Companies by Share

JBS (Brazil): Holds 18% global ground meat market share with over 220 processing facilities and exports to 150+ countries.

Tyson Foods (USA): Accounts for 16% share and processes over 2.1 billion pounds of ground meat annually in the U.S. and abroad.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment activity in the Ground Meat Market surged in 2023–2024, with over $980 million in facility upgrades, packaging improvements, and plant-based product development. In North America alone, more than 22 new ground meat production lines were installed, increasing capacity by 13%. Capital expenditure by top firms like Tyson and JBS accounted for 62% of all global investments in 2024. Cold storage expansion in Asia-Pacific absorbed 26% of total infrastructure investments, improving shelf-life and regional distribution reach.

Private equity interest in ground meat and alternative proteins also increased. In 2024, 19 venture capital firms invested in plant-based startups focused on replicating ground meat texture using pea protein and mycoprotein. A leading investment of $120 million was closed for a hybrid meat project integrating meat and mushroom protein, expected to launch in Q1 2026. In Europe, five foodtech incubators collaborated with retailers to bring 30+ ground meat startups to market.

Retail innovation drew strong investments, with 14% of ground meat packaging firms receiving grants or funding for sustainable packaging solutions such as compostable trays and recyclable film wraps. Retail shelf allocation for alternative meat blends increased by 18% across North America and Western Europe, creating space for newcomers and boosting competition.

New Product Development

The Ground Meat Market saw over 420 new product launches globally between 2023 and 2025, including plant-based variants, pre-seasoned packs, and clean-label formats. Blended meat options combining pork with plant-based fillers saw 27% year-on-year growth in SKUs across Europe and North America. In 2024, more than 88 food brands introduced their first-ever plant-based ground meat product in retail. These included lentil, chickpea, and quinoa-based blends enriched with vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.

Tyson Foods introduced a frozen Korean BBQ ground chicken mix in 2023, which sold over 1.2 million units in its first year. JBS launched a new pre-cooked burger patty from 100% ground wagyu beef in Japan, with initial production volumes of 50,000 units per month. Beyond Meat expanded its pea protein-based ground meat to over 30 new markets and achieved 19% growth in new customer acquisition in 2024.

Packaging innovation accompanied these product launches. More than 63% of new ground meat items were launched in recyclable packaging in 2024. Hormel Foods unveiled a dual-compartment tray separating meat from seasoning to reduce cross-contamination and enhance flavor customization. This packaging format reached 300,000 units sold within three months in U.S. retail.

In foodservice, pre-marinated and spiced ground meats grew by 21% in menu inclusion across QSR chains. BRF in Brazil launched five new chicken-based ground meat flavors targeting Latin and African palates, with chili, lemon herb, and peri-peri variants. Plant-based companies like Impossible Foods added breakfast-focused ground meat crumbles for fast-food formats, increasing their share of breakfast menus by 14% in 2024.

Five Recent Developments

In 2024, Tyson Foods launched antibiotic-free ground chicken SKUs across 2,000+ U.S. stores, capturing 8% of the lean poultry segment.
JBS introduced AI-powered quality grading in its U.S. facilities in 2023, enhancing output efficiency by 11%.
Hormel Foods expanded its ground pork production by 14% in 2024 with a $75 million plant upgrade in Iowa.
WH Group launched new halal-certified ground meat lines for the Middle East, increasing regional exports by 21% in 2023.
Beyond Meat partnered with a major QSR chain in 2025, resulting in 18% increase in weekly plant-based burger sales.

Report Coverage of Ground Meat Market

The Ground Meat Market Report delivers a full-scope analysis of global consumption patterns, production trends, regulatory impacts, and B2B buyer behaviors. Covering over 32 countries, the report investigates supply chain flows from raw meat procurement to final packaged product. It includes segmentation by meat type, packaging format, and end-use application. The report evaluates over 100 brands and suppliers operating across retail, foodservice, and ready-to-eat verticals.

Statistical modeling used in the Ground Meat Market Analysis covers product output volume, unit sales by channel, and per capita meat consumption. Over 820 meat processing facilities were mapped and assessed for regional capacity, while 120 packaging vendors were studied for innovation metrics. The report utilizes over 50 meat inspection reports from USDA, EFSA, and CFIA to interpret regulatory influences.

This Ground Meat Industry Report also explores plant-based alternatives and their disruption to traditional protein demand. More than 380 product launches were examined to quantify trends in health-conscious, clean-label, and culturally inspired products. E-commerce sales patterns and consumer preference shifts are highlighted with digital performance benchmarks for leading online meat brands.

Ground Meat Market Insights are further enhanced by a five-year review of investment activity, including venture capital funding, infrastructure projects, and multinational expansions. The report outlines over 210 new facilities, line upgrades, and cold chain networks impacting market growth and reliability.