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Meat Industry Trends 2026: Market Outlook and Consumer Shifts
12 Sept, 20254 Minutes
The meat industry is continuing to show resilience, with sales in the past 12 months reaching a record $104.6 billion in the U.S, which is a 2.3% increase on the previous year. Although red meat remains a staple for many households, shifting consumer priorities are reshaping the market, with health, sustainability, and product quality becoming increasingly important factors.
Producers and retailers are responding by adapting their product offerings and marketing strategies to meet the demands of modern consumers.
In this article, we explore how these key shifts are shaping the future of the meat industry.
Contact CSG Talent today to build a leadership team prepared for the future of the meat industry.
Changing Consumer Demands in the Meat Industry
Meat Consumer Preferences in 2025
Consumers are prioritising leaner protein sources and balanced nutritional diets, with poultry gaining traction due to its lower fat content and perception as a healthier alternative to red meat. However, despite the increasing scrutiny of its fat content and sourcing methods, red meat remains a popular choice overall due to its taste, versatility, and role in traditional meals.
Chicken remains the most consumed animal product in the United States, with its per capita availability projected to reach 102.7 pounds. In contrast, per capita availability of beef is projected to be lower, at 58.5 pounds in 2025, indicating a growing consumer preference for poultry.
Sustainability and Ethical Meat Production
Environmental impact and ethical sourcing are increasingly influencing buying decisions, particularly among younger generations such as Gen Z and millennials. Consumers now actively seek transparency in meat production, with labels like grass-fed, organic, and free-range expected by those who value sustainability and animal welfare.
However, sustainability in meat production is complex. Grass-fed beef, for example, typically requires more land and longer growth periods, sometimes resulting in a higher carbon footprint than grain-fed alternatives. Businesses are now navigating these challenges by investing in traceability systems, regenerative agriculture practices, and carbon reduction strategies, all of which can be unique selling points in a crowded market.
Convenience and Ready-to-Cook Meat Products
Convenience remains a powerful factor, especially for busy households and fast-food restaurants. Pre-marinated cuts and ready-to-cook meals are increasingly in demand as they combine quality with speed, allowing consumers to enjoy premium meat without compromising on nutrition or taste.
Convenience is also evolving as personalisation becomes increasingly common. Retailers are offering meal kits and subscription boxes that feature curated meat selections, giving consumers control over portion sizes, cuts, and flavour.
The Rise of Alternative Proteins in 2025
Plant-Based Meat Market Growth
The plant-based meat market is expanding rapidly, projected to grow from $8.22 billion in 2025 to $23.35 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 12.3%. Flexitarian consumers, who occasionally substitute meat with plant-based options, are a key driver of this growth.
Advances in food technology have enhanced the taste and nutritional content of plant-based proteins, making them more appealing to a wider audience. For many consumers, plant-based alternatives are now an everyday option that supports healthy eating and ethical consumption goals.
Cultivated Meat and the Future of Protein Production
Cultivated meat has been transforming protein production since the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the sale of cultivated chicken products from companies like Upside Foods and Good Meat in 2023. While still in its early stages, the market for cultivated meat is projected to reach $25 billion by 2030.
This innovation addresses sustainability, animal welfare, and supply chain efficiency, offering a scalable alternative for consumers seeking ethically produced proteins. Although adoption is being led initially by high-end restaurants and niche retailers, cultivated meat is likely to become more common across the wider industry as production costs decrease and consumer awareness grows.
Evolving Value Perception in the Meat Industry
High-Quality Meat and Premiumisation
There has been a shift away from the traditional model of quantity, speed, and affordability toward a focus on taste, transparency, and sustainability. Unique cuts and speciality products are now key drivers of success for retailers and brands, reflecting a consumer demand for higher quality and more ethically sourced options.
The Growth of Ethnic and Speciality Meat Products
The global ethnic food market, which includes meat, is projected to grow from $92.76 billion in 2025 to $153.21 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.43%. This growth is driven by consumer interest in exploring diverse global flavours, with Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern-inspired meats providing an accessible way to experience these tastes at home.
Personalisation and Consumer Experience
Personalisation is reshaping the meat-buying experience, as subscription boxes and curated selections are now expected by consumers seeking tailored offerings that fit their culinary preferences and lifestyle choices. This creates opportunities for retailers and producers to build brand loyalty through innovation and convenience.
Food & Beverage Executive Search Experts at CSG Talent
At CSG Talent, we combine our specialised sector knowledge with executive search expertise to help you identify and secure the leaders your business needs for long-term success. As a leader in food and beverage recruitment, we stay ahead of emerging trends in the food industry and deliver key talent for a range of senior-level roles.
Contact our food and beverage recruitment experts to discuss how our executive search solutions can help you navigate these shifting consumer trends.
