UK's Processed Meat Market: Upward Consumption Trend Expected with Market Volume Reaching 4.1M tons and Value to $19.1B by 2035 - News and Statistics - IndexBox

Get instant access to more than 2 million reports, dashboards, and datasets on the IndexBox Platform.

IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom - Sausages And Similar Products Of Meat - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.

The demand for processed meat in the UK is on the rise, leading to an expected upward consumption trend over the next decade. The market performance is forecasted to slightly increase, with a projected CAGR of +0.7% in volume and +0.8% in value from 2024 to 2035.

Driven by rising demand for processed meat in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +0.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 4.1M tons by the end of 2035.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +0.8% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $19.1B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.

In 2024, after two years of growth, there was decline in consumption of processed meat, when its volume decreased by -0.7% to 3.8M tons. In general, consumption recorded a mild contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 3.2% against the previous year. As a result, consumption reached the peak volume of 4.4M tons. From 2018 to 2024, the growth of the consumption remained at a lower figure.

The value of the processed meat market in the UK contracted to $17.5B in 2024, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 9.4%. Processed meat consumption peaked at $19.1B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Prepared or preserved meat (2.6M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of consumption, comprising approx. 69% of total volume. Moreover, prepared or preserved meat exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (624K tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by sausages and similar products of meat (408K tons), with an 11% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of prepared or preserved meat consumption totaled -1.9%. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (+0.9% per year) and sausages and similar products of meat (-0.5% per year).

In value terms, prepared or preserved meat ($12.4B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal ($2.5B). It was followed by sausages and similar products of meat.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of prepared or preserved meat market amounted to -1.5%. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (+0.2% per year) and sausages and similar products of meat (+2.5% per year).

In 2024, production of processed meat in the UK fell slightly to 2.8M tons, flattening at the year before. Overall, production saw a mild contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 4.9%. Processed meat production peaked at 3.4M tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, processed meat production reduced to $12.5B in 2024 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a slight setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 12%. Processed meat production peaked at $14.8B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.

Prepared or preserved meat (2.1M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of production, comprising approx. 74% of total volume. Moreover, prepared or preserved meat exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (412K tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was held by sausages and similar products of meat (261K tons), with a 9.3% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of prepared or preserved meat production stood at -2.6%. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (+3.6% per year) and sausages and similar products of meat (-2.3% per year).

In value terms, prepared or preserved meat ($9.6B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal ($1.6B). It was followed by sausages and similar products of meat.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of prepared or preserved meat production totaled -2.3%. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (+1.4% per year) and sausages and similar products of meat (-0.1% per year).

Processed meat imports into the UK dropped modestly to 1M tons in 2024, with a decrease of -2.2% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at 1.1M tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, processed meat imports contracted modestly to $5.3B in 2024. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 when imports increased by 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $5.3B in 2023, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Thailand (171K tons), the Netherlands (142K tons) and Poland (135K tons) were the main suppliers of processed meat imports to the UK, with a combined 44% share of total imports. Germany, Brazil, Ireland, Denmark, Italy, France and China lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 46%.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for China (with a CAGR of +11.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Thailand ($796M), Poland ($659M) and Ireland ($653M) constituted the largest processed meat suppliers to the UK, with a combined 40% share of total imports. The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Denmark, France and China lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 49%.

China, with a CAGR of +9.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2024, prepared or preserved meat (587K tons) constituted the largest type of processed meat supplied to the UK, accounting for a 58% share of total imports. Moreover, prepared or preserved meat exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (223K tons), threefold. Sausages and similar products of meat (152K tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 15% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of prepared or preserved meat imports was relatively modest. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (-2.7% per year) and sausages and similar products of meat (+3.3% per year).

In value terms, prepared or preserved meat ($3B) constituted the largest type of processed meat supplied to the UK, comprising 58% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by sausages and similar products of meat ($993M), with a 19% share of total imports. It was followed by salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal, with a 19% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of prepared or preserved meat imports stood at +1.6%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: sausages and similar products of meat (+5.7% per year) and salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (-1.7% per year).

The average processed meat import price stood at $5,208 per ton in 2024, rising by 1.9% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2023 when the average import price increased by 10%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplied products. In 2024, the products with the highest prices were sausages and similar products of meat ($6,546 per ton) and prepared or preserved meat ($5,189 per ton), while the price for salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal ($4,428 per ton) and pasta stuffed with meat, fish and cheese ($4,877 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by meat, fish or cheese pasta (+4.9%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average processed meat import price stood at $5,208 per ton in 2024, picking up by 1.9% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2023 an increase of 10%. The import price peaked in 2024 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($8,377 per ton), while the price for Brazil ($3,657 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+3.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Processed meat exports from the UK declined to 65K tons in 2024, with a decrease of -9.7% compared with 2023 figures. Overall, exports continue to indicate a noticeable decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when exports increased by 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at 119K tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, processed meat exports contracted to $324M in 2024. In general, exports showed a pronounced curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when exports increased by 20%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $478M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Ireland (32K tons) was the main destination for processed meat exports from the UK, with a 50% share of total exports. Moreover, processed meat exports to Ireland exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, France (7.4K tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Germany (2.4K tons), with a 3.8% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of volume to Ireland totaled -5.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (+2.6% per year) and Germany (-10.4% per year).

In value terms, Ireland ($135M) remains the key foreign market for processed meat exports from the UK, comprising 42% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($48M), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 4.5% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value to Ireland stood at -5.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (+5.9% per year) and the Netherlands (-9.0% per year).

Prepared or preserved meat (48K tons) was the largest type of processed meat exported from the UK, accounting for a 74% share of total exports. Moreover, prepared or preserved meat exceeded the volume of the second product type, salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (10K tons), fivefold. Sausages and similar products of meat (4.7K tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 7.3% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of prepared or preserved meat exports totaled -3.0%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (-4.9% per year) and sausages and similar products of meat (-7.2% per year).

In value terms, prepared or preserved meat ($252M) remains the largest type of processed meat exported from the UK, comprising 78% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal ($42M), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by sausages and similar products of meat, with a 5.4% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of prepared or preserved meat exports stood at -1.5%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: salted, dried or smoked meat, and offal (-6.7% per year) and sausages and similar products of meat (-3.8% per year).

The average processed meat export price stood at $5,018 per ton in 2024, growing by 3.6% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 15% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major types of exported product. In 2024, the product with the highest price was pasta stuffed with meat, fish and cheese ($6,537 per ton), while the average price for exports of sausages and similar products of meat ($3,704 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: meat, fish or cheese pasta (+7.4%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2024, the average processed meat export price amounted to $5,018 per ton, picking up by 3.6% against the previous year. Over the last eleven years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 15% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2024 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($6,486 per ton), while the average price for exports to Spain ($3,270 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Denmark (+4.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the processed meat market in the UK. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

A Quick Overview of Market Performance

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

The Largest Import Supplying Countries

The Largest Destinations for Exports

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles