Antibiotic-Free Meat Market

Market Size & Share (2022-2032)

Over the forecast period of 2022-2032, the global antibiotic-free meat market is expected to bloat at a CAGR of 11.6%. Worldwide sales of antibiotic-free meat are currently valued at US$ 148.67 Bn and are expected to surge to US$ 445 Bn by the end of 2032.

Consumption of antibiotic-free meat accounts for 25% to 30% value share of the global meat products market.

Antibiotic-Free Meat Demand Analysis (2017-2021) Vs. Market Estimations (2022-2032)

During the historical period (2017-2021), sales of antibiotic-free meat registered a compounded annual value-based growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%.

Demand for antibiotic-free meat has increased in the global market as it is considered healthy and premium quality meat. With rising awareness about the hazards of consuming antibiotics through the food chain, consumers are demanding chemical-free products more than ever.

Antibiotic-free meat products are acquired from livestock that is raised without the use of any antimicrobial and/or antibacterial substances that are administered to animals for preventing and treating pathogenic diseases. Most farmers and meat processing industries use antibiotics to promote fast growth in animals, and this leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals.

Major market players are strategizing to reduce the use of antibiotics in animals as consumers are becoming more inclined toward antibiotic-free meat over conventional meat and are even ready to pay more for it.

The antibiotic-free meat market size is expected to exhibit significant growth at a CAGR of 11.6% over the forecast period (2022-2032).

Why is Demand for Antibiotic-Free Meat Continuously Rising?

“Consumer Desire for Clean Label & Transparency Driving Market Expansion”

Consumers are placing more significance on what's in their food. U.K. consumers prefer clean-label food products, which is driving the demand for antibiotic-free meat in the country and Europe.

In developing markets such as Russia and Poland, there is more room to differentiate a product from its competition by going clean label. Consumers are increasingly on the lookout for nutritional meat products that are free from artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, sweeteners, and other harmful ingredients.

Clean labels can provide a road map to premium and value-added products. From raising animals to products served on the table, consumers prefer transparency in the entire process.

Meat production companies are focusing on transparency between consumers and manufacturers by providing all the information about their products, which is aiding the demand growth for antibiotic-free meat.

“Governments Promoting Antibiotic-Free Meat Consumption”

The governments of several countries are supporting antibiotic-free meat production through different programs.

• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, currently, around 80% of all antibiotics sold in the U.S. are given to animals, resulting in the overuse of antibiotics in livestock production. This is considered one of the top sustainability concerns.

In 2022, the U.S. FDA’s Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), imposed strict restrictions regarding the use of antibiotics for livestock. Under the VFD, all antibiotics for livestock must be under direct veterinary supervision and only be used under necessary conditions for assuring animal health.

In British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba, the government has introduced a program - Cattlemen’s Financial Corporation - designed to finance the entire production cycle of livestock, from feeder's calves and replacement heifers to breed heifers and bred cows.

“Rising Health-Conscious Population across the World”

Antibiotic-free meat is placed at a lower price tag than organic meat. Awareness about antibiotic-resistant bacteria in conventional meat is increasing among consumers.

Health-conscious consumers are willing to pay more for antibiotic-free meat. Organic meat is grass-fed, GMO-free, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free as well. Thus, the cost of organic meat is high.

In antibiotic-free meat, animals are raised without antibiotics and fed corn and soy feed. These animals are raised in hygienic conditions and their meat is priced less than organic meat, which has drawn the attention of health-conscious consumers across the world.

“Opportunity to Offer Antibiotic-Free Meat at Lower Cost”

Raising meat and poultry without antibiotics cab be accomplished at a minimal cost. The price of meat depends on the store, type of meat (pork, beef, chicken, turkey), and cut.

• For instance, the least expensive antibiotic products were whole chicken at Publix Super Markets, Inc. (an American supermarket chain that operates throughout the South-eastern United States,) and Jewel-Osco (a supermarket chain has around 187 stores across northern, central, and western Illinois; eastern Iowa; and portions of northwest Indiana.), and chicken drumsticks at several Trader Joe’s locations, all for US$ 1.29 per pound (approximately).

What Factors are Limiting Demand Growth of Antibiotic-Free Meat?

“Rising Vegan Trend across the World”

Prominent market players, with their research and development (R&D), are coming up with vegan food that showcases a similarity with meat. Rising awareness about the link between meat consumption and certain non-communicable diseases is moving consumers to cut the amount of meat in their diet and go for plant-based meat products or vegan diets. This can serve as a major restrain for the meat market.

• Key manufacturers such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are touting burger patties that look, cook, smell, and taste like actual meat.

Country-wise Insights

Which Countries are Lucrative Markets for Antibiotic-Free Meat in Europe?

Russia, Italy, and the U.K. are markets that are expected to surge ahead at CAGRs of 11.4%, 10.5%, and 10.2%, respectively, during the forecast period.

Demand for antibiotic-free meat is high in many countries in the European market due to rising awareness about this type of meat and the presence of prominent market players such as Tyson Foods, Inc., Hormel Foods Corp., and Perdue Farms Inc.

How is the Canada Antibiotic-Free Meat Market Shaping Up?

In the North American market, Canada is showing promising growth and is expected to register a CAGR of 7.2%.

Market growth is due to government initiatives in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (Canadian Province). The market value share of Canada in the North American market is around 7.6%, which is currently valued at US$ 1.8 Bn.

Category-wise Insights

How is Poultry Antibiotic-Free Meat Driving Global Market Growth?

Based on product, antibiotic-free meat is segmented into bovine, swine, poultry, and ovine, among which, poultry antibiotic-free meat products are most widely consumed across the world.

The market volume share of poultry in antibiotic-free meat is around 37.5% and is projected to reach 20,919,734 tons by the end of 2032.

Which Form of Antibiotic-Free Meat Accounts for Major Market Share?  

Based on form, the market for antibiotic-free meat is segmented into fresh antibiotic-free meat and processed antibiotic-free meat.

Among these, processed antibiotic-free meat accounts for a major value share in the global market, which is more than 66.4% in 2022. The segment is currently valued at US$ 98.69 Bn.

Competitive Dashboard

Prominent suppliers of antibiotic-free meat are involved in expanding their market presence by collaborating with local players, farmers, and distributors to increase their brand value and revenue. Collaborating with local players helps them penetrate various cities (tier-1, tier-2, and others) across regions.

• Pine Manor, Inc. is focused on establishing a strong distribution network by connecting with different distributors from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
  • In Illinois- ATK Foods, Crescent Foods. European Imports Ltd., Kingdom Farms, Kuna Meats.
  • In Indiana- Delco Foods Stores, Ideal Meat J&L Inc., Kroger Food Stores, Nash Finch, Sherwood Food Dist., Troyers, Troyer's Distribution, Yoder Meat Shoppe.
  • In Ohio- Erb Poultry, Nash Finch, Super Valu. In Michigan Byron Center Meats, Heffron Farm Markets, Peacock Poultry, Spartan Foods, Inc.
• DaBecca Natural Foods Inc. is strategizing its market expansion in association with farmers and suppliers of antibiotic-free meat.

Antibiotic-Free Meat Industry Report Scope

Segmentation of Antibiotic-Free Meat Industry Research

By Product:

• Bovine
• Swine
• Poultry
• Ovine

By Form:

• Fresh
• Processed

By End Use:

• Household
• Foodservice
• Food Processing

By Distribution Channel:

• Business to Business
• Business to Consumer
  • Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialty Stores
  • e-Commerce
  • Other Retail Stores

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa

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