Frozen Meat Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, by Product Type (Frozen Processed Meat and Frozen Whole Cut), Analysis by Type (Chicken, Beef, Pork, Seafood, and Others), Analysis by Distribution Channel [Food Service and Retail (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Stores, and Others)], and Regional Forecast over 2024-2032

Frozen meat has become increasingly popular in the food service industry as it is a convenient and affordable way to source meat. Moreover, frozen meat has a longer shelf life than fresh meat and reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, it is often lower in fat and calories compared to fresh meat, which is demanded by a large consumer base. Busy lifestyles and rising urbanization left consumers with less time to cook. As a result, they are turning to convenient products such as frozen meat. Rising disposable income in developing countries is further allowing consumers to spend more on food products, including frozen meat, fueling their demand in the market.

Prominent players in the frozen meat market are focusing on strategies such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, investment, base expansion, and new product launches in order to emerge as strong players and meet consumers' increasing demands. For instance, in September 2023, Mark Foods, one of the leading U.S. importers, processors, and marketers of premium seafood products, merged with  Arista Industries' Seafood Division and agreed to combine and move forward together as Mark Foods. The combined company would emerge as a leader in frozen seafood, selling an average of 100 million pounds of seafood and generating annual revenue exceeding USD 800 million.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted the global frozen meat market. The market experienced a sudden increase in sales of frozen foods due to the panic buying behavior of consumers with the fear of lockdown and restrictions due to COVID-19. Frozen food products such as meat, entrée, and other essentials were the immediate food products sold in the initial days of the pandemic due to their longer shelf life. According to the American Frozen Food Institute, frozen meat/poultry, vegetables, and pizza were the most frequently purchased categories during the pandemic. Moreover, the online retail sales of frozen sales also skyrocketed, leading to positive growth for the market.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Frozen Meat Market


• Demand for Frozen Meat in the Food Sector


• Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Frozen Meat industry

FROZEN MEAT MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

Analysis by Product Type

The frozen processed meat segment is expected to hold the significant share of the global frozen meat market. Frozen processed meat has a significantly longer shelf life than other meat types. Moreover, processed meat helps reduce food waste by extending its shelf life and making it easier to use. Frozen processed meat products also offer consistent quality and flavor as they are manufactured under controlled conditions and undergo stringent quality control measures, which in turn propels its demand in the market.

Analysis by Type

The chicken or poultry segment is expected to hold a significant share of the global frozen meat industry. The demand for frozen chicken products such as nuggets, burger patties, strips, drumsticks, and others has increased over time. Moreover, chicken is a relatively affordable and healthy source of protein, which can also be stored for a longer duration and cooked quickly. The manufacturers are also focusing on developing products to address key consumer concerns around convenience and ease of preparation in the frozen chicken category. For instance, in February 2022, Seara, a food brand, launched a new frozen product named Seara Shawaya – Chicken for Roasting.

The pork segment is expected to grow at a high CAGR over the forecast period. Processed pork products such as sausages, bacon, ham, and others have been increasingly popular all over the world. These products are often made with frozen pork, which helps ensure quality and consistency. It also forms an essential source of animal protein. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the demand for pork is projected to rise in the future and is rising due to the growing demand in Asia Pacific.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

The foodservice segment is expected to hold a significant share of the global market. Frozen meat plays a significant role in the food service industry, offering various benefits and catering to the growing demand for convenience and versatility. Frozen meat provides a convenient and time-efficient solution for foodservice establishments. It eliminates the need for extensive preparation time, such as butchering and trimming, and ensures a steady supply of meat throughout the year.

The hypermarket/supermarket segment is expected to hold a high CAGR over the forecast period. Hypermarkets/supermarkets have been focusing on the principal idea of buyer comfort, which has been driving the sales of the product. Supermarkets also offer consumers more options to choose from, depending on their choice of meat. Moreover, many supermarkets also offer pre-marinated meats, ready-to-cook meals, and other products.

The online segment is expected to grow at a steady pace over the forecast period. The online segment plays a significant role in boosting the sales of frozen meat by offering a wide variety of products and convenience sitting at home.

Analysis by Region

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Asia Pacific is expected to hold a significant share of the global market. Convenience is the key factor influencing consumer preference, propelling the demand for frozen meat as it needs less preparation time. Furthermore, rising technological innovations and cold storage supply chains enable easy accessibility of frozen meat products across the region, which in turn supports market growth.

North America is expected to hold a significant share of the global frozen meat market. The major factors propelling the market growth in the region include high purchasing power, changes in food preferences, busy lifestyles, and economic stability.

Key Market Players

• Kerry Group Plc.


• Associated British Foods Plc.


• Tyson Foods, Inc.


• Verde Farms LLC


• Marfrig Global Foods S.A.


• Cargill Inc.


• Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation


• Arcadian Organic and Natural Meat Co.


• Xiamen Yinxiang Group Co., Ltd.

Key Developments

• In February 2023, Red Lobster Hospitality LLC, an American casual dining restaurant chain, launched its first-ever line of frozen seafood products. The new product line includes cheddar bay biscuit shrimp, coconut shrimp bites, cheddar bay biscuit cod, and parmesan-crusted garlic, and herb-stuffed shrimp.


• In October 2022, Stolt Sea Farm (SSF), a high-tech aquaculture company, launched its new range of frozen turbot fish at the Conxemar International Fair in Spain.