Global Meat Production in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

The global meat industry is a critical pillar of agriculture, fueling economies and feeding billions worldwide. In 2025, the meat industry is shaped by leading nations and companies that dominate production, export, and innovation.

Top Meat-Producing Countries in 2025

1. United States

The United States remains a global leader in meat production, excelling in beef, pork, and poultry production.

• Production Statistics:
  • Beef: 12.6 million metric tons annually, contributing to 20% of global production.
  • Poultry: Over 20 million metric tons yearly, the world’s highest.
  • Pork: 12.1 million metric tons annually, ranked third globally.
• Local Market:
  • High per capita meat consumption: Beef (27 kg), Poultry (49 kg), and Pork (23 kg).
  • Dietary staples include burgers, fried chicken, and BBQ.
• Export and Import:
  • Top exporters of beef to Japan and South Korea and poultry to Mexico and China.
  • Imports niche products like Australian wagyu beef.
• Technological Innovations:
  • Advanced genetics and robotics in meat processing.
  • Expansion into plant-based and cultured meats through companies like Beyond Meat.

2. Brazil

Brazil ranks as a powerhouse in beef and poultry, securing its place as the largest exporter of chicken.

• Production Statistics:
  • Beef: 10.4 million metric tons, second worldwide.
  • Poultry: 14 million metric tons annually, leading global exports.
  • Pork: 4.4 million metric tons annually.
• Market Highlights:
  • Robust local beef consumption supported by churrasco traditions.
  • Poultry dominates due to affordability.
• Export and Import:
  • Export markets include China, Saudi Arabia, and Europe for beef and poultry.
  • Imports are minimal, relying on strong local supply.
• Innovation:
  • Methane-reducing feed additives.
  • Blockchain for transparency and compliance in export certification.

3. China

As the largest consumer of pork globally, China also leads in its production while expanding poultry and beef capabilities.

• Production Statistics:
  • Pork: Over 55 million metric tons, half the global supply.
  • Poultry: 20 million metric tons annually.
  • Beef: 7 million metric tons annually.
• Market Trends:
  • Rising poultry and beef consumption due to urbanization and increased income.
• Trade Dynamics:
  • Imports significant volumes of pork from the EU, the U.S., and Brazil to address supply gaps.
  • Growing beef imports from Australia and Argentina.
• Innovations:
  • Investments in vertical farming and biosecurity.
  • Strong focus on cultured meat technologies.

4. India

India’s dominance lies in buffalo meat production and a rapidly growing poultry sector.

• Production Statistics:
  • Buffalo Meat: 4.5 million metric tons annually.
  • Poultry: 6 million metric tons annually.
• Local and Export Trends:
  • Minimal beef consumption due to cultural factors.
  • Largest exporter of buffalo meat to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
• Technologies:
  • Cold-chain logistics and AI-driven livestock monitoring.

5. European Union

The EU collectively dominates pork production while growing its poultry and beef sectors.

• Production Statistics:
  • Pork: 23 million metric tons annually.
  • Poultry: 15 million metric tons annually.
  • Beef: 7.5 million metric tons annually.
• Sustainability Focus:
  • Increasing production of organic and carbon-neutral meat.
  • Blockchain for supply chain transparency.

Top Meat-Producing Companies in 2025

1. JBS S.A. (Brazil)

As the largest global meat producer, JBS leads in beef, poultry, and pork production.

• Annual Output: Processes over 25 million animals.
• Market Scope: Revenue exceeds $60 billion with operations in 20+ countries.
• Export Excellence: Supplies beef to China, poultry to the EU, and pork globally.
• Innovation:
  • Blockchain in supply chains.
  • Investments in cultured meat technologies via BioTech Foods.

2. Tyson Foods (United States)

Tyson Foods is a U.S. giant excelling in efficiency and innovation.

• Production Capacity:
  • Processes 40 million chickens, 140,000 cattle, and 450,000 pigs weekly.
• Export Reach:
  • Key exporter of poultry and beef to Asia and pork to China.
• Technological Edge:
  • Robotics and alternative protein investments like Raised & Rooted.

3. Cargill Inc. (United States)

Cargill is a privately held agricultural titan with a significant role in meat production.

• Production Scale: Over 10 million metric tons of meat annually.
• Global Presence: Operations in 70 countries.
• Innovation:
  • AI in smart farming.
  • Cultured meat development with Aleph Farms.

4. WH Group (China)

WH Group is the largest global pork producer, owning U.S.-based Smithfield Foods.

• Production Statistics: Over 25 million hogs processed annually.
• Export Dynamics:
  • Strong exports to Japan and Southeast Asia.
  • Imports premium pork cuts to address local shortages.
• Technologies:
  • Advanced biosecurity and disease control.

5. BRF S.A. (Brazil)

Specializing in poultry and pork, BRF is a major global exporter.

• Annual Output: Over 4.4 million metric tons.
• Global Reach:
  • Poultry exports to the Middle East and Asia.
• Innovations:
  • Renewable energy use in production.
  • Blockchain for halal compliance.

6. Hormel Foods (United States)

Hormel Foods excels in pork and value-added products like Spam.

• Production: Processes 3 million hogs annually.
• Market Presence: Strong in the U.S. with exports to Asia and Latin America.
• Innovations:
  • AI tools for consumer trends.
  • Expansion into natural and organic meat.

How Countries and Companies Shape the Future of Meat Production

Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability is at the forefront of the meat industry in 2025, with countries and companies adopting technologies to minimize environmental impact. From methane-reducing feed in Brazil to solar-powered farms in Australia, sustainability goals are transforming the production landscape.

Technological Advances

Automation, AI, and blockchain are leading the technological revolution in meat production:

• Blockchain ensures traceability and compliance.
• AI improves livestock health and farm efficiency.
• Cultured Meat innovations offer a glimpse into the future of protein consumption.

Meeting Global Demand

The collaboration between top-producing countries and companies ensures a stable global supply chain. Exports from Brazil and the U.S. meet Asia’s growing demand, while companies like WH Group and JBS drive innovation in both product development and logistics.

Consumer Trends

Shifting consumer preferences toward healthier, sustainable, and plant-based options are reshaping the industry. Companies are diversifying portfolios to include alternative proteins, catering to evolving dietary habits.

Conclusion

The meat industry in 2025 is a dynamic sector driven by powerhouse countries and corporations. The United States, Brazil, and China lead in production, with companies like JBS and Tyson Foods pushing the boundaries of efficiency and innovation. As sustainability and technology continue to influence the industry, the global meat market is poised for a future that balances demand with environmental responsibility.

Related:

The World’s Top 5 Meat Brands – Explore the world’s top meat brands in our comprehensive report. Discover industry leaders, product diversity, and sustainability efforts.

Top 10 Largest Meat Producing Countries 2023 – Explore the 2023 report on top meat-producing countries, covering production volumes, trends, and global impacts in the meat industry.

Sources include:

Our World in Data: Meat and Dairy Production

• URL: https://ourworldindata.org/meat-production
• Description: This resource offers extensive data on global meat production trends, including statistics on various meat types and regional outputs.

Statista: Global Meat Industry – Statistics & Facts

• URL: https://www.statista.com/topics/4880/global-meat-industry/
• Description: Provides detailed statistics on meat production volumes, leading producing countries, and market forecasts.

OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2032

• URL: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/agriculture-and-food/world-meat-projections_59158ab5-en
• Description: Offers projections and analyses of global meat markets, including production, consumption, and trade forecasts up to 2032.

Statista: Leading Meat-Producing Companies Worldwide

• URL: https://www.statista.com/statistics/911715/market-value-of-global-leading-meat-producers/
• Description: Lists the top meat-producing companies globally, ranked by market capitalization, providing insights into industry leaders.

Reuters: Australia Cashes in on Beef Exports as US Cattle Herd Shrinks

• URL: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/australia-cashes-beef-exports-us-cattle-herd-shrinks-2024-10-17/
• Description: Discusses recent trends in beef exports, highlighting Australia’s increased market share due to changes in U.S. cattle herd sizes.

AP News: McDonald’s Sues Top Meat Packers for Allegedly Colluding to Inflate the Price of Beef

• URL: https://apnews.com/article/6ea9d046eb711fd2a93d03305fa07882
• Description: Reports on legal actions involving major meat-producing companies, providing context on industry practices and challenges.

The Sun: Popular Meat Company That Provides Food for Walmart and Target Set to Close Busy Plant and Lay Off Over 800 Employees

• URL: https://www.the-sun.com/money/13017051/meat-company-walmart-target-close-plant-tyson-foods-kansas/
• Description: Highlights operational changes within leading meat companies, offering insights into industry dynamics and employment impacts.