China Frozen Meat & Poultry Market Overview, 2029

The frozen meat and poultry market in China is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector driven by several factors including changing consumer preferences, urbanization, and increasing disposable incomes. With a population of over 1.4 billion, China represents one of the largest markets for frozen meat and poultry products globally. The demand for these products has been steadily rising due to factors such as convenience, longer shelf life, and the perception of frozen foods as being safer and more hygienic. Additionally, the growing popularity of Western-style diets and the influence of international cuisines have further fueled the demand for frozen meat and poultry in China. The market has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly concerning food safety and quality concerns. Several high-profile scandals related to the adulteration of meat products have eroded consumer trust and prompted stricter regulations and enforcement measures by Chinese authorities. In response, many companies in the industry have invested heavily in upgrading their production facilities, implementing stringent quality control measures, and enhancing transparency throughout the supply chain to regain consumer confidence. The frozen meat and poultry market in China continues to show promising growth prospects. Industry players are increasingly focusing on innovation, introducing new product varieties, and expanding distribution channels to tap into the country's vast consumer base. The Chinese government announced plans to further strengthen regulations governing the frozen meat and poultry industry to ensure food safety and quality standards are met. This includes stricter inspections of production facilities, increased penalties for violations, and measures to enhance traceability and transparency in the supply chain. Additionally, there has been growing interest in alternative protein sources such as plant-based meat substitutes, driven by concerns over sustainability and environmental impact. Several domestic companies have begun investing in research and development in this area, signaling a potential shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics in the near future.

According to the research report "China Frozen Meat and Poultry Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the China frozen meat and poultry market was valued at more than USD 9.7 Billion in 2023. The meat and poultry market in China is a massive and complex sector shaped by a myriad of factors. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion people, China is one of the largest consumers of meat and poultry globally. The market is influenced by various factors including cultural traditions, economic development, urbanization, dietary preferences, and government policies. Historically, pork has been the most consumed meat in China, followed by poultry, beef, and lamb. However, shifting dietary patterns due to urbanization and rising incomes have led to increased consumption of poultry and beef in recent years. Economic development has played a significant role in shaping the meat and poultry market in China. As incomes rise, consumers tend to demand higher-quality protein sources, leading to a shift from traditional diets heavy in grains and vegetables to ones that include more meat and poultry. Additionally, urbanization has brought about changes in lifestyle and eating habits, with convenience becoming a key factor driving consumer choices. This has led to increased demand for processed and convenience meat and poultry products such as ready-to-eat meals, sausages, and nuggets. Furthermore, global trade dynamics and international relations impact the meat and poultry market in China. China is both a major importer and exporter of meat products, with imports primarily consisting of pork and beef to meet domestic demand, while exports include processed poultry products and offal. Trade tensions with key trading partners, such as the United States, can disrupt supply chains and affect market prices, highlighting the interconnectedness of the global meat trade. Environmental concerns, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock production, are also increasingly shaping consumer attitudes towards meat and poultry consumption. This has led to a growing interest in alternative protein sources such as plant-based meat substitutes and cultured meat, particularly among younger, more environmentally conscious consumers.

In addition to the diverse array of primary meats, the meat and poultry market also encompasses various processed products, catering to convenience-seeking consumers and culinary enthusiasts alike. Processed meats include a wide range of items such as deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, and cured meats like salami and prosciutto. These products undergo various methods of preservation, seasoning, and cooking, enhancing their flavor profiles and extending their shelf life. Deli meats offer a convenient solution for quick sandwiches and charcuterie boards, available in a multitude of flavors and textures, from thinly sliced turkey breast to spicy salami. Hot dogs and sausages are beloved staples of cookouts and casual dining, available in a plethora of styles and flavors to suit different tastes and cultural traditions, whether it's a classic American frankfurter or a spicy chorizo. Cured meats, often associated with European culinary traditions, add depth and complexity to dishes with their intense flavors and textures. Products like prosciutto, pancetta, and chorizo bring a touch of sophistication to appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes, elevating the dining experience with their distinctive taste profiles. The meat and poultry market has seen a growing demand for organic, grass-fed, and ethically sourced products, reflecting consumer concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health. This trend has spurred the development of niche markets and specialty products, offering consumers a wider range of options to align with their values and preferences.

In the meat and poultry market, various types of products cater to different consumer needs and preferences. Canned meat and poultry offer convenience and long shelf life, making them popular choices for emergency food supplies, camping, and outdoor activities. These products range from canned tuna and chicken to more specialty items like corned beef and pâté, providing options for quick and easy meal preparation. Frozen meat and poultry products are another significant segment of the market, offering convenience without compromising on quality. Frozen meats include everything from whole chickens and beef cuts to pre-marinated skewers and breaded nuggets. These products appeal to busy consumers seeking convenient meal solutions that retain freshness and flavor. Chilled meat and poultry products are prized for their freshness and premium quality. These include fresh cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and turkey, as well as specialty items like sausages and marinated meats. Chilled products are typically found in refrigerated sections of supermarkets and butcher shops, catering to consumers who prioritize freshness and are willing to pay a premium for it. Chilled meats are often used for immediate consumption or as ingredients in home-cooked meals, offering a wide range of culinary possibilities. Processed meat and poultry products encompass a diverse range of items that undergo various techniques such as curing, smoking, and seasoning to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. Examples include bacon, ham, salami, sausage, and deli meats. Processed meats are popular for their convenience, versatility, and distinct flavors, making them staples in sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, and other culinary creations. However, processed meats have faced scrutiny in recent years due to health concerns associated with excessive consumption of additives and preservatives.

The sales channel for the meat and poultry industry typically involves a multi-tiered approach aimed at efficiently delivering products from producers to consumers while ensuring quality and safety standards are met at every stage. At the primary level, producers, this may include farmers, ranchers, and processing plants, supply raw meat and poultry products. These products then enter the distribution phase, where they are either sold directly to retailers, such as supermarkets, specialty meat shops, and grocery chains, or to wholesalers who distribute them to various retail outlets. Additionally, some producers may engage in direct sales to consumers through farmer's markets, online platforms, or their own storefronts. Retailers play a crucial role in the sales channel by offering a diverse range of meat and poultry products to consumers, often alongside complementary items like marinades, seasonings, and cooking utensils. Distribution centers and logistics companies facilitate the movement of products between producers, wholesalers, and retailers, ensuring timely delivery and efficient supply chain management. Throughout the entire sales channel, adherence to food safety regulations and standards is paramount to maintain consumer confidence and uphold the integrity of the industry.




Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Frozen Fish and Seafood market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Meat Product:
• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Others

By End User:
• Residential
• Commercial

By Sales Channel:
• Supermarket /modern retail/ hypermarket
• Independent Retailers / Departmental /convenience store
• On-line Shop

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Meat and Seafood industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.