Market Forecast By Product (Chicken, Beef, Pork, Mutton, Others), By Type (Raw, Processed), By Distribution Channel (Departmental Stores, Specialty Stores, Hypermarket/ Supermarket, Online Sales Channel, Others) And Competitive Landscape
| Product Code: ETC171340 | Publication Date: Jan 2022 | Updated Date: Sep 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
| Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Shubham Deep | No. of Pages: 70 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 5 |
The China Meat Market could see a tapering of growth rates over 2025 to 2029. Although the growth rate starts strong at 9.65% in 2025, it steadily loses momentum, ending at 7.38% by 2029.

| Report Name | China Meat Market |
| Forecast Period | 2025–2029 |
| CAGR | 7.38% |
| Growing Sector | Food Processing & Animal Protein |
The China Meat Market report thoroughly covers the market by product, type, and distribution channels. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers, which would help stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The China Meat Market is experiencing steady growth, supported by increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and evolving dietary preferences. Pork remains the dominant meat, though demand for beef, poultry, and lamb is increasing due to changing consumer tastes and higher protein intake. Expanding cold-chain logistics and e-commerce platforms are improving distribution and accessibility nationwide. Furthermore, growing interest in premium, organic, and processed meat products is reshaping market dynamics. These factors collectively position China as a leading global meat consumer.
Below mentioned are some prominent drivers and their influence to the market dynamics:
| Driver | Primary Segments Affected | Why it matters (evidence) |
| Rising Urbanization & Lifestyle Change | Processed Meat, Supermarkets, Online Channels | Working-class urban households are turning more toward processed and convenient ready-to-eat meat products. |
| Increasing Protein Demand | Chicken, Beef, Pork | Rising health consciousness has boosted meat consumption as a primary protein source. |
| E-Commerce Expansion | Online Sales Channels, Processed Meat | Meat delivery services are accelerating with the rise of online platforms like JD Fresh and Tmall Fresh. |
| Cold Chain Infrastructure Development | Processed Meat, Specialty Stores | Rising investments in cold storage and logistics are enhancing the efficiency of meat distribution. |
| Government Food Security Initiatives | Pork, Beef, Departmental Stores | National initiatives for pork stabilization guarantee consistent availability and strengthen market stability. |
The China Meat Market size is projected to grow at the CAGR of 7.38% during the forecast period of 2025–2029. The China Meat Market is primarily driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and shifting dietary habits toward higher protein consumption. While pork remains the primary choice, interest in beef, poultry, and lamb is accelerating as dietary preferences broaden. China Meat Market Growth benefits from the expansion of digital platforms such as JD Fresh and Tmall Fresh, supported by investments in cold-chain infrastructure to strengthen delivery efficiency. In addition, state-backed pork stabilization measures and the surging popularity of organic, high-quality, and ready-to-cook meat products are sustaining strong demand and ensuring steady expansion across the sector.
Below mentioned are some major restraints and their influence to the market dynamics:
| Restraint | Primary Segments Affected | What this means (evidence) |
| Environmental Regulations | Beef, Pork, Processed Meat | Strict policies to control livestock emissions and pollution raise compliance costs. |
| Price Volatility | Pork & Beef | Fluctuations in feed and livestock prices affect consumer affordability. |
| Rising Vegetarian & Vegan Trends | All Meat Segments | Growing awareness of plant-based diets poses long-term risks to meat demand. |
| Health & Safety Concerns | Processed Meat, Online Sales | Food safety scandals reduce consumer trust in mass meat suppliers. |
| Import Dependency for Beef & Mutton | Beef, Mutton | Heavy reliance on imports from Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand raises vulnerability. |
Despite strong demand, the China Meat Industry struggles with several constraints. Unstable pork prices create uncertainty throughout the supply chain. Dependence on beef and lamb imports leaves the market vulnerable to global trade disruptions and supply shortages. Stringent regulations on labeling, safety, and inspections drive up compliance expenses. Furthermore, underdeveloped cold-chain systems, particularly in rural areas, restrict efficient distribution. Growing consumer demand for organic, traceable, and clean-label products places further pressure on producers to invest in certification processes and transparency initiatives, adding to industry costs and operational challenges.
Several prominent trends reshaping the market growth include:
There are some main areas of investment opportunity in the market which includes:
Some leading players dominating the market include:
| Company Name | WH Group Limited (Shuanghui Development) |
| Establishment Year | 1958 |
| Headquarter | Luohe, Henan, China |
| Official Website | Click here |
The largest meat processing company in China, known for pork products, processed meat, and cold-chain logistics.
| Company Name | Yurun Group Limited |
| Establishment Year | 1993 |
| Headquarter | Nanjing, Jiangsu, China |
| Official Website | Click here |
A leading meat supplier offering chilled, frozen, and processed meat products with a strong domestic distribution network.
| Company Name | Delisi Food Co., Ltd. |
| Establishment Year | 1989 |
| Headquarter | Shandong, China |
| Official Website | Click here |
Focuses on pork and processed meat, with significant exports and partnerships in Asia.
| Company Name | Chongqing Yurun Food Co., Ltd. |
| Establishment Year | 1998 |
| Headquarter | Chongqing, China |
| Official Website | Click here |
A major supplier of pork and processed meat, focusing on regional demand in western China.
| Company Name | Tyson Foods China (Subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc.) |
| Establishment Year | 2001 (China operations) |
| Headquarter | Shanghai, China |
| Official Website | - |
Provides chicken and processed meat products with strong integration into China’s retail and e-commerce platforms.
According to Chinese Government data, The Chinese government has launched initiatives to modernize and stabilize its meat industry. The Pork Reserve System helps maintain supply balance by storing pork during shortages. The 14th Five-Year Agricultural Plan focuses on better livestock farming practices and stricter food safety standards. Subsidies have been provided to strengthen cold-chain logistics, ensuring efficient meat distribution. Subsequently, China is growing international partnerships, particularly with Brazil and Australia, to secure consistent supplies of beef and mutton, enhancing long-term food security.
The China Meat Market Share is estimated to increase significantly in the coming years. Increasing disposable incomes, the expansion of online channels, and a preference for processed and premium meat products will drive growth. The industry will also see an increase in demand for traceability solutions and eco-friendly farming practices to meet environmental and safety regulations. Growing cold-chain logistics investments will further enhance distribution efficiency and product quality. Furthermore, international trade partnerships will help secure stable supplies of beef and lamb.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
According to Ritika Kalra, Senior Research Analyst at 6Wresearch, The Pork segment holds the largest market share, as pork remains the staple meat in Chinese cuisine. It is consumed across all demographics, supported by government programs to ensure pork supply stability.
The Processed Meat segment dominates due to rising demand for sausages, bacon, frozen meats, and convenience-based food products. Busy lifestyles and urbanization have accelerated the preference for ready-to-cook options.
The Online Sales Channel segment leads the market, supported by the growth of digital grocery platforms such as Hema Fresh, JD Fresh, and Dingdong. Discounts, home delivery, and product traceability features make online the preferred channel for younger consumers.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:
| 1 Executive Summary |
| 2 Introduction |
| 2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
| 2.2 Report Description |
| 2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
| 2.4 Research Methodology |
| 2.5 Assumptions |
| 3 China Meat Market Overview |
| 3.1 China Country Macro Economic Indicators |
| 3.2 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, 2019 & 2029F |
| 3.3 China Meat Market - Industry Life Cycle |
| 3.4 China Meat Market - Porter's Five Forces |
| 3.5 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product, 2019 & 2029F |
| 3.6 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Type, 2019 & 2029F |
| 3.7 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Distribution Channel, 2019 & 2029F |
| 4 China Meat Market Dynamics |
| 4.1 Impact Analysis |
| 4.2 Market Drivers |
| 4.2.1 Increasing disposable income leading to higher meat consumption |
| 4.2.2 Urbanization and changing lifestyles favoring convenience of meat products |
| 4.2.3 Growing awareness of health benefits of consuming quality meat products |
| 4.3 Market Restraints |
| 4.3.1 Concerns over food safety and quality leading to lower trust in meat products |
| 4.3.2 Environmental impact and sustainability issues associated with meat production |
| 4.3.3 Competition from alternative protein sources like plant-based meat substitutes |
| 5 China Meat Market Trends |
| 6 China Meat Market, By Types |
| 6.1 China Meat Market, By Product |
| 6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.1.2 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.1.3 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Chicken, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.1.4 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Beef, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.1.5 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Pork, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.1.6 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Mutton, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.1.7 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.2 China Meat Market, By Type |
| 6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.2.2 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Raw, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.2.3 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Processed, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.3 China Meat Market, By Distribution Channel |
| 6.3.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.3.2 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Departmental Stores, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.3.3 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Specialty Stores, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.3.4 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Hypermarket/ Supermarket, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.3.5 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Online Sales Channel, 2019 - 2029F |
| 6.3.6 China Meat Market Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2019 - 2029F |
| 7 China Meat Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
| 7.1 China Meat Market Export to Major Countries |
| 7.2 China Meat Market Imports from Major Countries |
| 8 China Meat Market Key Performance Indicators |
| 8.1 Consumer demand for organic or sustainable meat products |
| 8.2 Adoption rates of new technologies in meat production and processing |
| 8.3 Trends in meat consumption preferences towards specific types of meat |
| 8.4 Regulatory changes impacting meat imports and exports |
| 8.5 Consumer sentiment towards meat industry practices and transparency |
| 9 China Meat Market - Opportunity Assessment |
| 9.1 China Meat Market Opportunity Assessment, By Product, 2019 & 2029F |
| 9.2 China Meat Market Opportunity Assessment, By Type, 2019 & 2029F |
| 9.3 China Meat Market Opportunity Assessment, By Distribution Channel, 2019 & 2029F |
| 10 China Meat Market - Competitive Landscape |
| 10.1 China Meat Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
| 10.2 China Meat Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
| 11 Company Profiles |
| 12 Recommendations |
| 13 Disclaimer |