View news and innovations from PACK EXPO 2024
View all the latest news and innovations from PACK EXPO International 2024

Market Snapshot: Meat, Poultry & Seafood

Conventional meat consumption has declined, but plant-based meats are growing rapidly, and while the number of industry establishments have declined, the number of employees has grown 3.2%.

Meat

According to “2019 Trends and Advances in Food Packaging and Processing,” a report by PMMI Business Intelligence, meat, poultry and seafood holds an 18.1% share of the nine food categories, with the number of establishments decreasing to 2,436 between 2014 to 2017 (a CAGR of -1.6%), even though the number of employees increased to 381,816 during the same period, at a CAGR of 3.2%.

Meat, poultry and seafood product packaging trends include the use of more vacuum and MAP sealed trays for aesthetic appeal. One Process Engineer at a meat processing company said, “We developed a proprietary post-pasteurization process that guarantees our cooked products are free of preservatives, harmful bacteria, and foodborne pathogens.”

Variety protein packs and single-serve tuna in recyclable cups with a foldable fork are also new trends, as are on-the-go meat snack bars. Protein-sourced additives such as soy, whey, algae and insect protein are gaining awareness, as are meatless replacements such as plant-based protein alternatives.

Meat, Poultry and Seafood Product Processing Trends

Back to Basics: Understanding Conveyors for Food Processing
Discover how modern conveyors enhance food processing—boost efficiency, ensure safety, and save space. Explore the latest tech and tips to optimize your operations.
Read More
Back to Basics: Understanding Conveyors for Food Processing