Processed Meat Market in South America

South America Processed Meat Market Analysis

The South America Processed Meat Market size is estimated at USD 17.94 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 19.24 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 1.41% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

• South America is one of the leading producers and exporters of South America is a prominent producer and exporter of processed meat products, thanks to the abundance of livestock in the region. Market players manufacture a vast range of processed meat products to increase their shelf life and keep the meat fresh for a more extended period. The demand for processed meat products, particularly beef, is increasing in the region due to its nutritional content and availability. Processed meat products are made using all-natural methods and then stored in refrigerated environments to prevent external spoilage.
• The demand for packaged, ready-to-eat, and convenient food such as processed meat products is growing due to several factors, such as rapid urbanization, hectic lifestyles, and the adoption of new food habits and lifestyle trends. In addition, the trend of eating out, along with increasing tourism, is contributing to the rising demand for processed meat products in food service restaurants, quick chain restaurants, and retail channels. Processed meat can be stored at room temperature for a longer time than regular meat, which restaurants and hotels prefer.
• Market players are also innovating new technologies to extend the shelf life of processed meats. New packaging trends such as shrink wrapping or vacuum packaging are also used to increase the product's shelf life. Additionally, market players are forming mergers and acquisitions with global players to expand their product portfolio. For example, in November 2021, JBS SA acquired Biotech Foods, a cultivated meat producer in Spain. Through this acquisition, JBS SA opened a research and development center for cultivated meat in Brazil.

South America Processed Meat Market Trends

Beef is the Most Preferred Type of Processed Meat

• As lifestyles and eating habits evolve, the demand for processed meat is on the rise in the region due to its convenience and longer shelf life. Consumers in the region are attracted to beef consumption due to its nutritional content and availability. Animal proteins are an excellent source of essential amino acids responsible for muscle building and overall health. Therefore, health-conscious consumers in the region are opting for processed beef consumption.
• Moreover, the increase in disposable income has led to an increase in spending on processed and convenient food, leading to a surge in processed meat purchasing in the region. According to the National Supply Company (Portuguese: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)), in 2022, meat consumption in Brazil was 19.91 million metric tons. Over the medium term, the demand for processed beef is expected to grow as the consumption of processed meat and products increases.

Brazil Dominates the Market

• Brazil is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of beef, with a production of 10,350 thousand metric tons of beef and veal meat in 2022. Due to the country's high production levels, beef consumption in Brazil is also significant. The demand for convenience and packaged food is increasing in the country due to factors such as busy lifestyles, hectic schedules, and rapid urbanization. This has led to an increase in the demand for processed meat products, which are easy to prepare and have a longer shelf life.
• Brazil also exports processed beef to many countries, including China, India, and the United States, among others. For example, According to the Brazilian Association of Export Industries data, in 2021, Brazil exported USD 3.9 billion of beef and veal to China. The availability and product innovations in the country are expected to further boost the demand for processed beef over the medium term.
• In summary, Brazil's large production of beef and veal, coupled with the country's increasing demand for convenience and packaged food, is driving the demand for processed meat products such as processed beef. This demand is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, making Brazil a key player in the global processed meat market.

South America Processed Meat Industry Overview

The South American processed meat market is highly fragmented, with both global and regional players dominating the market. Among the prominent players in the market are BRF S.A., Conagra Brands Inc., JBS S.A., Foster Farms, and Minerva SA. These key players are focused on expanding their businesses by exporting their products to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the Middle East, while also extending their product lines. In addition, multinational players are also adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions of small and medium-sized manufacturers in order to increase their market share.

South America Processed Meat Market Leaders

South America Processed Meat Market News

• October 2022: Through a joint venture between Minerva and SALIC (Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company) - known as Minerva Australia - the companies acquired 100% of issued shares in Australian Lamb Company (ALC) for UDS 400 million. The acquisition of ALC in partnership with Minerva Foods is in line with SALIC's strategy to contribute to the national food security objectives through globally diversified investments in countries with a competitive advantage, such as Australia, which accounts for 42% of global red meat exports.
• March 2021: Aleph Farms, Ltd. and BRF S.A., a global Brazilian meat and food company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring cultivated meat to Brazilian tables. Under this new agreement, Aleph and BRF will co-develop and produce cultivated meat using Aleph's patented production platforms (BioFarm™). BRF will also distribute Aleph-backed cultivated beef products in Brazil. This partnership will strengthen BRF's supply chain and reduce its environmental impact while diversifying the company's product offering to meet the growing consumer demands for a variety of meat products.
• January 2021: Minerva SA launched its B2B online sales platform, Miu Minerva, which offers various types of processed meat, with a special focus on processed beef. This move is likely aimed at expanding the company's customer base and increasing its reach in the processed meat market. With the increasing demand for online platforms in the food industry, Minerva SA's new sales platform is expected to offer convenience to its customers by providing them with a user-friendly online ordering system. It will be interesting to see how this new platform affects the company's sales and market share in the processed meat industry.