The European Meat Market in 2025: Trends in Chicken, Pork, Beef, Lamb, and Mutton

The European meat industry in 2025 is undergoing major transformations. From growing demand for chicken and pork, to evolving dynamics in beef, lamb, and mutton markets, suppliers and buyers must navigate shifting production volumes, export trends, and pricing pressures. Whether you're sourcing meat in bulk or managing supply chains, understanding these trends is essential.

1. The Meat Market’s Value and Growth

The overall Europe meat market was valued at USD 390 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 579 billion by 2033—a healthy 4.5% CAGR.
Globally, the meat market grew from USD 1.13 trillion in 2024 toward USD 1.22 trillion in 2025.
Source

2. Production Snapshot: Chicken, Pork, Beef, Lamb, and Mutton

Based on Eurostat’s data:

Chicken leads, with 13.3 million tonnes produced across the EU in 2023.
Beef followed, at 6.4 million tonnes, though output declined by 3.8% versus 2022.
Lamb & mutton combined contributed 0.4 million tonnes, marking a 7% drop year-on-year.

3. Export Demand and Forecasted Growth

According to OECD-FAO projections:

By 2034, global consumption is expected to rise:
- Chicken: +21%
- Lamb / mutton: +16%
- Beef: +13%
- Pork: +5%
In terms of volume, projected consumption includes:
- Chicken: 9.7 million tonnes
- Beef: 6.3 million tonnes
- Pork: 20 million tonnes
By value:
- Chicken: USD 19.5B
- Beef: USD 37.2B
- Pork: USD 62.6B

4. Global Production Dynamics

Worldwide meat production totaled 361 million tonnes in 2022, with chicken as the most-consumed meat globally.
In 2023, global meat consumption further increased to 453 million tonnes.

5. Special Insight: Australia’s Lamb Export Surge

In 2024, Australian lamb/mutton exports hit 702,000 metric tons, totaling USD 3.6 billion.
Meanwhile, domestic lamb prices rose significantly to A$11/kg, up 50% year-over-year.

Market Trends Summary

Final Thoughts

The 2025 meat industry landscape is shifting—from chicken and pork surges to lamb and mutton's niche resurgence. Whether you're a meat supplier focusing on volume or a wholesale buyer, staying agile and well-informed is crucial. Platforms like Meat Borsa can give you an edge with trusted listings.