Meat Processing in New Zealand - Industry Research Report

Choice cut: Strong export increases are aiding meat processors' revenue growth

Meat processors are benefiting from strong export growth, supported by a depreciating New Zealand dollar and high demand from China. The vast majority of industry revenue derives from international trade, so rising revenue from exports is essential to meat processors' success. Low annual rainfall levels and demand for dairy and wool products are affecting the volumes of beef and sheep meat available for processing, limiting further industry expansion. Even so, local producers have been able to claw back some market share from imports in recent years. Overall, industry revenue has risen at an average annualised 2.3% over the past five years, and is expected to total $12.2 billion in 2022-23, when revenue will rise by an estimated 0.8%.

Industry operators primarily slaughter animals, and bone, freeze, preserve or pack meat products (excluding poultry). Operators that primarily manufacture meat from by-products (except poultry), and render lard or tallow are also included in the industry.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.