Fresh Meat Packaging Market Report 2026

The fresh meat packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.26 billion in 2025 to $3.48 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of meat consumption globally, growth of cold chain infrastructure, increasing urbanization and packaged food demand, adoption of vacuum packaging technologies, rising focus on food hygiene standards.

The fresh meat packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.38 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for sustainable packaging materials, expansion of smart packaging technologies, growing preference for convenience meat products, rising regulatory scrutiny on food safety, technological advancements in barrier packaging materials. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of modified atmosphere packaging solutions, rising demand for extended shelf-life meat products, growing use of high-barrier packaging films, expansion of vacuum skin packaging applications, enhanced focus on food safety and traceability.

The rising consumption of meat is supporting the expansion of the fresh meat packaging market. Fresh meat helps improve health outcomes and reduces the risk of microbial contamination, which in turn increases the need for effective fresh meat packaging solutions. For example, in July 2025, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a France-based intergovernmental economic organization, global consumption of poultry meat is projected to increase by 21%, beef by 13%, and pig meat by 5% by 2034, with developed economies contributing significantly to this growth. Therefore, the increasing consumption of meat is driving the growth of the fresh meat packaging market.

Leading companies operating in the fresh meat packaging market are concentrating on the development of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to reduce plastic usage, extend shelf life, lower environmental impact, and address rising consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Sustainable meat packaging solutions involve the use of materials and designs that minimize environmental harm while preserving the safety, quality, and freshness of meat products. For instance, in May 2024, Tesco plc, a UK-based retail company, introduced a sustainability-focused initiative for fresh meat packaging by launching pillow packs for its fresh mince products. These packs are designed to significantly cut down plastic use while maintaining product quality. The slightly inflated structure helps keep the meat in optimal condition and also improves space efficiency during transportation, enabling more products to be carried in delivery vehicles and displayed on store shelves.

In May 2024, Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a US-based packaging solutions provider, partnered with WM Morrison Supermarkets plc to improve the sustainability of Morrison’s private-label steak packaging by introducing a new photographic print pressed board tray. Through this collaboration, both companies aim to replace conventional plastic trays with a more environmentally friendly pressed board alternative, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high-quality packaging standards for fresh meat products. WM Morrison Supermarkets plc is a UK-based company involved in fresh meat packaging.

Major companies operating in the fresh meat packaging market are Sealed Air Corp, Amcor Plc, Smurfit Kappa Group plc, Sonoco Products Company, Cascades Inc., Winpak Ltd, Mondi Plc, Toppan, ArtPlast Polska Sp. z o.o, Siba International, LINPAC Packaging SEALPAC UK & Partners, Multivac UK, PACCOR Packaging GmbH, ULMA Packaging, Supervac Maschinenbau GmbH, Krehalon, Coveris Holdings S.A, Berry Plastic Group Inc, Bemis Company Inc, Schoeller Allibert AB, Solidus Solutions, SIG Combibloc Group, JBS Foods, Tyson Fresh Meats Inc, Smithfield Foods Inc, Cargill Inc, BRF S.A, National Beef Packing Co LLC, Foster Farms, Astral Foods Ltd, Valley Meats, Quality Meat Packers, Kenya Meat Processors Ltd, Egyptian Meat Processing Co, Qatar Meat Production Company LLC, Bollore Group, Oakdale Meat Co, Dalian Hanwei Enterprise Group, Yunnan Shennong Meat Food Co Ltd, Zoneco Group, SP Group, Ajamco Group, Frigorco Pampeano, Noelma, Ponapack, Amber Packaging Industries LLC, Al Bayader International, Nile Union Meat Company, Gilgal Meat Mart Limited, Irvin & Johnson Ltd, Rainbow Farms Pty Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the fresh meat packaging market in 2025. The regions covered in the fresh meat packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the fresh meat packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The fresh meat packaging market consists of sales of modified atmosphere packaging, vacuum skin packaging, vacuum thermoformed packaging, and other fresh meat packaging used to preserve fresh meat and forms of fresh meat products. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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