Canned Meat Market - By Product Type , By Packaging Material , By Category , By Distribution Channel and By Geography - Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2024-2030

Canned Meat Market Overview

Canned Meat Market size is forecast to reach $78 billion by 2030, after growing at a CAGR of 6.3% during 2024-2030. Canned meat provides high-quality, protein-rich food that is stable at ambient temperatures and is very convenient. The range of meat-based products available to consumers is large and diverse ranging from poultry to seafood and encompassing specialized meat products such as sausages and corned beef as well. Increasing demand for convenience, long shelf life, growing demand for protein, health and nutritional benefits, affordable pricing, expansion of retail and online distribution channels, product innovation and premium offerings, food security and emergency preparedness are expected to drive the market during the forecast period.A major trend in the Canned Meat Market is the demand for BPA-free canned packaging. Bisphenol A (BPA), widely used in packaging of canned food, is often coated on the inside of cans to prevent direct contact between the food and the metal. These compounds can migrate into food, particularly at elevated temperatures for example, in hot-filled or heat-processed canned foods. However, due to the growing consumer awareness about the harmful effects of BPA several manufacturers are marketing the canned products as BPA free. Another trend in the market is the growing popularity of exotic food. As per the National Restaurant Association’s 2023 What’s Hot Culinary Report prepared by surveying more than 500 professional chefs, there is a growing popularity of globally inspired cuisine. According to Hormel Foods, the makers of SPAM, Hawaii has the highest consumption per capita for SPAM products, where they are available in restaurants, convenience stores and as a staple in nearly every kitchen pantry. The growing popularity of Hawaiian cuisine drives the demand for canned meat, particularly spam. 

Canned Meat Market - Report Coverage:

The “Canned Meat Market Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Canned Meat Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Canned Meat Market, leading to a surge in demand as consumers sought shelf-stable protein sources during lockdowns. This increased demand was driven by the need for convenience and long shelf life, as people stocked up on essential items to mitigate the uncertainties of prolonged restrictions. Additionally, the pandemic disrupted global supply chains, causing delays and rising production costs due to shortages in raw materials such as meat, packaging, and labor. The shift toward online shopping further accelerated during this period, with more consumers purchasing canned meat products via e-commerce platforms, a trend that has persisted even as restrictions eased.
• The Ukraine crisis further exacerbated supply chain challenges, particularly impacting energy supplies, which led to higher production and transportation costs for canned meat products. Rising costs of raw materials, including livestock feed and packaging, have driven up prices of meat. Despite these challenges, the crisis has reinforced the appeal of canned meat as a reliable, long-lasting source of protein. Consumers in regions affected by the crisis have increasingly turned to canned meat to secure food supplies amid ongoing uncertainty. The market continues to see strong demand, especially in developed regions, where affordability, convenience, and long shelf life are key factors sustaining the popularity of canned meat products.

Key Takeaways

Metal Canned Food Leading Segment

In the Canned Meat Market, tin-coated steel (tinplate) stands out as the leading packaging material due to its superior ability to preserve product quality and extend shelf life. Tinplate offers durability, corrosion resistance, and excellent barrier properties, making it ideal for protecting canned meat from contaminants such as air, light, and moisture. Its robust structure ensures it can withstand the demands of transportation and storage, while specialized coatings prevent interaction between the metal and food, maintaining the meat's flavor and nutritional value. Globally, tinplate accounts for over 70% of metal packaging in the canned food sector, with canned meat being a key application. Additionally, its high recyclability aligns with growing sustainability goals. Regulatory bodies like FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) have reinforced its safety by drafting standards for permissible heavy metal levels, including tin, in canned food. With advancements in coating technologies and a strong history of reliability, tinplate continues to dominate as the preferred packaging material for canned meat across regions. Leading packaging manufacturers, such as Sonoco, produce two-piece and three-piece steel cans specifically designed for canned meat products. These cans offer a convenient and cost-effective solution, ensuring product safety and quality throughout the supply chain.

Meat is the largest segment 

The Meat segment is the largest in the market as it is high-protein food source. Canned meats, such as beef and pork are popular particularly in regions like North America, Europe, and Eastern Asia. The Philippines is expected to produce and import more beef in 2023 amid growing consumption, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA expects the country’s production of beef to increase to 185,000 MT in 2023 from 183,000 MT in 2022. Additionally, canned meat's reliability during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflict, reinforced its importance as a staple food product. Hormel Foods Corporation, which owns popular canned meat brands like Spam, has consistently reported strong sales from its canned meat products. In their 2023 Annual Report, Spam alone accounted for over US$3.7 billion in sales, indicating that canned meat is a major revenue contributor to their business. This positions meat as one of the largest segments in the overall canned food market. 

North America Dominates the market

North America holds a dominant position in the global canned meat market due to several key factors, including a strong consumer base, established supply chains,and the increasing popularity of convenience foods. The region, particularly the United States and Canada, remains the largest market for canned meats globally. Hormel’s SPAM brand is one of the largest canned meat brands in North America. Hormel Foods, with its diverse range of products (including SPAM and other canned meats), generated over $11 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023, with a significant portion coming from their processed meat segment, including canned meats. In 2023, Hormel’s refrigerated and shelf-stable meals and snacks category, which includes canned meats, grew by approximately 6% compared to 2022, signaling strong demand for these products. According to Progressive Grocer Magazine, canned meat sales in the U.S. increased by 8% in 2023 as consumers increasingly sought long-lasting, easy-to-prepare protein sources. This growth was attributed to both the convenience factor and economic considerations, with canned meats offering an affordable alternative to fresh meat, especially during times of inflation.

Increasing Demand for Convenience and Shelf Life to Drive the Market

The growing demand for convenience and extended shelf life is a significant driver of the Canned Meat Market. As consumers increasingly seek quick, easy meal solutions with longer storage capabilities, canned foods are becoming an essential part of modern diets. Canned meat, especially those with long shelf life, are becoming more popular in households and foodservice establishments due to their convenience, reduced spoilage, and minimal preparation required. The demand for canned meat goods is rising as Americans focus on economical products, according to a Reuters article dated April 2024. Numerous brands, including Conagra Brands, Kraft Heinz and Nissin Foods, are reportedly marketing cheaper goods as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants turn toward cooking from scratch and eating leftovers. This demand has led to innovations in packaging and processing technologies, which aim to enhance both shelf life and food quality. 

Growing Concerns Microbial contamination to Hamper the Market

Microbial contamination in the food industry, particularly in canned meat products, is a significant concern that can affect product safety, quality, and shelf life. It refers to the presence of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and molds, in food products that can lead to spoilage or foodborne illnesses.Canned meats undergo a process of sterilization or pasteurization to eliminate pathogens and extend shelf life. However, if the sterilization process is not carried out correctly (e.g., inadequate heating, insufficient time), bacteria likeClostridium botulinum(which causes botulism) or Salmonellacan survive, leading to contamination.

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Key Market Players

Global Canned Foods top 10 companies include:

1. Hormel Foods Corporation
2. Conagra Brands Inc.
3. Thai Union Group
4. Trident Seafoods
5. JBS S.A.
6. BRF S.A.
7. Minerva Foods
8. Dongwon Industries
9. Clemens Food Group
10. Inalca S.p.A

Scope of the Report:

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