Fresh Meat Packaging Global Market Report 2026

Fresh meat packaging plays a crucial role in extending shelf life, facilitating efficient transport, and enhancing storage for meat products. It ensures the fresh and timely distribution of meat, contributing to overall product quality.

The main types of packaging formats used in the fresh meat packaging market include modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), vacuum skin packaging (VSP), vacuum thermoformed packaging (VTP), multi-layer shrinkable packaging, and others. Modified atmosphere packaging involves creating a gaseous atmosphere around the food product at a level conducive to food preservation. Various materials are utilized to manufacture these packages, such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyamide (PA), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polypropylene (PP), among others. These materials are employed to pack a variety of meats, including beef, pork, poultry, mutton, seafood, and others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the fresh meat packaging market by increasing costs of imported polymer resins, barrier films, sealing equipment, and packaging machinery. Meat processors in North America and Europe are most affected due to reliance on imported packaging materials, while Asia-Pacific faces higher export costs for packaging films. These tariffs are raising operational expenses and packaging costs. However, they are also promoting domestic material production, regional packaging innovation, and increased adoption of recyclable and bio-based packaging solutions.

The fresh meat packaging market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides fresh meat packaging market statistics, including fresh meat packaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a fresh meat packaging market share, detailed fresh meat packaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the fresh meat packaging industry. This fresh meat packaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

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 6.0%. 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.

Fresh Meat Packaging Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses fresh meat packaging market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for fresh meat packaging ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The fresh meat packaging market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Packaging: Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP); Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP); Vacuum Thermoformed Packaging (VTP); Multi-Layer Shrinkable Packaging; Other Packaging Formats
• 2) By Meat Type: Beef; Pork; Poultry And Mutton; Seafood; Other Meat Types
• 3) By Material Type: Polyethylene (PE); Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC); Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP); Polyamide (PA); Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH); Polypropylene (PP); Other Material Types
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): Gas Flushing Systems; Barrier Films
• 2) By Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP): Skin-Forming Films; Rigid Trays
• 3) By Vacuum Thermoformed Packaging (VTP): Thermoformed Trays; Vacuum-Sealed Pouches
• 4) By Multi-layer Shrinkable Packaging: Shrink Bags; Shrink Films
• 5) By Other Packaging Formats: Blister Packaging; Resealable Pouches; Foam Trays With Overwrap
• Companies Mentioned: 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
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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