Europe Beef Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the Europe Beef Market is expected to record a CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2033. In 2024, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 169,247.7 Million. By 2033, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 242,984.9 Mllion.

Per Capita Meat Consumption in the EU28

Source: According to Our World in Data

The Europe Beef Market refers to the commercial exchange of beef products within the European region. It encompasses various stakeholders involved in the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of beef, including farmers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers.

The market offers a diverse range of beef products, including different cuts, grades, and preparation methods to cater to varying consumer preferences. Factors influencing the market include changing dietary patterns, consumer demand for high-quality and sustainable beef, regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and trade dynamics, shaping the dynamics of the beef industry across Europe.

Europe Beef Market – Significant Growth Factors

The Europe Beef Market presents significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Changing Consumer Preferences: Shifting consumer preferences towards high-quality, organic, and sustainably sourced beef products are driving market growth, with consumers increasingly seeking transparency and traceability in their food choices.

• Rising Demand for Protein-rich Diets: The growing awareness of the health benefits of protein-rich diets is driving demand for beef products, as they are a rich source of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamins.

• Expansion of Foodservice Sector: The burgeoning food service industry, including restaurants, hotels, and catering services, is fueling demand for beef products for use in various culinary applications, driving market growth.

• Technological Advancements in Production and Processing: Innovations in production techniques, processing technologies, and packaging solutions are enhancing efficiency, product quality, and shelf life, thereby driving market expansion and meeting evolving consumer demands.

• Export Market Expansion: The European beef market offers opportunities for expansion into international markets, leveraging the region’s reputation for high-quality beef products to capitalize on growing global demand for premium beef.

• Product Diversification and Innovation: There are opportunities for beef producers to diversify their product offerings and innovate with value-added products such as marinated cuts, pre-cooked meals, and convenience foods to cater to changing consumer lifestyles and preferences, thereby driving market growth and profitability.

Europe Beef Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The Europe Beef Market has seen several mergers and acquisitions in recent years, with companies seeking to expand their market presence and leverage synergies to improve their product offerings and profitability. Some notable examples of mergers and acquisitions in the Europe Beef Market include:

• In 2024, U.S. CattleTrace and IMI Global formed a strategic alliance to bolster U.S. CattleTrace’s rapid contact tracing database development efforts. This collaboration also supports IMI Global’s goal of enhancing value for American beef producers through comprehensive cattle verification services.

• In 2023, At Gulfood 2022, JBS showcased its top-selling Brazilian beef brand, Friboi, featuring the premium halal portfolios Black Friboi and 1953 ranges. Black Friboi offers the highest quality halal beef sourced from top genetic Black Angus in the US, representing only 1% of the cattle selection.

• In 2023, Ducks Unlimited and ABS Global have partnered with Trust In Beef to enhance technical capabilities, joining existing partners like Merck Animal Health, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Enogen/Syngenta, Tyson Foods, and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.

These mergers and acquisitions have helped companies expand their product offerings, improve their market presence, and capitalize on growth opportunities in the Europe Beef Market. The trend is expected to continue as companies seek to gain a competitive edge in the market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

Europe Beef Market – Significant Threats

The Europe Beef Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Disease Outbreaks: Threats of disease outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) can lead to trade restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and loss of consumer trust, impacting the European beef market.

• Trade Barriers and Tariffs: Imposition of trade barriers, tariffs, and export/import restrictions by trading partners or regulatory bodies can hinder the smooth flow of beef trade within Europe and globally, posing challenges to market growth.

• Consumer Health Concerns: Heightened concerns regarding health issues associated with beef consumption, such as cholesterol levels, saturated fat content, and potential health risks related to antibiotic use and hormone residues, can negatively impact consumer demand for beef products.

• Environmental Regulations: Stricter environmental regulations and sustainability standards imposed on beef production, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land management practices, can increase production costs and operational challenges for beef producers in Europe.

• Competition from Alternative Protein Sources: The increasing popularity and availability of alternative protein sources such as plant-based meat substitutes and cultured meat products pose a competitive threat to the traditional beef market, potentially diverting consumer preferences and market share away from beef products.

Category-Wise Insights

By Type:

• Grass-fed Beef: Grass-fed beef comes from cattle raised primarily on pasture and forage diets. In the Europe Beef Market, there’s a growing trend towards grass-fed beef due to consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable options. This trend aligns with the increasing focus on natural and organic products, with consumers valuing the nutritional benefits, environmental sustainability, and ethical farming practices associated with grass-fed beef.

• Grain-fed Beef: Grain-fed beef refers to cattle raised on a diet supplemented with grains, typically in feedlots. In the Europe Beef Market, grain-fed beef remains popular due to its consistent flavor, tenderness, and marbling. Despite the rising interest in grass-fed and organic options, grain-fed beef continues to dominate the market, driven by its availability, affordability, and preference among consumers for its taste and texture.

• Organic Beef: Organic beef is produced from cattle raised according to organic farming standards, which prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, and antibiotics. In the European beef Market, organic beef is experiencing growth as consumers increasingly prioritize health, sustainability, and ethical farming practices. This trend is supported by regulatory initiatives promoting organic agriculture and consumer demand for transparency and traceability in food production.

• Conventional Beef: Conventional beef refers to beef produced using conventional farming methods, which may involve the use of synthetic inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, and antibiotics. In the Europe Beef Market, conventional beef remains widely available and accessible to consumers due to its affordability and convenience. While demand for organic and specialty beef products is increasing, conventional beef continues to dominate the market, particularly in mainstream retail channels and food service establishments.

By Product

• Steaks: Steaks are prime cuts of beef typically sliced perpendicular to the muscle fibers, known for their tenderness and flavor. In the Europe Beef Market, steaks command a significant share, with trends favoring premium cuts such as ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon. Consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, well-marbled steaks, driving demand for grass-fed, organic, and specialty cuts.

• Roasts: Roasts are larger cuts of beef suitable for slow cooking methods such as roasting or braising. In the Europe Beef Market, roasts remain popular for home cooking and festive occasions. Trends indicate a preference for bone-in roasts, such as prime rib and standing rib roast, as well as specialty cuts like brisket and chuck roast, catering to diverse culinary preferences and cooking styles.

• Ground Beef: Ground beef refers to finely minced or chopped beef meat commonly used in a variety of dishes such as burgers, meatballs, and tacos. In the Europe Beef Market, ground beef is a staple ingredient in numerous cuisines, driving consistent demand. Trends include a growing preference for lean ground beef, organic options, and pre-seasoned blends, reflecting consumer preferences for convenience and health-conscious choices.

• Others: The “Others” category in the Europe Beef Market encompasses a diverse range of beef products, including ribs, brisket, specialty cuts, and value-added products. Trends in this segment vary widely, with consumers seeking unique and innovative beef offerings such as dry-aged beef, wagyu beef, and smoked meats. Additionally, there is a growing demand for convenience foods and ready-to-cook beef products, driving innovation and product diversification in this category.

By Distribution Channel

• Traditional Retail: Traditional retail channels in the Europe Beef Market refer to brick-and-mortar stores such as supermarkets, butchers, and specialty meat shops. Despite the rise of online shopping, traditional retail remains a significant distribution channel, offering consumers a wide selection of beef products and personalized service. Trends include the increasing demand for premium and specialty beef cuts, as well as the adoption of sustainable and ethically sourced beef products by retailers.

• Online Retail: Online retail channels in the Europe Beef Market involve the sale of beef products through e-commerce platforms and online grocery stores. With the growing popularity of online shopping, consumers are increasingly turning to online retail channels to purchase beef products conveniently from the comfort of their homes. Trends include the emergence of direct-to-consumer meat delivery services, subscription-based models, and the availability of a diverse range of beef products online.

• Food Service Distribution: Food service distribution in the Europe Beef Market involves supplying beef products to restaurants, hotels, catering services, and other food service establishments. This distribution channel plays a crucial role in meeting the demand for beef in the hospitality industry, offering bulk quantities of beef products tailored to the needs of commercial kitchens. Trends include the increasing demand for pre-cooked and value-added beef products, as well as the adoption of sustainable sourcing practices by food service distributors.

• Direct-to-Consumer: Direct-to-consumer channels in the Europe Beef Market involve selling beef products directly from producers to consumers without intermediaries. This distribution model allows consumers to purchase beef products directly from farms, ranches, or online platforms, bypassing traditional retail channels. Trends include the rise of farm-to-table initiatives, online farmer’s markets, and the growing demand for traceable and locally sourced beef products among consumers seeking transparency and quality assurance.

Report Scope

Competitive Landscape – Europe Beef Market

The European Beef Market is highly competitive, with a large number of manufacturers and retailers operating in Europe. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Danish Crown A/S
• JBS Europe
• ABP Food Group
• Vion Food Group
• Dawn Meats Group
• OSI Group LLC
• Hilton Food Group plc
• Tönnies Group
• Westfleisch SCE mbH
• El Pozo Alimentación S.A.
• Kepak Group
• Cranswick plc
• Charal
• Irish Country Meats
• Bigard Group
• Others

These companies operate in the market through various strategies such as product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships.

New players entering the Europe Beef Market are leveraging innovation and development to establish their presence. Companies like Farmison & Co., MuscleFood, and Crowd Cow are adopting technology-driven approaches such as online platforms, direct-to-consumer models, and sustainable sourcing practices to disrupt traditional market dynamics.

However, key players dominating the market include established beef producers and distributors such as Danish Crown, JBS Europe, and ABP Food Group. These companies hold significant market share due to their extensive networks, diversified product portfolios, strong brand reputation, and adherence to quality and safety standards.

The Europe Beef Market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Grass-fed Beef
• Grain-fed Beef
• Organic Beef
• Conventional Beef

By Cuts and Products

• Steaks
• Roasts
• Ground Beef
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Traditional Retail
• Online Retail
• Food Service Distribution
• Direct-to-Consumer

Regional Coverage:

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe