Meat and seafood market in India- statistics & facts
From farms to supermarket shelves, the Indian meat and seafood market is at a crossroads of tradition and innovation. Despite India being one of the leading meat producers worldwide, the world’s highest percentage of vegetarian consumers are Indians, at 25 percent of the population. In comparison, other countries sit below 10 percent.
However, a large portion of the population has consumed meat in one form or another. Nagaland, West Bengal, and Kerala have the highest share of meat consumers compared to the rest of the country. Poultry is the fastest growing meat segment because of its affordability and cultural acceptance. Even though the domestic meat market is dominated by poultry, buffalo meat drives the country's meat exports.
More recently, the sector has gradually shifted towards organized retail as some online meat delivery brands have replaced the services of traditional, unorganized meat markets. Licious and Fresh to Home have revolutionized the market by offering a variety of products for meat and seafood products, offering quality assurance, a user-friendly experience, and timely deliveries.
Not only does the seafood market play an important role in the Indian economy but it also provides employment opportunities across the coastal region. For instance, Andhra Pradesh is a major production center for shrimp farming. Moreover, fish is a staple food for many coastal areas due to its easy availability and low cost. Seafood consumption has increased in other regions due to changes in the health and lifestyle of consumers.
India's meat and seafood industry is expected to grow further, supported by technological advancements, shifts in consumer demand, and expanding global trade prospects
However, a large portion of the population has consumed meat in one form or another. Nagaland, West Bengal, and Kerala have the highest share of meat consumers compared to the rest of the country. Poultry is the fastest growing meat segment because of its affordability and cultural acceptance. Even though the domestic meat market is dominated by poultry, buffalo meat drives the country's meat exports.
Major shifts in the meat market
The unorganized retail sector accounts for three-fourths of the meat market. The demand for organized and processed meat is likely to increase due to growing urbanization and increasing income levels. Processed meat products such as sausages, ready-to-eat meals, and frozen meat are popular among urban dwellers. However, locally sourced raw meat such as chicken, mutton, pork, and beef is usually preferred by Indian consumers because it is fresh.More recently, the sector has gradually shifted towards organized retail as some online meat delivery brands have replaced the services of traditional, unorganized meat markets. Licious and Fresh to Home have revolutionized the market by offering a variety of products for meat and seafood products, offering quality assurance, a user-friendly experience, and timely deliveries.
Seafood surge in India
With its plentiful water bodies and a coastline spanning over 7,000 kilometers, it comes as no surprise that India is one of the leading aquaculture producers in the world, next to China. As internal demand for seafood continues to rise, the market has experienced not just an increase in production but also a boost in revenue. Additionally, the higher seafood production has resulted in India emerging as a leading exporter of marine products globally.Not only does the seafood market play an important role in the Indian economy but it also provides employment opportunities across the coastal region. For instance, Andhra Pradesh is a major production center for shrimp farming. Moreover, fish is a staple food for many coastal areas due to its easy availability and low cost. Seafood consumption has increased in other regions due to changes in the health and lifestyle of consumers.
India's meat and seafood industry is expected to grow further, supported by technological advancements, shifts in consumer demand, and expanding global trade prospects
