Meat Processing in the Netherlands - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2030)

The Meat Processing and Preserving industry in Europe has faced several challenges over the past five years despite receiving government support. Over the five years through 2025, revenue is forecast to inch upwards at a compound annual rate of 1.1%. Europe’s meat sector faces mounting pressure from shifting demand, tighter supply, and rising costs. Health and sustainability concerns are eroding red meat consumption, while plant-based alternatives grew fivefold between 2011 and 2023. Southern markets such as Spain and Portugal remain culturally attached to meat, but Northern Europe is shifting faster towards alternatives. Affordability has become the decisive factor. With living costs high, consumers are trading down to pork and poultry, valued for versatility and relative affordability. Even wealthier households are cutting back, squeezing processor margins and weakening demand for premium cuts.Exports now provide a buffer. In Q1 2025, the EU shipped 1.12 million tonnes of pigmeat worth €3.14 billion (+3% volume, +2.7% value), with China and the UK as top buyers, Eurostat notes. But beef is retreating: output is forecast to fall 1.3% in 2025 while imports from Brazil and Argentina rise. Adding to pressures, processors face herd contraction, labour shortages, and high energy costs, pushing many to invest in automation, renewables, and value-added lines to protect profitability. In 2025, revenue is expected to dip 0.7% to €376.3 billion while profit is expected to reach 5.1% of revenue, a drop from 5.8% in 2020 thanks to cost pressures. Looking ahead, Europe’s meat processors face a challenging landscape. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is slated to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.3% to €442.3 billion, and profit is expected to reach 7.5% of revenue. The looming shadow of eco-consciousness will stifle meat demand, with the OECD projecting EU per-capita consumption will fall by 1.6 kg by 2035. Faced with swelling competition from alternative proteins, traditional meat processors will seek innovative strategies to retain market share. Still, meat's engrained cultural value in European societies will offer some relief. Traditional meals, culinary heritage involving meat and strong demand for locally-sourced produce will serve to protect meat processors’ sales over the coming years. Supply chains face added pressure from regulation. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective December 2025, will require geolocation tracking for all beef and leather holdings, with non-compliance risking fines of up to 4% of turnover. Meanwhile, the new EU packaging law adds costs, requiring recyclable formats and higher recycled content. Despite the subdued outlook, opportunities remain. The CAP 2025 reform shifts subsidies towards smallholders and young farmers while tightening import standards, creating cost risks for scale players but potentially strengthening rural networks.