Ham Market

Global Ham Market Size (2024 to 2032)

As per our analysis report, the global ham market is expected to reach USD 49.39 billion by 2032 from USD 35 billion in 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% during the forecast timeline.

Ham is a pork meat that is obtained from a pig’s hind leg or thigh. It is a popular meat item worldwide. It is consumed and prepared in a variety of forms, such as cured, smoked, or cooked. Ham meat has a unique flavor and taste with a distinctive texture. It is available in both fresh and processed form. It is usually used in sandwiches, burgers, salads, and soups. Overall, there are different varieties of ham available; the most commonly consumed is fresh ham, which is uncured and uncooked and has to be cooked before consumption. Others include cured ham, city ham, Country ham, smoked ham, canned ham, Prosciutto, and Iberian Ham. Along with its texture and flavor, ham is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals such as iron and zinc. However, it also contains high levels of sodium and fat.

The surge in health-conscious consumers and the shifting preference for lean fat has caused a demand for ham products containing low levels of sodium, nitrate, and unsaturated fats. Therefore, by implementing advanced technology and food processing techniques, manufacturers can significantly reduce the sodium content and minimize the presence of saturated fats. Utilizing leaner cuts of pork and opting for more natural flavor enhancers like herbs, spices, and marinades can preserve the taste profile while aligning with the health and nutritional profile. Moreover, by reducing additives and preservatives and adopting more natural curing agents or exploring innovative preservation methods, manufacturers can maintain the product's freshness without compromising the quality. Hence, manufacturers can leverage these opportunities to align with the consumer needs to increase the ham market share.

Global Ham Market Drivers

One of the significant driving factors for the ham market is the increasing demand for processed meat products, primarily due to convenience and ease of preparation. Among the wide range of processed meats, ham is always a popular processed meat, which is used in preparing various dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The demand for processed ham meat is escalating due to consumers' fast-paced and hectic lifestyles. Processed ham meat requires minimal cooking along with nutritional benefits, which aligns with busy schedules and is suitable for individuals who seek quick, easy, and satisfying meals. Processed ham, over the years, has gained popularity because of the versatility it offers. Moreover, processed ham meat is affordable, which makes it an ideal choice for price-conscious consumers who want nutrition on a budget. Hence, the increased demand for processed meat has led to an increase in the ham market size.

In addition, the growth and expansion of the food service industry has driven the ham market share. As this industry is experiencing rapid expansion, ham emerges as a popular ingredient in restaurants, cafes, and catering services. Its versatility and unique flavor made ham an indispensable component in various dishes, such as pizzas, salads, and burgers. The texture and

Savory enhances both taste and visual appeal, therefore making it an important element in dishes. Thus, the expanding food service business has exponentially given rise to the ham market size. Furthermore, the rise in consumer disposable income also plays a significant role in ham market growth and expansion, and the increase in spending and purchasing power has propelled the demand for processed meat products like ham. Also, its popularity across various age groups and its presence in various dishes further led to the increased ham market size.

Global Ham Market Restraints

Increasing health and nutrition awareness is one of the restraining factors affecting the ham market share, as processed meat like ham contains high levels of sodium, saturated fats, and nitrites, which creates a concern for health-conscious consumers. Elevated level of sodium causes high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney failure. Consumers are getting inclined to prioritize leaner protein sources with better nutritional profiles. This shift in preference has led to a decline in the consumption of ham processed meat. As a result, the ham market is facing challenges to expand its market and make it appealing to health-conscious consumers. Hence, the high level of sodium, saturated fats, and nitrites caused a decline in the ham market share. Also, the rise in veganism and inclination towards vegetarian diets has led to consumers' shift towards a plant-based diet. With the growing awareness of animal welfare, many consumers are demanding plant-based substitutes, and this has affected the ham market size.

REPORT COVERAGE

This research report on the global ham market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on form, product, application, distribution channel, and region.

Global Ham Market By Form

• Fresh
• Frozen

Based on the form, the ham market is divided into fresh and frozen; the frozen segment accounted for the highest market share since frozen ham is widely used due to its convenience and longer shelf life. At the same time, the fresh segment has significant growth over the forecasted period because of its freshness and nutritional quality.

Global Ham Market By Product

• Air Dried Cured Hams
• Smoked Hams

Based on the product type, the ham market is divided into air-dried cured ham and smoked hams. Air-dried cured ham is leading with the highest market share, as air-dried cured ham has low sodium and unsaturated fat, and also because of the growing popularity of charcuterie, which is a famous dish and involves cured meat as one of the main ingredients.

Global Ham Market By Applications

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Independent Retailers
• Convenience Stores
• Specialist Retailers
• Online Retailers

Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate and have the highest market share, as supermarkets and hypermarkets provide convenience and also provide a wide range of products with competitive prices. Independent retailers segment is deemed to hit the highest CAGR in the near future. The convenience store has significant market growth in the forecasted period, as convenience store offers easy and quick purchases due to its presence in large numbers. Specialist retailers are subjected to steady growth as they sell a specific product. Online retailers have a low market share because they are still growing and are expected to emerge in the coming years.

Global Ham Market By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

Based on the distribution channel, the ham market is divided into online and offline channels. The offline segment has the highest market share since offline stores are convenient for consumers to shop and provide a wide range of options, with the presence of well-known brands. The online segment has significant growth in the forecasted period due to digitalization.

Global Ham Market By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

The North American segment accounted for the highest market share because of the increasing demand for processed ham, as it offers convenience and is easy to prepare. Most consumers in countries like the United States and Canada have a busy life, and processed meat like ham offers convenience with high nutritional value. Europe has the largest market share, following North America, because of high disposable income, which is leading to increasing spending on food. Asia Pacific is forecasted to have significant growth in the forecasted period because of rising urbanization and shifts in food preferences and patterns, especially in countries like China and Japan; people are consuming processed ham meat in the form of salads and burgers. Also, the increasing population is another major factor that is leading to increased demand for food. Latin America has steady growth due to the popularity of foreign cuisines in Latin America, which is driving the demand for ham. The Middle East and Africa have a low market share as compared to other regions.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Major Key Players in the global ham market are the Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC, Honey Glazed Ham Co. Ltd., Plumrose USA, Gordon Food Service, Bacon Barn, Berks Packing Co., Broadoak Farm, Kaczanowski & Co, Glen Aine Foods, Dukeshill Ham Company Lt, Ketto Online Ventures Pvt Ltd, Sikorskis, Wessex Country Gammons, JBS, WH Group Limited, The Kraft Heinz Company, Tyson Foods, Inc., Perdue Farms Inc, Hormel Foods Corporation., OSI Group, Seaboard Corporation, Grandi Salumifici Italiani, Fresh Mark, Inc.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

• In August 2023, The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) granted certification to Portuguese producer Rodrigo Duarte's brand, Puro Alentejano Iberian Hog, allowing it to manufacture and distribute its products within the United States market.
• In July 2022, Shinsegae Food entered the international alternative meat sector by introducing a novel plant-based canned ham. This ham is made from soybean protein and plant oil and contains substantial dietary fiber content. Also, it is free from sodium nitrite, an additive commonly found in processed meats.