Summary

In the heart of South America, the meat snacks market is growing rapidly, becoming a dynamic and integral part of the region’s snack industry. Originating from the region's rich culinary traditions, meat snacks like jerky, salami, and biltong have evolved from simple preserved meats to a diverse array of flavorful, high-protein snack options. Over the years, the market has expanded significantly, driven by increasing demand for convenient, protein-rich snacks that align with modern, on-the-go lifestyles. The production of meat snacks in South America typically involves beef, pork, and sometimes exotic meats, which are cured, smoked, or dried using traditional methods passed down through generations. With advancements in food technology, manufacturers now use sophisticated dehydration and refrigeration processes to ensure the snacks are shelf-stable while retaining their nutritional value. Additionally, modern food preservation techniques such as vacuum sealing and high-pressure processing (HPP) have made meat snacks safer and longer-lasting without compromising taste or texture. The industry also benefits from strict quality control measures and certifications such as ISO, HACCP, and local food safety regulations that ensure products meet international standards. These certifications help maintain consumer confidence, particularly in export markets. Several factors, including the rising trend towards high-protein diets, changing consumer preferences, and the popularity of low-carb options, have significantly impacted the meat snacks market. Government initiatives supporting local producers, such as agricultural subsidies and trade agreements, have bolstered growth, making South American meat snacks not only a regional favorite but also a competitive player in the global market. The rise of e-commerce and digital marketing strategies has also opened new avenues for consumer engagement, driving sales and brand recognition across the continent.

According to the research report "South America Meat Snacks Market Outlook, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the South America Meat Snacks market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 1.89 Billion by 2030. This expansion is fueled by a confluence of factors, including shifting consumer lifestyles, rising disposable incomes, and a burgeoning demand for convenient, protein-rich snacks. The region's dynamic food processing industry has been pivotal in meeting this demand, with companies like BRF in Brazil reporting exceptional performance in early 2025, achieving a 15% increase in net profit compared to the previous year. Technological advancements in meat processing and preservation have enabled manufacturers to introduce a diverse array of products, from traditional beef jerky to innovative meat sticks and pickled sausages, catering to varied taste preferences. Marketing strategies have evolved to emphasize the health benefits of meat snacks, highlighting attributes such as high protein content, low fat, and the absence of artificial additives. This aligns with the global trend towards clean-label and organic products, with consumers increasingly seeking transparency in ingredient sourcing and production methods. The pricing of meat snacks remains competitive, making them accessible across different income groups, while premium options are available for those seeking gourmet experiences. Consumer adaptability is evident as traditional eating habits evolve, with more individuals embracing on-the-go snacking solutions that align with busy lifestyles. Opportunities in the market are abundant, particularly with the expansion of distribution channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail platforms, ensuring widespread availability of meat snacks across South America. Additionally, the region's strong meat production capabilities, exemplified by Argentina's record beef exports and recent authorization of live cattle exports after a five-decade prohibition, provide a solid foundation for sustained growth in the meat snacks sector.


Market Drivers

• Strong Meat Consumption Culture: South America has one of the highest per capita meat consumption rates in the world, with countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay leading the way. The region's strong barbecue (asado) tradition and preference for meat-based diets create a natural demand for processed and snackable meat products. Consumers are increasingly embracing dried, smoked, and cured meat snacks, particularly in urban areas where convenience foods are growing in popularity. This cultural affinity for meat provides a solid foundation for the meat snack industry to expand.
• Rising Awareness of Protein-Rich Diets: The increasing focus on fitness and nutrition has driven demand for protein-rich snacks in South America. With growing health consciousness, consumers are shifting towards lean protein options like beef jerky and biltong as alternatives to traditional carbohydrate-heavy snacks. The influence of global diet trends, such as keto and paleo, is also playing a role in boosting sales. Additionally, professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts are driving demand for high-protein, low-fat snack options to support muscle recovery and active lifestyles.

Market Challenges

• Price Sensitivity Among Consumers: Many South American consumers prioritize affordability when selecting food products, which can pose a challenge for premium meat snacks. High-quality meat jerky, artisanal cured meats, and imported brands often come with higher price points that may not be accessible to the average consumer. Economic fluctuations, inflation, and uneven purchasing power across the region make affordability a key factor influencing purchasing decisions. To address this, manufacturers must balance cost-effective production with maintaining product quality.
• Supply Chain and Export Barriers: Meat snack manufacturers in South America face regulatory and logistical hurdles when it comes to international trade. Trade policies, tariffs, and export restrictions impact the movement of meat-based products, particularly in countries with strict sanitary and safety regulations. Additionally, inefficiencies in transportation and storage infrastructure can create distribution challenges, particularly in remote areas. Overcoming these barriers requires investment in efficient supply chains and compliance with international food safety standards.
Market Trends

• Use of Native Meat Sources: South American meat snack producers are leveraging the region’s rich biodiversity by incorporating native and exotic meats into their products. Traditional meats like beef and pork remain dominant, but alternatives such as llama (Peru and Bolivia), wild boar (Argentina), and capybara (Brazil) are gaining attention. These unique meat sources cater to consumers seeking regional authenticity and distinctive flavors. Additionally, the use of grass-fed and free-range meats aligns with global sustainability trends.
• Growing Presence of Local and Artisanal Brands: The rise of small-scale, locally owned meat snack brands is shaping the market in South America. Artisanal producers are focusing on traditional curing techniques, handcrafted methods, and unique spice blends to differentiate themselves from mass-market products. Consumers are showing a preference for locally made, preservative-free, and naturally smoked meat snacks. Farmers' markets, specialty food stores, and online platforms are becoming key channels for these artisanal brands to reach health-conscious and premium-seeking customers.


Bars are growing the fastest in South America’s meat snacks market because they align with consumers' need for convenient, high-protein nutrition in a portable format.

In South America, consumers are increasingly looking for quick and nutritious snacks that fit into their busy lifestyles. Meat bars offer a compact, easy-to-carry solution packed with protein, making them ideal for people on the go. Unlike traditional jerky or sticks, bars provide a softer texture, making them easier to chew and consume without additional preparation. This appeals to a broader audience, including younger consumers and those looking for a snack that requires minimal effort. The growing fitness and health-conscious population in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile is also driving demand for meat bars, as they provide sustained energy and essential nutrients without artificial additives. Many brands now use lean meat sources such as beef and poultry to create bars rich in protein and amino acids, which help with muscle recovery and overall nutrition. Additionally, meat bars incorporate functional ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, enhancing their appeal as balanced, nutrient-dense snacks. The influence of North American and European food trends has also played a role, as many international brands are entering South America with innovative, high-quality meat bar products. Supermarkets and specialty health stores have increased their shelf space for protein bars, making them more accessible to consumers. Moreover, advancements in processing technology have improved the shelf life and texture of meat bars, eliminating the need for excessive preservatives while maintaining their freshness.
Pork is a significant source in South America’s meat snacks market because it is widely consumed, affordable, and deeply rooted in the region’s culinary culture.

South America has a long-standing tradition of pork consumption, especially in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, where it is a staple in many local dishes. Pork is an essential ingredient in various cured and dried meat products, making it a natural choice for meat snacks. The availability of high-quality pork at a relatively lower cost compared to beef allows manufacturers to produce affordable yet flavorful meat snacks. The meat’s high-fat content contributes to a rich taste and tender texture, making it particularly appealing for snacks such as pork jerky, chicharrón, and meat bars. The growing demand for high-protein, keto-friendly, and low-carb diets has also increased the popularity of pork-based snacks. Pork offers a high protein-to-fat ratio, making it an ideal source of energy for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, pork-based meat snacks benefit from modern preservation techniques such as slow curing, smoking, and air-drying, which enhance their shelf life without compromising quality. With the rise of gourmet and artisanal meat snacks, pork products infused with local spices and traditional seasonings have gained traction, catering to consumers seeking authentic and flavorful snacking options. The expansion of supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers has further boosted the accessibility of pork-based snacks.

Organic meat snacks are growing the fastest in South America because of rising health awareness, environmental concerns, and increasing disposable income among consumers.

In South America, more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of organic food, including meat snacks. Consumers are actively seeking products that are free from synthetic hormones, antibiotics, and artificial preservatives, driving demand for organic options. Many people believe that organic meat offers better nutritional value and fewer harmful residues, making it a preferred choice for health-conscious buyers. Additionally, environmental concerns are playing a major role in this shift. South Americans are becoming more mindful of sustainable farming practices, and organic meat production aligns with their growing preference for ethical sourcing. Organic livestock farming avoids synthetic chemicals, promotes better animal welfare, and reduces environmental impact, which resonates with eco-conscious consumers. The rising middle class and increasing disposable income also make it easier for people to afford premium organic products, even though they tend to be more expensive than conventional meat snacks. Government initiatives and certifications are further supporting the organic meat sector by ensuring product authenticity and educating consumers about its benefits. Supermarkets and specialty stores are expanding their organic snack sections, making these products more accessible. The influence of global trends, including clean-label eating and plant-based diets, has also encouraged South Americans to opt for organic meat snacks, viewing them as a more natural and responsible choice.

Convenience stores and grocery stores are significant sales channels for meat snacks in South America because they offer widespread accessibility, impulse purchase opportunities, and a trusted shopping environment.

In South America, convenience stores and grocery stores serve as the primary shopping destinations for daily essentials, including snacks. Many consumers prefer purchasing meat snacks from these stores because they provide an immediate and reliable source for fresh and packaged food products. Unlike online retail, which requires waiting for delivery, physical stores allow shoppers to quickly grab meat snacks while running errands or fueling up at gas stations. Convenience stores are strategically located in urban and semi-urban areas, making them ideal for impulse purchases, especially for on-the-go consumers looking for quick, high-protein snacks. Supermarkets and grocery chains also play a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences by offering a variety of meat snack options in dedicated snack aisles, ensuring better visibility and product availability. These stores provide a sense of trust, as consumers can inspect product quality, compare brands, and take advantage of promotional discounts. Additionally, many local grocery stores offer traditional and artisanal meat snacks, catering to regional tastes and preferences. The expansion of retail infrastructure across South America, including the rise of mini-markets and express stores, has further strengthened this sales channel. With urbanization and changing shopping habits, consumers are increasingly looking for convenience, and these retail outlets provide an easy way to discover and purchase meat snacks without changing their usual shopping routines.


Brazil leads the South American meat snacks market because of its strong meat industry, high consumption rates, and well-developed retail distribution network.

Brazil is one of the largest meat producers in the world, with a thriving beef, pork, and poultry industry that supports a wide range of meat-based products. The country’s well-established meat supply chain ensures a steady and cost-effective raw material source for meat snack manufacturers. Brazilians have a deep-rooted meat-eating culture, reflected in traditional barbecue-style cuisine such as churrasco, which makes meat-based snacks a natural extension of their dietary habits. The demand for protein-rich snacks is rising, particularly among fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals, and young consumers looking for convenient, high-protein food options. The influence of global health trends has also driven interest in premium meat snacks, including grass-fed beef jerky and organic options. Brazil’s extensive supermarket, hypermarket, and convenience store networks provide excellent distribution channels for meat snacks, making them easily accessible to urban and rural consumers. International and local brands benefit from Brazil’s retail expansion, which ensures that meat snacks are widely available across different income segments. Additionally, the country’s growing e-commerce sector has boosted online sales of meat snacks, with many brands using digital platforms to reach younger, tech-savvy consumers. While economic fluctuations and price sensitivity remain challenges, Brazil’s large consumer base and strong meat-processing industry continue to drive market leadership.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Meat Snacks Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Jerky
• Sticks & Strips
• Sausages
• Bars
• Others (Chunks, Bites, Chips, Flakes, Broths, Pâtés)

By Source
• Beef
• Pork
• Poultry
• Lamb & Goat
• Others(Salmon & Other Seafood, Exotic Meats (Venison, Bison, Others)

By Sales Channel
• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores & Grocery Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Retailers
• Others(Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), Airport & Travel Retail)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


***Please Note: It will take 48 hours (2 Business days) for delivery of the report upon order confirmation.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary
2. Market Dynamics
2.1. Market Drivers & Opportunities
2.2. Market Restraints & Challenges
2.3. Market Trends
2.3.1. XXXX
2.3.2. XXXX
2.3.3. XXXX
2.3.4. XXXX
2.3.5. XXXX
2.4. Supply chain Analysis
2.5. Policy & Regulatory Framework
2.6. Industry Experts Views
3. Research Methodology
3.1. Secondary Research
3.2. Primary Data Collection
3.3. Market Formation & Validation
3.4. Report Writing, Quality Check & Delivery
4. Market Structure
4.1. Market Considerate
4.2. Assumptions
4.3. Limitations
4.4. Abbreviations
4.5. Sources
4.6. Definitions
5. Economic /Demographic Snapshot
6. South America Meat Snacks Market Outlook
6.1. Market Size By Value
6.2. Market Share By Country
6.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Product Type
6.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Source
6.5. Market Size and Forecast, By Nature
6.6. Market Size and Forecast, By Sales Channel
6.7. Brazil Meat Snacks Market Outlook
6.7.1. Market Size by Value
6.7.2. Market Size and Forecast By Product Type
6.7.3. Market Size and Forecast By Source
6.7.4. Market Size and Forecast By Sales Channel
6.8. Argentina Meat Snacks Market Outlook
6.8.1. Market Size by Value
6.8.2. Market Size and Forecast By Product Type
6.8.3. Market Size and Forecast By Source
6.8.4. Market Size and Forecast By Sales Channel
6.9. Colombia Meat Snacks Market Outlook
6.9.1. Market Size by Value
6.9.2. Market Size and Forecast By Product Type
6.9.3. Market Size and Forecast By Source
6.9.4. Market Size and Forecast By Sales Channel
7. Competitive Landscape
7.1. Competitive Dashboard
7.2. Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players
7.3. Key Players Market Positioning Matrix
7.4. Porter's Five Forces
7.5. Company Profile
7.5.1. Link Snacks, Inc.
7.5.1.1. Company Snapshot
7.5.1.2. Company Overview
7.5.1.3. Financial Highlights
7.5.1.4. Geographic Insights
7.5.1.5. Business Segment & Performance
7.5.1.6. Product Portfolio
7.5.1.7. Key Executives
7.5.1.8. Strategic Moves & Developments
7.5.2. Tillamook Country Smoker
7.5.3. Johnsonville, LLC
7.5.4. KOIKE-YA Inc.
7.5.5. Tyson Foods, Inc
8. Strategic Recommendations
9. Annexure
9.1. FAQ`s
9.2. Notes
9.3. Related Reports
10. Disclaimer
.

List of Figures

Figure 1: Global Meat Snacks Market Size (USD Billion) By Region, 2024& 2030
Figure 2: Market attractiveness Index, By Region 2030
Figure 3: Market attractiveness Index, By Segment 2030
Figure 4: South America Meat Snacks Market Size By Value (2019, 2024& 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 5: South America Meat Snacks Market Share By Country (2024)
Figure 6: Brazil Meat Snacks Market Size By Value (2019, 2024& 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 7: Argentina Meat Snacks Market Size By Value (2019, 2024& 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 8: Colombia Meat Snacks Market Size By Value (2019, 2024& 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 9: Porter's Five Forces of Global Meat Snacks Market


List of Tables

Table 1: Global Meat Snacks Market Snapshot, By Segmentation (2024& 2030) (in USD Billion)
Table 2: Influencing Factors for Meat Snacks Market, 2024
Table 3: Top 10 Counties Economic Snapshot 2022
Table 4: Economic Snapshot of Other Prominent Countries 2022
Table 5: Average Exchange Rates for Converting Foreign Currencies into U.S. Dollars
Table 6: South America Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast, By Product Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 7: South America Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast, By Source (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 8: South America Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast, By Nature (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 9: South America Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast, By Sales Channel (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 10: Brazil Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast By Product Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 11: Brazil Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast By Source (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 12: Brazil Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast By Sales Channel (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 13: Argentina Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast By Product Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 14: Argentina Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast By Source (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 15: Argentina Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast By Sales Channel (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 16: Colombia Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast By Product Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 17: Colombia Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast By Source (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 18: Colombia Meat Snacks Market Size and Forecast By Sales Channel (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 19: Competitive Dashboard of top 5 players, 2024