Australian cured meat industry faces health-conscious shift

Australia’s cured meat and smallgoods manufacturing industry is experiencing modest growth despite health-conscious consumers turning away from processed meats, according to a new industry report.

The industry, worth $5.4 billion in 2025, has grown by supporting stable domestic demand and a premiumisation trend that has allowed producers to increase unit prices.

However, consumption of processed meats fell more than 12 per cent from 2019 to 2024, attributed to growing health awareness and concerns about links between processed meat consumption and health risks including cancer and heart disease.

The World Health Organisation’s classification of processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens has also influenced public perception, according to the IBISWorld report released on Monday.

Despite the consumption decline, manufacturers have managed to pass on higher input costs for meat, energy and packaging to consumers where possible, supporting revenue growth.

The industry employs 9,054 people across 210 businesses, with major players including JBS Australia, George Weston Foods and D’Orsogna.

Looking ahead, the market is expected to grow over the next five years as demand increases, though health concerns continue to challenge traditional consumption patterns.

Picture: credit IBISWorld