Vietnam’s Meat Market 2026: Data, Scandals, Risks, and Key Players

Vietnam’s meat market is one of the fastest-growing segments of the country’s food industry, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, and changing dietary preferences.

While pork remains the dominant protein, demand for poultry, beef, and processed meat products is increasing, particularly among younger consumers and in urban centres.

Domestic production is substantial, but Vietnam still relies on imports for certain high-quality cuts, offal, and processed meat inputs, creating opportunities for foreign suppliers.

However, the market is shaped by fluctuating input costs, evolving food safety regulations, and strong competition from both local and international brands.

Trade agreements and shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and health-conscious products are expected to further reshape the sector in the coming years.

Section 1: Vietnam meat industry overview

This section provides an overview of Vietnam’s meat industry, highlighting market size, growth trends, consumption patterns, and its position in the global context.

Vietnam’s meat market

There are a multitude of market reports with varied assessments of the size of Vietnam’s meat market. These include:

Statista

Vietnam’s meat market is valued at US$12.3 billion in 2025, with projected annual growth of 8.76 percent through 2030, according to data collated by Statista.

Per capita revenue stands at US$121.04, with average consumption of 16.7 kg per person.

Market volume is expected to reach 2.21 billion kg by 2030, with a 6 percent increase in 2026.

Research and Markets

The Vietnam meat market was worth US$7.75 billion in 2024 and projected to reach US$10.45 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.17 percent, according to a report from Research and Markets.

This was driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, shifting diets, and the growth of fast food, online delivery, and value-added products, despite supply chain and infrastructure challenges, according to the report.

imarc

Vietnam’s meat market, valued at US$5.7 billion in 2024, is forecast to grow to US$8.7 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 4.78 percent, according to a report from imarc.

This is being driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, shifting diets, a booming foodservice sector, expanding trade agreements, and greater health and nutrition awareness, the report says.

Vietnam meat imports

Vietnam’s meat imports supplement domestic production, meeting demand for premium cuts, off-season supply, and products not widely produced locally.

Vietnam meat imports, US$000s

*Data based on the partner-reported data

Source: Trade Map

Meat production in Vietnam

Vietnam’s meat production is regionally specialised, with different areas focusing on pork, poultry, beef, and specialty meats to serve domestic demand and export markets.

Pork

Pork farming is concentrated in the Red River Delta provinces such as Hanoi, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, and Bac Giang, which supply nearby urban markets. 

The Southeast region, particularly Dong Nai and Binh Duong, also has large-scale farms supplying Ho Chi Minh City and export markets.

See also: Pork in Vietnam: Market Trends, Imports, and Key Players

Poultry

Poultry farming is prominent in the Mekong Delta provinces of Dong Thap, Tien Giang, and Long An, where chickens and ducks are raised using abundant feed resources and waterways. 

The northern midlands and mountains, such as Phu Tho and Bac Giang, also have significant broiler and layer production.

See also: Chicken in Vietnam: Market Trends, Imports, and Key Players

Beef & dairy cattle

Beef and dairy cattle farming is concentrated in the Central Highlands provinces of Lam Dong and Gia Lai, which offer a cooler climate suitable for grazing. 

The Northwest highlands, such as Son La and Hoa Binh, also have pasture-based cattle raising.

See also: Beef in Vietnam: Market Trends, Imports, and Key Players

Specialty meats

Specialty meats like frog and duck are produced at scale in the Mekong Delta, especially in An Giang and Can Tho, with a portion targeting export markets.

Popular meat products in Vietnam

Vietnam’s popular meat products include pork cuts such as belly, shoulder, and ribs; poultry like chicken thighs, wings, and duck; beef cuts including brisket, shank, and short ribs; and specialty meats such as frog, goat, and quail. 

Processed items like sausages, meatballs, and cured pork are also widely consumed.

Some of the more popular products include:

Pork belly

The most sought-after pork cut thanks to its alternating layers of fat and meat. Used in dishes like thit kho tau (caramelised pork with eggs), grilled skewers, and hotpot. Often slow-braised to enhance tenderness and flavour.

Pork shoulder

A versatile, moderately fatty cut ideal for braising, mincing, or roasting. Frequently used in pork patties for banh mi or sliced thin for stir-fried noodle dishes.

Pork ribs

Small and meaty, perfect for sweet-and-sour rib dishes, slow-simmered soups with vegetables, or grilled with a lemongrass marinade.

Chicken thighs

More flavourful than chicken breast, they are commonly marinated and grilled, simmered in ginger broth, or stir-fried with fish sauce and chilli.

Chicken wings

A street food favourite, often deep-fried or grilled with honey glaze, soy sauce, or fermented bean paste.

Duck meat

Dark, fatty meat with a rich flavour. Roast duck (vit quay) is popular in urban markets, while braised duck with bamboo shoots (vit nau mang) is a rustic northern speciality.

Section 2: Key players in Vietnam’s meat market

This section provides an overview of the major local and foreign companies shaping Vietnam’s meat production, processing, and distribution landscape.

Vietnamese meat companies

Vietnamese meat companies play a central role in supplying the domestic market, ranging from large-scale integrated producers to specialised processors serving niche segments.

Domestic meat producers in Vietnam

Domestic meat producers in Vietnam include leading agribusiness and food companies with operations spanning livestock farming, slaughtering, processing, and distribution to meet the country’s growing demand for pork, poultry, beef, and other meats.

Masan MEATLife JSC (HOSE: MML)

Produces branded chilled pork and chicken under the MEATDeli label, operating integrated farms and processing plants nationwide.

Dabaco Group (HOSE: DBC)

An agribusiness conglomerate engaged in pork and poultry farming, breeding, processing, and retail distribution.

Vissan JSC

A state-linked enterprise under Satra that produces pork, beef, and a wide range of processed meats.

BaF Vietnam Agriculture JSC (HOSE: BAF)

Focuses on pig farming and meat processing, with recent expansion into retail outlets.

San Ha Co. Ltd.

A southern-based poultry producer supplying fresh chicken and duck products to supermarkets and wet markets.

Foreign meat producers in Vietnam

Foreign meat producers in Vietnam comprise multinational corporations and regional players that have invested in local processing facilities, distribution networks, and partnerships to supply both the domestic market and export destinations.

C.P. Vietnam Corporation

Thai-owned subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Foods, specialising in integrated livestock farming and meat processing.

Japfa Comfeed Vietnam

An Indonesian-owned company producing poultry, pork, and animal feed for domestic and export markets.

CJ Vina Agri

South Korean CJ Group subsidiary engaged in pork, poultry, and processed meat production.

Mavin Group

A joint venture with Australian interests, operating in pig farming, meat processing, and feed production.

JBS S.A. (planned investment)

Brazilian meat giant building two export-oriented processing plants in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.

Section 3: Scandals & risks in Vietnam’s meat industry

Vietnam’s meat market has been marred by scandals in recent years and is embedded with a number of risks.

Meat scandals

Some of the most well-known scandals in Vietnam’s meat market are:

Ha Long Canned Food AFS infected port

The Ha Long Canned Food African Swine Fever (ASF) scandal broke in late 2025 after authorities discovered more than 130 tonnes of pork infected with ASF at facilities linked to the company.

Some of the meat was processed into products such as canned pate using falsified quarantine documents.

Police later arrested the chief executive and quality control staff, prosecuted suppliers and officials accused of issuing forged certificates, and ordered nationwide product withdrawals.

The company lost its food safety certifications and halted production pending the investigation.

Diseased Pork Sold in Hanoi Markets

In mid-2025, authorities uncovered a network in Hanoi selling pork infected with African Swine Fever in restaurants and markets. 

Approximately 4.3 tonnes of contaminated meat and organs were seized, and several individuals were arrested.

Contaminated Brazilian Meat Imports

In 2017, Vietnam banned imports from 21 Brazilian meatpacking plants implicated in exporting rancid meat and bribing health officials. 

Around 3,000 tonnes of meat had already entered Vietnam. Authorities launched increased testing and monitoring of beef imports.

C.P. Vietnam Allegedly Sold Diseased Meat

In 2025, a viral social media post accused C.P. Vietnam of selling pork and chicken with signs of disease. 

While inspections found no contaminated meat, they uncovered expired food safety certificates and procedural lapses at some retail outlets.

Unsafe Practices in Meat Processing

A 2018 raid in Đồng Nai exposed unsafe processing practices, including beef organs being chemically bleached in a facility, raising serious food safety concerns.

Risks in Vietnam’s meat market

There are a number of risks in Vietnam’s meat market, including:

Disease outbreaks & food safety

Threats like African Swine Fever, avian flu, and chemical contamination can lead to mass culling, force shutdown of suppliers, and severely damage consumer confidence.

Regulatory complexity & enforcement gaps

While regulations exist, inconsistent enforcement—especially around slaughterhouse standards, labelling, and certification—creates uncertainty for producers and exporters.

Supply chain weaknesses

Cold chain infrastructure is underdeveloped outside major cities; poor transport and storage systems can lead to spoilage, waste, and safety issues.

Corruption & unofficial practices

Informal payments or kickbacks at customs, inspections, or procurement can disrupt fair competition and complicate market entry for compliant producers—especially foreign firms.

Price volatility & margin pressure

Feed cost fluctuations, volatile supply of live animals, and external shocks (e.g., disease outbreaks or trade bans) create unpredictable input costs and squeeze profit margins.

Trade barriers & certification hurdles

Exporting meat products faces tight quarantine, testing, and trading protocol standards. Failure to meet them often results in rejection at borders or costly rework.

Competition from informal / grey market

Unregulated street vendors and small sellers often undercut formal channels in price, putting pressure on compliant businesses operating under higher overheads.

Consumer perception & demand shifts

Health scares or poor publicity (e.g., diseased meat scandals) can rapidly change consumer behaviour, shifting preferences toward alternative proteins or imported goods.

Section 4: FAQ & Outlook

These are some of the most common questions about the meat market in Vietnam.

How big is Vietnam’s meat market?

Vietnam’s meat market is valued at around US$12.3 billion in 2025, according to Statista.

What are the most popular meat products in Vietnam?

The most popular meat products in Vietnam are pork, chicken, beef, duck, and goat.

Who are the major meat companies in Vietnam?

Major meat companies in Vietnam include Masan MEATLife, DABACO Group, and C.P. Vietnam.

Does Vietnam produce enough meat to meet demand?

Vietnam produces most of its meat domestically but still relies on imports for beef and specialised products.

What are the key challenges facing Vietnam’s meat industry?

Key challenges include food safety concerns, disease outbreaks, supply chain limitations, and competition from imports.

Regional comparison

Vietnam’s meat market is in many ways comparable to that of its neighbours but it also has a few key differences.

Philippines

The Philippines relies more heavily on imports to meet demand than Vietnam, particularly for pork and beef. As a result, its market is shaped by higher exposure to supply chain disruptions.

Both countries face challenges around food safety, infrastructure, and supply chain efficiency.

Indonesia

Vietnam’s meat market is smaller in scale than Indonesia’s, but both share similar growth drivers, including rising incomes, urbanisation, and changing dietary habits. 

Indonesia’s market benefits from a larger population and higher domestic production capacity, while Vietnam relies more on imports to meet demand, particularly for beef and certain processed meat products.

Outlook

Vietnam’s meat market headed into 2026 is expected to grow steadily, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, and changing diets, with pork, poultry, and duck among the most consumed products. 

Major domestic players like Masan MEATLife and Dabaco compete alongside foreign firms such as C.P. Vietnam and Japfa. 

However, the sector faces persistent challenges, including food safety scandals like diseased pork sales, supply chain inefficiencies, and corruption risks. 

Regulatory oversight is improving, but consumer trust remains fragile, and imports continue to play a key role in meeting demand.

All of that is to say, Vietnam’s meat market is dynamic and developing quickly. 

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