Recent rapidly growing interest in protein content has been of particular benefit to the meat snacks market, where many products are naturally high in protein and have made increasing use of high-in-protein or source-of-protein claims. According to Innova Market Insights data, nearly 15% of global meat snacks launches in the 52 weeks to the end of April 2015 used protein claims, rising to more than 50% in the U.S.

“Even prior to the emergence of this enhanced interest in protein, the meat snacks market was showing good growth globally,” according to Lu Ann Williams, director of innovation at Innova Market Insights “reflecting the rising demand for more substantial snacks suitable for eating on the go.”

With a few exceptions, including the U.S. and South Africa, the market remains relatively undeveloped, however. Launch numbers remain small in terms of snacks introductions as a whole, with just 5.5% of the global total in the 52 weeks to the end of March 2015. Total numbers have risen consistently in recent years, however, reflecting ongoing segmentation in more established markets, such as the U.S., as well as greater penetration in non-traditional markets, particularly some of those in Europe.

Asia dominated activity with more than 60% of introductions, mainly as a result of the large number of traditional-style meat snacks being launched in China. North America, primarily the U.S., took second place ahead of Europe, where despite the large number of countries and cuisines involved, the relatively underdeveloped status of the market meant that activity levels were more limited.

Meat snacks are the fourth largest savory snacks category in the U.S. after potato chips, tortilla chips and nuts/trail mixes. The market is dominated by jerky-style products and, despite being relatively mature, has shown good growth in recent years. Manufacturers have updated their product ranges to focus on a healthier image, more convenient packaging formats and a greater choice of increasingly complex flavor options, particularly hot and spicy variants, often with an ethnic twist. There has also been ongoing interest in extending the use of different types of meat beyond the traditional beef and turkey, with launches including chicken and bacon products.

With the underdeveloped status of the meat snacks market outside the U.S. there are clearly further opportunities for growth, particularly if the image of the products can be delivered as tasty, healthy, substantial and convenient snacks for all occasions, boosted by ongoing product and promotional initiatives. “Recent acquisition activity, both in the U.S. and in Europe shows that the industry definitely thinks it is a market with still more potential to come,” Ms. Williams concluded.