TEHRAN – Iran's meat and protein industry is experiencing significant growth across the country, with 169 active members in the industry association, 79 of whom operate outside the capital, a senior official said.

 

Dr. Masoud Rasouli, Secretary of the Iranian Meat and Protein Industry Association, said the sector now employs approximately 40,000 personnel directly, with a total workforce of nearly 100,000 people.

 

According to the official, the annual production and packaging capacity for red meat stands at around 800,000 tons. In the poultry sector, licenses have been issued for 1.1 million tons of capacity, while domestic consumption reaches about 3 million tons—indicating a clear need for further expansion.

 

"Currently, only three provinces lack red meat and poultry production and packaging units. The rest of the country has established such facilities, and the culture of using packaged meat products is taking root," Rasouli said.

 

The secretary noted that the meat industry is one of the few sectors where installed capacity remains below domestic demand, emphasizing the need for further development and planning.

 

He also highlighted the association's scientific activities, saying the first-ever Scientific Congress of the Meat Industry was held at the IRIB Conference Center, and the second edition will take place in December this year.