This article presents an overview of the 10 Countries That Eat The Most Meat Per Capita Heading Into 2024. For a detailed overview of such countries, read our article, 25 Countries That Eat The Most Meat Per Capita Heading Into 2024.
10. Russia
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 16.41
Russia’s meat consumption in 2022 soared to an all-time high, with a 2.3% increase from 2021, the highest level recorded in the past decade. Notably, pork consumption witnessed the most significant growth, jumping by a remarkable 5.9% compared to the previous year. This marks a record high for pork consumption in Russia over the past 30 years.
9. Canada
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 17.45
Canadians pack away an average of 41 grams of cooked fresh meat, like beef, pork, lamb, or veal, each day. They also enjoy a moderate amount of prepared poultry and red meat, averaging around 28 grams daily, around two slices of deli turkey or ham.
8. United States
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 18.5
The latest USDA forecast reveals a concerning trend in US meat consumption. Based on per capita retail weight, Americans had access to 224.6 pounds of red meat and poultry in 2022 alone. This figure marks a significant 22.5-pound increase over the past decade, highlighting a shift from “access” to “excess.” Unfortunately, the forecast predicts a further rise in 2023, amplifying concerns about this dietary pattern’s potential health and environmental consequences.
7. New Zealand
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 18.63
New Zealand’s red meat industry is vital to the nation’s economic and social well-being. It employs 92,400 people full-time, representing 4.7% of the workforce. This includes 35,700 directly employed within the industry and another 56,700 indirectly benefiting from its growth. The annual exports of red meat contribute a staggering NZ$9.1 billion to the economy, accounting for 15.1% of the total export value across all sectors. This highlights the industry’s immense impact on New Zealand’s prosperity and underlines its crucial role in driving economic growth and creating jobs.
6. Vietnam
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 18.81
Vietnam’s meat consumption is projected to reach 6.5 million metric tons by 2026, a moderate 0.5% increase from 2021. This trend reflects a gradual but consistent rise in demand, with annual growth averaging 0.4% since 2017. Meanwhile, domestic meat production is expected to reach 5.7 million metric tons by 2026, representing a 1.5% increase from 2021 and a steady increase of 1.3% annually since 1966. This suggests that Vietnam’s meat industry is experiencing growth on both the production and consumption fronts.
5. Brazil
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 19.68
Brazil, a major global player in farm animal products, boasts a rich history of meat consumption. This tradition dates back to European colonization when hunting served as indigenous populations’ primary food source, and meat was a vital part of their diet. Today, meat remains a cornerstone of the Brazilian diet, with 57% to 71% of Brazilians enjoying it three or more times per week.
4. Argentina
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 21.78
Argentina’s meat consumption plummeted by 4.8% last year, defying government attempts to bolster the domestic market, particularly the beef sector. This decline came alongside a 6.1% drop in beef production, resulting in 194.1 thousand fewer tonnes compared to 2020. Beef exports also suffered a significant 11.7% decrease, with 797.6 thousand tonnes exported in 2021. Meanwhile, cattle slaughter plummeted by 7.4%, representing a reduction of one million head compared to the previous year. These stark figures point to a significant shift in Argentina’s meat consumption behaviour, with the government’s efforts failing to halt the downward trend.
3. Chile
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 22.77
Chile’s meat consumption is poised to grow by 1% to 1.85 million metric tons by 2026, fueled by steady demand. While domestic production is also projected to rise by 0.9%, reaching 1.65 million metric tons over the same period, the country will likely remain a net meat importer. This trend reflects the growing popularity of protein-rich diets and a burgeoning middle class with increasing disposable income.
2. Australia
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 22.48
While red meat consumption dips, Australians are flocking to poultry, with average consumption soaring to 43.79 kg and projected to reach 45.23 kilograms by 2029. This 20-year poultry boom has seen production double, reaching 1.25 million mt, driven by innovation and efficiency. Notably, the cost of chicken has remained remarkably stable, rising less than half of the Consumer Price Index over the same period, further fueling its popularity.
1. Israel
Average Per Capita Meat Consumption (KG): 23.90
Israelis consumed a staggering 196,000 tons of meat in 2022, significantly exceeding the average of OECD countries. Notably, 26% of this meat comes from animals transported live from abroad, raising ethical concerns and prompting calls for reform. Furthermore, Israeli meat consumption experienced a dramatic surge during Independence Day week, with overall consumption rising by 50% and specific grilling meats seeing a threefold increase. This trend highlights the deeply ingrained cultural significance of meat in Israeli society.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also look at the 10 Best Alternative Meat Stocks to Buy and the 16 Biggest Lab Grown Meat Companies in 2023.
