March 13, 2006

Japan spending more on meat

A five year decline in Japanese household beef consumption was reversed in 2005, with household beef consumption increasing 55 grams per person, to total 2.3kg/person.

However, it is still much less than 2000's levels of 3.1kg/person.

Household expenditure on beef during 2005 was up 3 percent on 2004 levels, but was still 15 percent down from 2000 levels.

Chickens had the greatest consumption gains during 2005, reaching 3.6kg per person, up 251 grammes on 2004. Household expenditure on chicken was also up, increasing by 6 percent. Both chicken consumption and expenditure were slightly more than 2000 levels.

Pork continues to be the most popular among the three in Japanese households. Household consumption increased 46 grammes during 2005, to 5.4kg per person, up from 2000's 4.9kg. Although expenditure in 2005 decreased slightly on 2004 levels, it was still 10 percent up from 2000 pork expenditure.