Belgium drops in 2009 meat consumption

In 2009, the average Belgian bought 32.1 kilogrammes of fresh meat (excluding poultry), which is about 0.5 kilogrammes less on-year, according to a report by the Belgian Meat Office.

Expenditure on meat amounted to EUR 284.3 (US$348.68) on average, which is 0.3% less than a year ago. The consumption of beef has decreased by 3.4% to 8.57 kilogrammes per person. Beef purchases decreased by 2% to EUR 93.30 (US$114.42). The share of beef in total meat consumption in the country has decreased since 2002. Last year, it amounted to 26.7%.

In 2009, consumption of pork in the country declined by 1.4% to 9.7 kilogrammes per person. Pork expenditures decreased by 0.5%. Share of pork in total meat consumption is relatively stable, and in 2009 stood at 30.2%.

The average price of fresh meat sold in Belgium rose by 1.4% from EUR 8.75 (US$10.73) per kilogramme to EUR 8.87 (US$10.88) per kilogramme in 2009.