July 3, 2012

Brazil's meat production to progress significantly in coming years

The latest Brazilian Agricultural Department (MAPA) forecast stated that Brazil's meat production is anticipated to grow significantly over the next decade.

Chicken production will experience the fastest growth, followed by beef and pork.

Brazil was the world's second largest beef exporting nation in 2011, behind Australia, exporting 1.3 million tonnes cwt of beef, according to analysts at Meat and Livestock Australia.

Brazilian beef production is expected to increase 32% between 2011-12 and 2021-22, reaching 11.8 million tonnes by the end of the decade. While production is forecast to increase significantly, domestic consumption should almost keep pace, rising 27% over the 10-year period, to 9.427 million tonnes.

Exports will absorb the rest of the growth in production, forecast to increase 20%, reaching 1.6 million tonnes cwt by 2021-22. Strong economic growth within Brazil has led to a surging middle class, with per capita beef consumption increasingly in recent years.