September 2, 2010

Australian 2009-10 meat consumption up marginally

During 2009-10, Australians bought 132.19 serves of fresh meat per week at retail, up 3% on year ago serves, according to reports.

The rise was partly attributed to the increase in beef and veal serves, especially during the first half of 2010, as strong demand and the high Australian dollar resulted in more beef targeting the domestic market.

Weekly beef and veal serves increased to 51.87 million serves in 2009-10 from 49.97 million serves in 2008-09. On average, approximately 14.84 million serves of beef mince was purchased each week during 2009-10 - representing 30% of all beef purchased. Beef prime steak (sirloin, scotch fillet, rump and T-bone) ranked as the second most purchased item, with 10.79 million serves per week during 2009-10 - 22% of total beef purchase at retail.

Meanwhile, weekly average chicken serves increased gradually during 2009-10 to average 37.65 million serves, and pork serves fluctuated throughout the year, averaging below 2008-09, at 15.96 million serves.

Beef continued to be the most consumed fresh meat in Australia in 2009-10. Reports revealed that the share of total weekly fresh meat purchase for beef at 37%, followed by chicken (28.5%) and pork (12.1%).