September 8, 2009

China's per capita consumption of meat increased to 54.8 kilograms in 2008, about 13 times compared to the figure 60 years ago, said Pan Yaoguo, a professor in the Development & Research Centre of the State Council.

Pan made his remarks Friday (Sep 4) at the 5th International Meat Secretariat (IMS) World Conference in Qingdao, a coastal city of China's Shandong province.

According to Pan, the average per-capita meat consumption of rural and urban residents in China was six and 18 kilograms respectively in 1978. In 2008, the figures rose to 18 and 40 respectively.

Furthermore, with the improvement of living standards, consumers in China now demand fine-processed meat which are of higher quality as well as preferring green and organic meat.

The IMS wrapped up its two-day meeting on last Friday with 800 delegates from 38 countries and regions discussing issues regarding the pork industry.