October 24, 2007

Argentina's pork consumption doubles in past year

Pork consumption in Argentina over the past 12 months has doubled compared to the year before, the Associacion Argentina de Productores de Porcinos (AAPP) said Monday (October 22, 2007).

Consumption reached 5.0 kg per capita compared to the 2.5 kg per capita the previous year. Despite the doubling, pork remains the least consumed meat of the three major meat groups.

Argentina has the highest beef consumption per capita in the world.

Beef remains the most-consumed meat at 66.4 kg while chicken consumption took second place at 26 kg, more than five times that of pork.

Increased pork consumption was attributed to the fact that pork prices, which in the past were 40 percent higher are now at similar levels with beef.

Increased investments in the pork sector are expected to further spur production and consumption.

Currently, pork is consumed in Argentina mainly processed and not fresh.