August 19, 2013

Japan's chicken consumption surpasses pork

Japan's chicken consumption has overtaken pork consumption, a historic first for the country, as domestic poultry production rose 6% in 2012, with local consumers seeking low-cost products.

The data is released from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Chicken consumption increased 5% on-year in Japan during 2011 compared to 2012, at about 26.5 pounds/person. By contrast, beef and pork consumption declined slightly from the previous year, to 13 pounds/person and 26 pounds/person, respectively.

Overall meat consumption in Japan, including other animal proteins, reached slightly more than 66 pounds/person in 2012, which is the highest on record. Seafood consumption continued to drop.