December 19, 2003

Poultry Overtakes Beef As Australia's Favourite Meat

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) forecasts that the country will consume more poultry than any other meat this financial year, putting an end to beef's 20-year reign. Poultry and beef will be followed in popularity by pig meat, lamb and mutton.

ABARE's research economist Daniel McDonald says beef consumption is expected to fall by 6%.

"This has been due to reduced supplies and higher retail prices as we come out of the drought and producers retain some stock to try and rebuild their herds," he said.

In the past 20 years, lamb, mutton and beef consumption has declined and poultry and pork has increased, ABARE says.

Mr McDonald says price is one reason pig and poultry meat now makes up more than half of Australia's total meat consumption.

"There are also other factors such as changes in tastes, meal preparation techniques, as well as change in population demographics, it all changes people's eating habits," he said.