December 20, 2021

EU pig meat consumption to drop in coming decade

Meat markets in the European Union will be influenced by sustainability, societal and health concerns over the next 10 years, according to the EU 2021-31 agricultural outlook.

With its environmental, economic and societal objectives, sustainability is expected to play an increasingly prominent role in EU meat markets.

Modernisation, innovative technologies and changes in farming practices will lead to more efficient and more environmentally-friendly meat production. Still, investments required to do so remain a challenge.

Consumer habits will also be driven by health considerations as well as convenience. Overall, EU meat per capita consumption is expected to drop from 69.8kg in 2018 to 67kg by 2031.

Uncertainties, especially those related to the African swine fever, remain for the EU's pig meat sector. China should have fully recovered by 2026, having a massive impact on EU pig meat exports.

Additionally, shifts in EU consumer preferences in terms of health, environment and societal concerns should negatively impact EU pig meat consumption, projected to decrease by 0.5% per year, from 32.5kg in 2021 to 31kg per capita in 2031.

EU production is also expected to decline by 0.8% per year over the outlook period, to reach 21.5 million tonnes in 2031.

The EU's gross beef production is expected to fall by 8% over the outlook period and consumption will continue its downward trend.

For the poultry sector, EU consumption growth could slow down to 0.6% growth in 2021-2031. EU production is expected to continue to increase by 0.4% per year.

- European Commission