December 26, 2024

EU pork consumption to drop by 0.4% each year, report states

Pork consumption in the European Union is challenged by sustainability concerns and is therefore projected to decrease by 0.4% per year, falling to 30 kilogrammes in 2035, according to the latest EU agricultural outlook report —which presents the market projections for EU agriculture until 2035 — by the European Commission.

Intensive pork production systems are likely to face further societal criticism, contributing to a decline in EU pork production. African swine fever is assumed to remain in the EU but without any major or uncontrolled outbreaks.

EU pork exports - which increased in the previous decade - are expected to decline by 338,000 tonnes between the 2022/24 average and 2035 due to a recovery in pork production in Asian countries. Accounting EU export volumes from 2024, they are projected to remain almost stable until 2035.

Pork prices could remain higher than past levels due to increased costs and reduced EU supply.

EU beef production is projected to decrease, driven by sustainability concerns, low profitability, and a stricter regulatory framework. Similarly, beef consumption is expected to decline, driven by tight supply and high prices.

Poultry could continue benefiting from its more favourable reputation and affordability. Together with further export opportunities, this would push poultry production upward between now and 2035, albeit at a lower yearly growth rate than seen in the past decade.

- European Commission