News Meat consumption
The Dutch ate more meat again in 2018
Meat consumption in the Netherlands rose to 2018 kilograms per person in 77,2, according to a new study by Wageningen Economic Research (WUR) commissioned by Wakker Dier. This means that an increase is visible for the first time in 10 years.
In 2017, meat consumption per person was 76,6 kilos, which means that the meat consumption increased by 2018 kilograms in 0,6. According to the WUR, this increase is mainly due to an increase in the consumption of poultry meat and a minimal increase in the consumption of pork and beef. The figures for veal, sheep, goat and horse meat remain the same as in previous years.
Almost half of the meat consumption in the Netherlands is pork (36 kilos). Poultry meat and beef account for about the other half of the meat consumption (38 kilos). According to the WUR researchers, the consumption is based on the carcass weight (including bone, fat and rind). As a rule of thumb, about half of this is consumed as meat and processed meats.
First increase in 10 years
With the publication of these new figures, an upward trend is visible for the first time in 10 years. The last increase in consumption was realized in 2008/2009 and in subsequent years that figure decreased in the Netherlands from approximately 79 kg in 2010 to 77 kg in 2015. A stabilization was then visible in 2016 and 2017. All in all, the new figures are striking, given market agency IRI mid-August still reported that between 2017 and mid-2019 a decrease is visible in the amount of red meat products sold.
According to WUR, the figures are also striking because various parties are arguing for a shift from the share of animal protein to the share of vegetable protein. "In that light, it is therefore not surprising that the consumption of meat was expected to have fallen further last year," the researchers report.
No obvious reason
According to the research institute, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for the increase in meat consumption. For example, the warm summer of 2018 is cited, as a result of which many Dutch people have barbecued more often. "In addition, it is also a factor that the restaurants that receive many tourists often have a meat-rich menu", the researchers write in the report.
Kimberly Baker
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