Vion foresees significant decline in livestock

Meat giant Vion expects livestock in Western Europe to shrink by 10% over the next 20 years. This says CEO Ronald Lotgerink in an interview in the FD.

According to the newspaper This makes Vion the first major agricultural player in the Netherlands that dares to link shrinkage figures to climate policy. FrieslandCampina, ForFarmers and Rabobank, among others, did not dare to do this before when asked.

More meat substitutes
In addition to fewer animal numbers, Vion also expects Western European meat consumption to fall by 1 to 2% per year. Not only on the home market in the Netherlands, but also in Germany. This will lead to a higher consumption of meat substitutes. Vion expects an annual growth of 6 to 8%. Recently, Vion has been responding to this trend. For example, it has been announced that the cattle slaughter location in Leeuwarden is being converted into a production location for plant-based meat substitutes. 

Boerenbusiness Last summer, Lotgerink spoke extensively about developments in the meat market and the company's course and strategy. This interview for The Pig Analysis 2019 can be read here.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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