Pork consumption in the Netherlands is falling sharply

Total per capita meat consumption in the Netherlands in 2024, based on carcass weight, was 74,4 kilos. This represents a 1,2% decrease compared to the previous year. This puts consumption at its lowest level since Wageningen University & Research (WUR) began analyzing the data in collaboration with Wakker Dier (Animal Welfare). WUR has never previously recorded a total consumption below 75 kilos. The figures show that total meat consumption decreased by 4,3% between 2020 and 2024, despite a small increase last year.

The decline comes as no surprise. Previous research by AMI also showed that Dutch meat consumption, unlike virtually all other European countries, was declining. From a European perspective, the Netherlands is a clear discordant figure. According to the German market agency, average European meat consumption rose by 2 kilograms to 66 kilograms per capita. This is, incidentally, higher than the Dutch average, as AMI uses meat parts as its calculations, not carcass weight. European meat consumption is increasing for the first time in years.

Demand for pork falls the most
The decline in the Netherlands is attributable to a decrease in red meat consumption. Pork consumption, in particular, has taken a significant step down. Total consumption fell by 2,8%, or exactly 1 kilogram per person, from 36,1 kilograms to 35,1 kilograms. Beef consumption also fell by 1,2% to 14,9 kilograms. However, poultry consumption increased by 1,9% to 22 kilograms per person.