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Global meat consumption is projected to reach around 412 Mt by 2035, a 12% increase from the base period. This growth reflects continued population growth, rising incomes and, in many emerging economies, increases in per capita consumption, supported by relatively moderate real meat prices compared to recent highs. However, the pace of per capita consumption growth is expected to slow compared with the previous decade, reflecting shifts in demographic and dietary preferences.
Global per capita consumption is expected to rise by about 0.7 kg in edible retail weight equivalent (rwe) over the outlook period. By 2035, it will reach nearly 30 kg rwe per capita. This growth is less than half the increase observed in the previous decade. In high-income countries, ageing populations, higher red meat prices and growing health, environmental and animal welfare concerns are expected to constrain further growth, although demand has remained resilient in some markets. In low- and middleincome countries, per capita consumption will remain well below levels in high-income countries.
Over the Outlook period, poultry, accounts by far, for the largest absolute increase in consumption, increasing by 29 Mt (+20%). Sheep meat also grows relatively quickly, rising by 3 Mt (+20%), while beef rises by 6 Mt (+8%), and pig meat by a more modest 6 Mt (+4%).
Pig meat contributes 13% to global meat consumption growth. However, in per capita terms, consumption is projected to decline by around 4% relative to the base period (2023-2025), reflecting slow demand growth in high-income regions, particularly in the European Union, where environmental concerns and changing dietary preferences weigh on consumption. This global per capita decline reflects faster population growth in regions where pig meat is less commonly consumed. Animal disease outbreaks and biosecurity constraints may affect pig meat availability and prices in some regions, potentially moderating supply growth relative to poultry. The largest per capita gains are projected in Latin America (about +1.2 kg per capita/year rwe by 2035), supported by favourable relative pig meat-to-beef prices.
OECD and FAO. 2026. OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2026-2035. Paris and Rome.
