Dutch meat consump­tion declines further in 2025

Less red meat, more poultry: Dutch meat consumption continues to shift, according to the annual meat consumption report from Wageningen Social & Economic Research. Meat consumption is also lower than previous calculations suggested. The researchers had used figures that overstated the number of pigs slaughtered and are now correcting them. The report also examines hybrid meat, raising an important question for the sector. How much can these products contribute to reducing meat consumption?

The researchers conducted the study on behalf of Wakker Dier. Total meat consumption amounted to 67.3 kilograms per person in 2025. That is 1.5 kilograms less than the corrected figure for 2024. Since 2019, the total decline has reached 7.4 kilograms per person. The figures cover meat and processed meat products, calculated on a carcass weight basis. This weight includes bones, rather than just the meat actually eaten.

Less pork and beef

Pork consumption fell from 29.7 kilograms in 2024 to 28.3 kilograms in 2025. Pork therefore remains the largest category in Dutch meat consumption. However, the decline is narrowing the gap between pork and poultry.

Poultry consumption rose from 22.0 to 22.5 kilograms. This continues the gradual increase seen since 2022. Beef consumption fell from 14.8 to 14.3 kilograms per person.

Earlier figures revised downward

The researchers now use data from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on the number of pigs slaughtered. Previously, their calculations relied on figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Particularly for 2019–2022, the calculations assumed too many pigs had been slaughtered. The researchers are therefore correcting the figures from 2018 onward.

As a result, total meat consumption for 2024 is substantially lower than previously calculated. The corrected figure is 68.8 kilograms, compared with the previously reported 74.4 kilograms. Pork consumption for that year is now 5.4 kilograms lower.

Hybrid meat in the product range

Lidl, Dirk, Albert Heijn and Jumbo are among the retailers introducing hybrid meat products or expanding their ranges. These products contain a proportion of plant-based ingredients alongside meat. They mainly include processed products such as ground meat, burgers and sausages.

Publicly available market data on hybrid meat remain scarce. According to the researchers, it is still unclear whether these products reduce overall meat consumption.