Large decline in meat consumption in 2020

Last year the meat consumption declined with 1,9 kg per person compared to 2019. The total consumption of meat and cold cuts per capita in the Netherlands in 2020 was 75.9 kg. This outcome was based on calculations by Wageningen University & Research made for Wakker Dier. These numbers represent the largest decrease and the lowest level in a series of measurements that date back to 2005.

Retail sales via supermarket and butcher

The COVID pandemic fuelled the consumption of meat at home: in 2020, supermarkets and butchers sold 24.6 million kilos more meat than in 2019. This increase can mainly be attributed to the sales of meat (over 23.3 million kilos) and less to that of cold cuts (almost 1.3 million kilos). This increase does not compensate for the decline in meat consumption in 2020. The decrease in meat consumption in 2020 can be linked to the (partial) closure of the hospitality industry due to the pandemic lock-down. As a result, an important sales channel for meat was closed to consumers.

Read the full report 'Vleesconsumptie per hoofd van de bevolking in Nederland 2005-2020'(Dutch only)
wur.nl

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