Dutch meat consumption declines again

The Dutch meat consumption has decreased in 2025, according to data from Wageningen Economic Research (WUR) and Wakker Dier. With the decline, meat consumption has reached its lowest level since WUR started this research. The total meat consumption per capita in the Netherlands was 74.4 kilos in 2024, based on carcass weight. This is a decrease of 1.2% compared to the previous year. Thus, consumption is at its lowest level since WUR began analyzing the data in collaboration with Wakker Dier. Never before has WUR recorded a total consumption below 75 kilos. The figures show that total meat consumption has declined by 4.3% between 2020 and 2024, despite a slight increase last year. The decline does not come as a surprise. Earlier research by AMI also indicated that Dutch meat consumption, unlike nearly all other European countries, was on the decline. The Netherlands is a clear dissonant in a European perspective. According to the German market agency, the average European meat consumption increased by 2 kilos to 66 kilos per capita. This is, by the way, higher than the Dutch average since AMI calculates based on meat components and not carcass weight. European meat consumption is increasing for the first time in years. Demand for pork decreases the mostThe decline in the Netherlands can be attributed to a decrease in red meat consumption. In particular, the consumption of pork has taken a significant step back. Total consumption decreased by 2.8%, or exactly 1 kilo per person, from 36.1 kilos to 35.1 kilos. Additionally, beef consumption also decreased by 1.2% to 14.9 kilos. However, poultry meat consumption grew by 1.9% to 22 kilos per person.