Omari Gates
Australians love their meat, but what is the most popular type? In 2019, Australians consumed 92.57 kilograms of meat per person, second only to the United States. While Australia's meat consumption has decreased in recent years, the type of meat consumed has changed significantly. Chicken and pork are now the most popular meats in Australia, outstripping beef, mutton, and lamb. The affordability of chicken and the increasing industrialization of chicken and pork production have contributed to their popularity. Australia also exports significant amounts of beef, sheep, and goats, but imports little meat due to strict quarantine measures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular meat in Australia | Chicken |
| Average consumption of poultry per capita in Australia | 44.84 kg |
| Average consumption of beef and pork per capita in Australia | 22.42 kg |
| Number of chickens consumed in Australia per year | 600 million |
| Average number of chickens in an Australian chicken farm | 120,000 |
| Average consumption of meat per capita in Australia in 2019 | 92.57 kg |
| Average consumption of meat per capita in the US in 2019 | 100.55 kg |
| Average consumption of meat per capita in Australia during the 1960s | 110 kg |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken is Australia's most popular meat
Historically, Australia was known as the world's meat-eating capital, with a total meat consumption per capita of 110 kg per person per year in the 1960s. While this figure has remained stable, the type of meat consumed has changed significantly, with chicken and pork surpassing beef, mutton, and lamb. The rise in chicken consumption is not unique to Australia, as it has been the preferred meat in many countries since 2000.
The affordability and availability of chicken have made it a popular choice for Australians, with chicken dishes such as chicken parma, grilled chicken breast, and chicken pie commonly found on menus. Chicken is also a versatile meat that can be cooked in various ways, from stir-fries to roasts, making it a favourite among Australians from all walks of life.
While Australia is a major exporter of beef, sheep, and goats, its strict quarantine measures mean that it imports very little meat. This self-sufficiency in meat production, particularly in the chicken industry, has contributed to the popularity of chicken as a readily available and affordable option for Australian consumers.
In summary, chicken is Australia's most popular meat due to its affordability, availability, and versatility. The intensification of chicken production and the shift in consumer preferences towards white meat have made chicken a staple in Australian diets, surpassing traditional favourites like beef and lamb.
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Consumption of beef is declining
Australia's meat consumption has been stable since the 1960s, with Australians consuming around 110 kilograms of meat per person per year. However, the type of meat Australians consume has changed significantly. Chicken and pork are now the most popular meats in Australia, outstripping beef, mutton, and lamb. The per-capita annual consumption of chicken meat in Australia increased tenfold from 4.6 kilograms per person in 1965 to 47 kilograms in 2016. On the other hand, beef consumption has been on a steady decline since the 1980s.
Several factors have contributed to the decline in beef consumption in Australia. One reason could be the changing demographics of the country. With a more multicultural society, dietary habits have diversified. The cuisines of Asia, India, and the Middle East, which tend to favor chicken and use red meat differently, have influenced local palates. Chicken and pork have become attractive alternatives to red meat due to their lower cost and growing availability. Additionally, innovations in poultry and pork production have led to increased efficiency and lower retail meat prices compared to beef.
Environmental concerns also play a role in shaping consumption trends. Many consumers perceive red meats, particularly beef, to have higher greenhouse gas emissions and resource use requirements. This has swayed some consumers towards poultry and pork, which are perceived as more sustainable choices. Health is another important factor influencing meat consumption in Australia. Some Australians are choosing to eat less meat due to health reasons, including weight loss, improved digestion, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems and cancer.
The severe and widespread drought in the years leading up to 2020 also impacted meat consumption in Australia. The drought affected production and supply, leading to higher prices for beef. Additionally, the formation of large and export-focused grazing operations and the proliferation of small-scale "hobby" grazing have contributed to the decline in cattle farm numbers. The overall cattle herd has declined slightly, and the number of cattle farms in Australia in 2015-16 was over 66,000.
The decline in beef consumption in Australia is part of a broader trend towards plant-based alternatives and flexitarian diets. Australians are increasingly adopting environmentally and ethically conscious dietary habits, reducing but not eliminating meat consumption. This shift poses a threat to the meat processing industry, which is expected to contract in the coming years.
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Pork consumption has doubled since the 1980s
Australians are consuming twice as much pork now compared to the 1980s. This increase in pork consumption is part of a broader shift in Australian meat consumption patterns. While total meat consumption per capita in Australia has been stable since the 1960s, at around 110 kilograms per person per year, the type of meat consumed has changed significantly. Chicken and pork have gained popularity, while beef, mutton, and lamb consumption have declined.
Chicken has become the preferred meat for many Australians, with the industry producing around 600 million chickens a year, most of which are consumed domestically. The per capita annual consumption of chicken meat in Australia increased tenfold from 4.6 kilograms per person in 1965 to 47 kilograms in 2016. This shift can be attributed to the intensification and industrialization of chicken production, which has decreased retail prices and made chicken a more affordable option.
In contrast, beef consumption has decreased by 38% since 2000-01, and sheep meat consumption has declined by 58%. Pork consumption has also increased by 31% during this period. This shift in meat consumption patterns may be due to changing consumer preferences and relative price movements. Pork retail prices have risen at a slower rate than other red meats, making it a more competitive option.
Additionally, Australia's meat consumption patterns differ from global trends. While chicken surpassed pork as the world's favorite meat in 2007, driven by preferences in wealthy nations, Australia has maintained a higher consumption of pork relative to chicken. This uniqueness in Australian meat consumption patterns may be influenced by cultural preferences and other factors.
In summary, while total meat consumption in Australia has remained stable, pork consumption has doubled since the 1980s. This shift is part of a broader change in meat preferences, with chicken and pork gaining popularity while beef, mutton, and lamb decline. Various factors, including production intensification, price changes, and cultural preferences, contribute to these changing consumption patterns in Australia.
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Australia exports beef, sheep and goats
Australia exports beef, sheep, and goats. In 2023, Australians consumed around 44.84 kg of poultry per capita on average, double the amount of beef consumed. Despite this, Australia exports large quantities of beef and cattle. Indonesia is Australia's largest market for live cattle, with exports leaving via ports at Darwin, Broome, Townsville, Portland, and Perth (Fremantle). In 2023/2024, Australia exported 746,829 cattle.
Australia also exports large numbers of sheep. In 2021, 575,000 sheep were exported, down from two million in 2017. Saudi Arabia was historically Australia's largest market for sheep, but strict export regulations have since stopped this export route. Other countries that import live sheep from Australia include Indonesia, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Russia, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Goat meat, also known as chevon, is in increasing production in Australia, despite low domestic demand. Australia is the world's largest exporter of goat meat, with the United States, China, and the Republic of Korea being key markets. In 2023, China accounted for 23% of Australia's goat meat exports, worth A$67.2 million.
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Chicken is more affordable than other meats
Chicken is the most popular meat in Australia, with Australians consuming twice as much poultry as pork and beef. In 2023, Australians consumed 44.84 kg of poultry per capita on average, compared to 22.42 kg and 22.42 kg of pork and beef respectively.
Secondly, chickens are smaller animals that require less food and resources to raise. They take up less space and can be raised in a smaller area compared to cows or other livestock. Chickens also grow at a faster rate, reaching full size in a matter of months, which means a quicker turnaround time for farmers.
Additionally, chicken farms in Australia are highly consolidated, with around 70% of chicken meat supplied by just two privately owned processing companies, according to the Australian Chicken Meat Federation. This consolidation may contribute to cost efficiency and pricing power.
The combination of efficient farming practices, lower input costs, faster growth rates, and industry consolidation has made chicken a more affordable option for consumers in Australia and worldwide. Chicken's affordability, along with its versatility and popularity, has driven its preference among Australians and contributed to the country's changing taste for meat.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken is the most popular meat in Australia. The per-capita annual consumption of chicken meat in Australia increased tenfold from 4.6 kilograms per person in 1965 to 47 kilograms in 2016.
Chicken is the most popular meat in Australia because it is affordable. The intensification of chicken production has increased efficiency, in turn steadily decreasing the retail price of chicken.
The second most popular meat in Australia is pork. Australians are consuming twice as much pork compared to the 1980s.
The third most popular meat in Australia is beef.
