Higher over the period
Canada Meat Production per Capita moved from 123.5 Kilogram in 2015 to 130.7 Kilogram in 2024 (+5.8%), an average of +0.6% a year. The series high was 135.3 Kilogram in 2021 and the low 123.5 Kilogram in 2015.
What Canada Meat Production per Capita shows
Canada Meat Production per Capita was 130.7 Kilogram in 2024, down 2.3% on 2023. Canada meat production per capita demonstrated a strong and steadily increasing trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the country’s efficient livestock production systems, advanced agricultural practices, and important role in the global meat supply chain. The indicator increased from 123.50 kilograms per capita in 2015 to 130.67 kilograms per capita in 2024.
A 8.7% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2021) and low (2015) is 11.81 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +2.7% in 2017.
Ranks 9 of 40 countries covered
Among the 40 countries in this dataset, Canada ranks 9 for 2024, behind Denmark (268.3 Kilogram) and Ireland (220.9 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 45.81 Kilogram, so Canada is above it.
Full series
Canada Meat Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 130.7 | −2.3% |
| 2023 | 133.7 | −0.9% |
| 2022 | 135 | −0.2% |
| 2021Peak | 135.3 | +0.4% |
| 2020 | 134.7 | +0.6% |
| 2019 | 134 | +1.8% |
| 2018 | 131.6 | +1.2% |
| 2017 | 130.1 | +2.7% |
| 2016 | 126.7 | +2.6% |
| 2015 Trough | 123.5 | — |
Regional context
How Canada compares in North America
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. Canada is highlighted.
1U.S.138.4
2Canada130.7
3Mexico63.84
4Costa Rica59.00
5Guatemala40.92
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity.
The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
About this indicator
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The overall performance highlights the strength of Canada’s meat industry, supported by large-scale farming operations, modern processing facilities, and consistent demand for meat products across domestic and international markets.
During the period from 2015 to 2019, Canada experienced continuous growth in meat production per capita. Production increased from 123.50 kilograms in 2015 to 126.69 kilograms in 2016, followed by further growth to 130.11 kilograms in 2017. The upward trend continued in 2018, reaching 131.64 kilograms, and increased further to 133.97 kilograms in 2019. This expansion reflected improved livestock productivity, efficient agricultural management, and strong production capacity within the Canadian meat sector.
In 2020, meat production per capita continued to rise, reaching 134.72 kilograms despite challenges affecting global food supply chains. Production increased further to 135.30 kilograms in 2021, marking the highest level during the observed period. This performance demonstrated the resilience of Canada’s meat industry and its ability to maintain stable output during changing economic conditions.
Following the peak in 2021, production moderated slightly to 134.98 kilograms in 2022 and declined to 133.72 kilograms in 2023. In 2024, meat production per capita decreased further to 130.67 kilograms, reflecting changes in livestock inventories, production costs, market conditions, and industry adjustments. Despite the decline, production remained above the 2015 level, indicating continued sector strength.
Overall, Canada’s meat production per capita highlights the strategic importance of livestock farming within the food and beverage industry. The indicator provides valuable insights into production efficiency, market trends, supply capacity, and the long-term development of Canada’s meat sector.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- North America
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- October 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is Canada Meat Production per Capita?
Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
What was Canada Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
Canada Meat Production per Capita was 130.7 Kilogram in 2024, down 2.3% on 2023.
How has Canada Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
Canada Meat Production per Capita moved from 123.5 Kilogram in 2015 to 130.7 Kilogram in 2024 (+5.8%), an average of +0.6% a year. The series high was 135.3 Kilogram in 2021 and the low 123.5 Kilogram in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest Canada Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 135.3 Kilogram in 2021 and the lowest was 123.5 Kilogram in 2015.
What does the Canada Meat Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity. Excluded: The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
Where does the Canada Meat Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Meat%2C+total&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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