Rising to a series high
Global Meat Production per Capita moved from 43.71 Kilogram in 2015 to 45.81 Kilogram in 2024 (+4.8%), an average of +0.5% a year. The series high was 45.81 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 42.87 Kilogram in 2020.
What Global Meat Production per Capita shows
Global Meat Production per Capita was 45.81 Kilogram in 2024, up 1.1% on 2023. Global meat production per capita demonstrated a gradual growth trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the expansion of livestock industries, increasing demand for animal protein, improvements in agricultural productivity, and changing global food consumption patterns.
A 6.4% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2024) and low (2020) is 2.94 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +3.3% in 2021.
Denmark leads among 40 countries covered
Of the 40 countries in this dataset, Denmark, Ireland and Australia have the highest values in 2024 (268.3, 220.9, 208.8 Kilogram respectively).
Country ranking
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024
Kilogram. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Kilogram↕ | vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denmark | 268.3 | +1.8% | |
| 2 | Ireland | 220.9 | +0.7% | |
| 3 | Australia | 208.8 | +9.2% | |
| 4 | Spain | 157.9 | +2.8% | |
| 5 | Netherlands | 147.5 | −4.2% | |
| 6 | Argentina | 140.7 | −1.4% | |
| 7 | Brazil | 139.8 | +5.9% | |
| 8 | U.S. | 138.4 | +0.1% | |
| 9 | Canada | 130.7 | −2.3% | |
| 10 | Israel | 91.62 | −5.4% | |
| 11 | Portugal | 85.35 | +5% | |
| 12 | Germany | 81.32 | +1.4% | |
| 13 | Chile | 79.14 | +0.2% | |
| 14 | France | 77.89 | +4% | |
| 15 | Finland | 70.73 | +1.9% | |
| 16 | China | 68.95 | +0.4% | |
| 17 | Taiwan | 67.72 | +2.1% | |
| 18 | Mexico | 63.84 | +2.6% | |
| 19 | UK | 60.34 | +0.9% | |
| 20 | Colombia | 59.76 | +1% | |
| 21 | Costa Rica | 59.00 | +0.6% | |
| 22 | Fiji | 58.71 | +10.2% | |
| 23 | Italy | 56.90 | +4.3% | |
| 24 | South Africa | 56.65 | +3.2% | |
| 25 | Vietnam | 55.44 | −1.5% | |
| 26 | South Korea | 54.92 | +2.6% | |
| 27 | Sweden | 53.82 | +1.2% | |
| 28 | Turkey | 53.46 | −2.1% | |
| 29 | Malaysia | 52.13 | +0.5% | |
| 30 | Thailand | 42.78 | +1.2% | |
| 31 | Guatemala | 40.92 | −11.3% | |
| 32 | Japan | 33.93 | +0.8% | |
| 33 | Saudi Arabia | 31.94 | −26% | |
| 34 | Egypt | 29.03 | +11.5% | |
| 35 | Philippines | 28.21 | +7.7% | |
| 36 | Indonesia | 18.04 | +1.7% | |
| 37 | UAE | 17.37 | −2.5% | |
| 38 | Singapore | 9.69 | −3.9% | |
| 39 | India | 9.10 | +2.1% | |
| 40 | Nigeria | 7.22 | −0.7% |
By region
Meat Production per Capita by region
Kilogram, 2024. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Global 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024Peak | 45.81 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | 45.32 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | 44.85 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | 44.31 | +3.3% |
| 2020 Trough | 42.87 | −0.7% |
| 2019 | 43.17 | −2.1% |
| 2018 | 44.11 | +0.5% |
| 2017 | 43.90 | +0.8% |
| 2016 | 43.57 | −0.3% |
| 2015 | 43.71 | — |
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 data indicates that global meat production per capita increased from 43.71 kilograms in 2015 to 45.81 kilograms in 2024, despite temporary declines during the middle years of the period. The indicator highlights the performance of the global meat sector and provides insights into production capacity, livestock development, and food supply trends.
During the period from 2015 to 2018, global meat production per capita remained relatively stable, increasing from 43.71 kilograms in 2015 to 44.11 kilograms in 2018. This growth was supported by rising population demand, expansion of livestock farming, and improvements in production systems across major meat-producing regions.
Between 2019 and 2021, global meat production per capita experienced fluctuations. Production declined from 43.17 kilograms in 2019 to 42.87 kilograms in 2020 due to supply chain disruptions, livestock sector challenges, and market uncertainties. However, production recovered in 2021, reaching 44.31 kilograms as agricultural systems adapted and production activities strengthened.
From 2022 to 2024, global meat production per capita continued to increase, rising from 44.85 kilograms in 2022 to 45.81 kilograms in 2024. This improvement reflects stronger livestock output, technological advancements, and increasing global demand for meat products. Regions such as Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania contributed significantly to global production growth.
Overall, global meat production per capita trends demonstrate the resilience and continued development of the livestock sector. The indicator provides valuable insights into agricultural performance, food security, and global production capacity. Future growth will depend on sustainable farming practices, efficient resource management, and innovations supporting long-term meat industry development.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Region
- Global
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is Global 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 Global Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
Global Meat Production per Capita was 45.81 Kilogram in 2024, up 1.1% on 2023.
How has Global Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
Global Meat Production per Capita moved from 43.71 Kilogram in 2015 to 45.81 Kilogram in 2024 (+4.8%), an average of +0.5% a year. The series high was 45.81 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 42.87 Kilogram in 2020.
Which year had the highest and lowest Global Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 45.81 Kilogram in 2024 and the lowest was 42.87 Kilogram in 2020.
What does the Global 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 Global 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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