Higher over the period
Ireland Meat Production per Capita moved from 214.9 Kilogram in 2015 to 220.9 Kilogram in 2024 (+2.8%), an average of +0.3% a year. The series high was 238.6 Kilogram in 2020 and the low 214.9 Kilogram in 2015.
What Ireland Meat Production per Capita shows
Ireland Meat Production per Capita was 220.9 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.7% on 2023. Ireland meat production per capita recorded a consistently high level between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the country’s strong livestock farming sector, export-oriented meat industry, and favorable agricultural conditions.
A 9.9% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2020) and low (2015) is 23.64 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +6.6% in 2017.
Ranks 2 of 40 countries covered
Among the 40 countries in this dataset, Ireland ranks 2 for 2024, behind Denmark (268.3 Kilogram) and Australia (208.8 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 45.81 Kilogram, so Ireland is above it.
Full series
Ireland 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 | 220.9 | +0.7% |
| 2023 | 219.3 | −5.5% |
| 2022 | 232.1 | +0.7% |
| 2021 | 230.6 | −3.3% |
| 2020Peak | 238.6 | +2.5% |
| 2019 | 232.7 | −0.9% |
| 2018 | 234.7 | +0.2% |
| 2017 | 234.2 | +6.6% |
| 2016 | 219.8 | +2.3% |
| 2015 Trough | 214.9 | — |
Regional context
How Ireland compares in Europe
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. Ireland is highlighted.
1Denmark268.3
2Ireland220.9
3Spain157.9
4Netherlands147.5
5Portugal85.35
6Germany81.32
7France77.89
8Finland70.73
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 shows that meat production per capita increased from 214.93 kilograms in 2015 to 220.86 kilograms in 2024, although annual variations occurred due to market conditions, production cycles, and changes in agricultural performance.
From 2015 to 2019, Ireland experienced significant growth in meat production per capita. Production increased from 214.93 kilograms in 2015 to 232.68 kilograms in 2019, supported by strong cattle and livestock production, efficient farming systems, and the importance of meat exports within the Irish economy. The sector benefited from favorable production conditions and strong international demand for Irish meat products.
In 2020, meat production per capita reached a decade-high level of 238.57 kilograms, demonstrating the resilience of Ireland’s agricultural sector despite global supply chain challenges. However, production moderated in subsequent years, declining to 230.62 kilograms in 2021 and slightly increasing to 232.14 kilograms in 2022. Further adjustment occurred in 2023, when production decreased to 219.29 kilograms.
By 2024, Ireland’s meat production per capita recovered slightly to 220.86 kilograms, indicating stabilization after recent fluctuations. The overall trend shows that Ireland maintained one of the highest meat production levels among European countries due to its strong livestock base and export-focused agricultural model.
Overall, Ireland’s meat production per capita highlights the strategic importance of livestock farming in supporting rural economies, agricultural income, and international trade. The indicator is useful for evaluating production efficiency, industry competitiveness, and long-term sustainability within Ireland’s meat sector.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Country
- Ireland
- Region
- Europe
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- October 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
Cite this dataset
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
Copied
Frequently asked questions
What is Ireland 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 Ireland Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
Ireland Meat Production per Capita was 220.9 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.7% on 2023.
How has Ireland Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
Ireland Meat Production per Capita moved from 214.9 Kilogram in 2015 to 220.9 Kilogram in 2024 (+2.8%), an average of +0.3% a year. The series high was 238.6 Kilogram in 2020 and the low 214.9 Kilogram in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest Ireland Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 238.6 Kilogram in 2020 and the lowest was 214.9 Kilogram in 2015.
What does the Ireland 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 Ireland 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.
Need more data?
Get in touch with our research team
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.