Falling to a series low
Netherlands Meat Production per Capita moved from 170.3 Kilogram in 2015 to 147.5 Kilogram in 2024 (−13.4%), an average of −1.6% a year. The series high was 178 Kilogram in 2019 and the low 147.5 Kilogram in 2024.
What Netherlands Meat Production per Capita shows
Netherlands Meat Production per Capita was 147.5 Kilogram in 2024, down 4.2% on 2023. Netherlands meat production per capita showed a declining trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting structural changes in livestock production, environmental regulations, market adjustments, and evolving conditions within the food and beverage industry. The indicator decreased from 170.33 kilograms per capita in 2015 to 147.45 kilograms per capita in 2024.
A 17.2% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2024) is 30.56 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −8.2% in 2023.
Ranks 5 of 40 countries covered
Among the 40 countries in this dataset, Netherlands ranks 5 for 2024, behind Denmark (268.3 Kilogram) and Ireland (220.9 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 45.81 Kilogram, so Netherlands is above it.
Full series
Netherlands 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 Trough | 147.5 | −4.2% |
| 2023 | 153.9 | −8.2% |
| 2022 | 167.7 | −2.5% |
| 2021 | 171.9 | −2.9% |
| 2020 | 177.1 | −0.5% |
| 2019Peak | 178 | +1.2% |
| 2018 | 175.8 | +1.2% |
| 2017 | 173.7 | +0.1% |
| 2016 | 173.6 | +1.9% |
| 2015 | 170.3 | — |
Regional context
How Netherlands compares in Europe
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. Netherlands 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.
Despite this reduction, the Netherlands remained an important meat-producing country in Europe due to its highly efficient agricultural systems, advanced livestock management practices, and strong position in international food supply chains.
During the period from 2015 to 2019, the Netherlands experienced gradual growth in meat production per capita. Production increased from 170.33 kilograms in 2015 to 173.55 kilograms in 2016 and further improved to 173.68 kilograms in 2017. The upward trend continued in 2018, reaching 175.83 kilograms, followed by the highest level during the early period at 178.01 kilograms in 2019. This growth reflected strong livestock productivity, efficient farming operations, and demand from domestic and international markets.
Between 2020 and 2022, meat production per capita began to decline. Production decreased slightly to 177.11 kilograms in 2020, followed by a reduction to 171.93 kilograms in 2021 and 167.71 kilograms in 2022. These changes were influenced by adjustments in livestock numbers, environmental sustainability measures, production costs, and changing market conditions.
In 2023, meat production per capita declined significantly to 153.89 kilograms, continuing the downward trend. In 2024, production decreased further to 147.45 kilograms, indicating ongoing structural changes within the Dutch livestock sector.
Overall, Netherlands meat production per capita highlights the transition of a highly productive meat industry adapting to changing economic, environmental, and regulatory conditions. The indicator provides valuable insights into production efficiency, industry performance, supply trends, and the long-term development of the Netherlands’ food and agricultural sector.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Country
- Netherlands
- Region
- Europe
- 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 Netherlands 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 Netherlands Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
Netherlands Meat Production per Capita was 147.5 Kilogram in 2024, down 4.2% on 2023.
How has Netherlands Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
Netherlands Meat Production per Capita moved from 170.3 Kilogram in 2015 to 147.5 Kilogram in 2024 (−13.4%), an average of −1.6% a year. The series high was 178 Kilogram in 2019 and the low 147.5 Kilogram in 2024.
Which year had the highest and lowest Netherlands Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 178 Kilogram in 2019 and the lowest was 147.5 Kilogram in 2024.
What does the Netherlands 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 Netherlands 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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