Higher over the period
UK Meat Production per Capita moved from 58.62 Kilogram in 2015 to 60.34 Kilogram in 2024 (+2.9%), an average of +0.3% a year. The series high was 62.62 Kilogram in 2020 and the low 58.62 Kilogram in 2015.
What UK Meat Production per Capita shows
UK Meat Production per Capita was 60.34 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.9% on 2023. UK meat production per capita recorded a relatively stable growth trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the strength of the country’s livestock sector, efficient agricultural systems, and the continued importance of meat production within the food and beverage industry.
A 6.4% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2020) and low (2015) is 4.00 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −4.1% in 2023.
Ranks 19 of 40 countries covered
Among the 40 countries in this dataset, UK ranks 19 for 2024, behind Denmark (268.3 Kilogram) and Ireland (220.9 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 45.81 Kilogram, so UK is above it.
Full series
UK 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 | 60.34 | +0.9% |
| 2023 | 59.81 | −4.1% |
| 2022 | 62.39 | −0.1% |
| 2021 | 62.45 | −0.3% |
| 2020Peak | 62.62 | +1.9% |
| 2019 | 61.42 | +0.2% |
| 2018 | 61.28 | +2.7% |
| 2017 | 59.67 | −0.3% |
| 2016 | 59.85 | +2.1% |
| 2015 Trough | 58.62 | — |
Regional context
How UK compares in Europe
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. UK is highlighted.
1Denmark268.3
2Ireland220.9
3Spain157.9
4Netherlands147.5
5Portugal85.35
6Germany81.32
7France77.89
9UK60.34
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 indicator increased from 58.62 kilograms per capita in 2015 to 60.34 kilograms per capita in 2024, showing moderate improvement over the decade. Although annual fluctuations were observed, the overall trend highlights the resilience and adaptability of the UK meat production sector.
During the initial period from 2015 to 2019, UK meat production per capita showed gradual improvement. Production increased from 58.62 kilograms in 2015 to 59.85 kilograms in 2016 before slightly declining to 59.67 kilograms in 2017. The indicator recovered strongly in 2018, reaching 61.28 kilograms, and continued increasing to 61.42 kilograms in 2019. This period reflected consistent livestock output, improved production efficiency, and stable market demand for meat products.
Between 2020 and 2022, meat production per capita remained relatively stable at higher levels. Production reached 62.62 kilograms in 2020, followed by 62.45 kilograms in 2021 and 62.39 kilograms in 2022. The stability during this period demonstrated the ability of the UK meat industry to maintain supply despite changing economic conditions, production challenges, and shifts in consumer behavior.
In 2023, meat production per capita declined to 59.81 kilograms, reflecting adjustments in production levels and market conditions. However, the sector recovered in 2024, reaching 60.34 kilograms and indicating continued stability.
Overall, UK meat production per capita highlights the importance of livestock farming within the national food sector. The indicator provides valuable insights into production performance, industry trends, supply capacity, and the long-term development of the UK meat industry.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Country
- UK
- 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 UK 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 UK Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
UK Meat Production per Capita was 60.34 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.9% on 2023.
How has UK Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
UK Meat Production per Capita moved from 58.62 Kilogram in 2015 to 60.34 Kilogram in 2024 (+2.9%), an average of +0.3% a year. The series high was 62.62 Kilogram in 2020 and the low 58.62 Kilogram in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest UK Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 62.62 Kilogram in 2020 and the lowest was 58.62 Kilogram in 2015.
What does the UK 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 UK 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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