EU Meat Market Outlook (2000–2026)

Introduction

This report explains the main trends in the EU meat market based on European Commission data. It covers total meat, beef and veal, pigmeat, poultry, and sheep and goat meat.

The market is stable overall, but there are clear changes inside the different sectors.

1. Total Meat Market

EU total meat production is mostly stable.

• Production stays around 43 to 45 million tonnes

• Small drop in 2022 to 2023, then slight recovery expected

• Net production follows the same pattern

Consumption:

• Domestic use decreased from about 39 million tonnes (2018) to about 37.2 million tonnes (2023)

• Per capita consumption decreased from about 69 kg to 66 kg

• Small recovery expected after 2024

Self-sufficiency:

• Still high, above 110 percent

• Slowly decreasing

What this means:

• The EU market is not growing

• People eat a bit less meat

• The market is stable but mature

2. Beef and Veal

This is the weakest sector.

• Production decreased from about 7.3 million tonnes (2018) to about 6.2 million tonnes (2026 forecast)

• Domestic use is going down

• Per capita consumption decreased from about 10.8 kg to 9.6 kg

Trade:

• Exports are falling

• Imports are slightly increasing

What this means:

• Long-term decline

• High costs and environmental concerns affect demand

• No strong recovery expected

3. Pigmeat

Pigmeat is still the largest sector.

• Production peaked around 2020 to 2021, then decreased

• Moderate recovery expected, but not to previous levels

• Domestic use is slightly decreasing

Trade:

• Exports were strong, now more stable or decreasing

• Imports are low

Consumption:

• Per capita consumption decreased from about 34 to 35 kg to about 32 to 33 kg

What this means:

• Still dominant in volume

• Sensitive to export markets (for example China)

• Slow decline in EU consumption

4. Poultry

Poultry is the only strong growth sector.

• Production increased from about 13.2 million tonnes (2018) to about 14.7 million tonnes (2026 forecast)

• Domestic use is increasing

• Per capita consumption increased from about 23 kg to 26 kg

Trade:

• Strong exports

• Imports also increasing

What this means:

• Poultry is replacing other meats

• Lower price and better image help growth

• This trend is expected to continue

5. Sheep and Goat Meat

This is a small and declining market.

• Production decreased from about 580 thousand tonnes to about 470 thousand tonnes

• Consumption is falling

• Per capita consumption is low at about 1.2 to 1.4 kg

Trade:

• Imports are important

• Exports are limited

What this means:

• Niche product

• Demand depends on specific regions and traditions

6. Trade and Market Balance

• The EU is still net exporter of meat

• Self-sufficiency is above 100 percent, but decreasing

• Exports are not growing like before

What this means:

• Less dependence on export growth

• More focus on internal EU demand

7. Main Market Trends

1. Consumption change

• Less red meat (beef, pigmeat)

• More poultry

2. Environmental pressure

• Beef production and consumption are affected the most

3. Market maturity

• Total demand is stable or slightly decreasing

• Growth comes from switching between meat types

4. Trade changes

• Export growth is slowing

• Market is becoming more balanced

Conclusion

• Total EU meat market is stable

• Beef is decreasing

• Pigmeat is stable but slowly declining

• Poultry is growing strongly

• Sheep and goat meat is small and declining

Outlook to 2026:

• Poultry will continue to grow

• Red meat consumption will continue to fall

• Total market size will stay stable

Source: https://agridata.ec.europa.eu/extensions/DashboardSTO/STO_Meat.html