Across the globe, meat is a staple food enjoyed by an array of countries and cultures. From tender chicken in traditional Spanish paellas to juicy sausages cooked at quintessential British barbeques, meat is one of the most popular ingredients on the planet.
According to recent statistics from the Heinrich Boell Foundation, the globe slaughters an estimated 58 billion chickens, 2.8 billion ducks, 1.3 billion pigs, 654 million turkeys, 517 million sheep, 430 million goats and 320 million cattle each year. But where does it all go? Read on for a glimpse at some of the world’s biggest meat consumers and how they use the protein rich fare.
The United States
Americans are avid meat lovers and consume an annual count of around 264lbs of meat per person. In 2014, chicken overtook beef’s reign as the nation’s most popular meat for the first time in 100 years!
Australia
Surprisingly, Australians are the world’s second largest nation of meat eaters, racking up a huge annual weigh in of 244lbs per person. Chicken is the most popular meat, with consumption rising by 1% in the past year.
New Zealand
New Zealand may be small but they rack up a hearty appetite. According to stats, the nation consumes an annual count of 233lbs of meat per person. With sprawling green landscapes, New Zealand produces some of the world’s best lamb shanks and chump.
Argentina
Argentinians were a surprise entry on the list with an annual per person meat count of 216lbs. Chorizo sausages are one of the nation’s favourite cuts and are ideal for use in hearty paellas.
Spain
Spain is another meat loving European nation whose residents enjoy 213lbs of meat per year. Cured ham is one of the country’s most popular cuts, with chorizo and smoked meats also making a regular appearance on Spanish tables.
Canada
Canadians don’t hesitate to serve up meat and consume an average of 207lbs every year.
Germany
Germans love their meat and rack up an estimated 194lbs of meat per person, per year. The country is famous for its world class sausages which account for a large amount of annual meat consumption.
The United Kingdom
Brits are enthusiastic meat eaters with a yearly meat intake of 185lbs per head. And with mouth-watering produce such as Angus beef, Cumberland sausages and Berkshire pork, it’s not hard to see why! In the UK, one of the best ways to ensure you receive premium quality meat is to place meat delivery orders through a trusted online butcher.
Mongolia
In east-central Asia, Mongolians consume 180lbs of meat per person, per year. This is surprisingly high compared to its surrounding countries! The country has a heavy meat culture and shows a preference for horse.
China
While the Chinese are slightly more modest when it comes to meat consumption, they still wolf down an annual 127lbs per person. One of the country’s favourite meats is minced pork which is used to fill China’s famous dumplings.
