The meat sector in France - Statistics & Facts

In France, many regional food specialties, such as cassoulet, boeuf bourguignon, or coq au vin heavily rely on meat. While the amount of meat consumed yearly per capita has not changed dramatically since the 1970s, the way the population consumes it has shifted significantly: prices, retailers, and favorite kinds of meat are some aspects of meat consumption that have steadily evolved throughout the years.

Decrease in meat consumption across the nation

Within the context of overall price increases and a trend towards less meaty diets, many categories of meat have witnessed a decrease in home consumption. Pork is one example. Even though it is still the type of meat most consumed among French people, its consumption is going down, and poultry is fighting hard to take this spot with help from its highly dynamic processed segments. Regarding beef, the panic generated by the mad cow disease crisis in the 1990s and the environmental implications linked to its production can begin to explain its fall.

Challenges facing the meat industry

On the other hand, relying on studies linking a heavy consumption of red meat with issues such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and certain cancers, health organizations worldwide are encouraging increased consumption of vegetables over meat products. However, global meat consumption per capita is still predicted to remain stable until roughly 2030. This forecast combined with the expected growth of the world population leads to the conclusion that demand for meat is likely to overtake production. Furthermore, this resource problem is also bound to affect the environment. Indeed, meat production is mainly based on animal husbandry, which requires constant use of energy, land, and water. The production of one kilogram of beef requires about 15,415 liters of water, while about 4,325 liters of water is needed to produce one kilogram of chicken. To face these upcoming issues, some agri-food companies are looking into insect-based proteins and cultured meat, which the population seems to be willing to explore.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Sep 27, 2024

Key insights

Consumption of meat per capita in France
83.3 kg
Type of meat most consumed among French people
Pork
Volume of duck and goose foie gras produced in France
8.4k t
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks
Editor’s Picks
Current statistics on this topic

Distribution of volume and value of meat purchases in France in 2023, by sales channel

Fish & Meat

Meat retail purchases distribution in volume and value in France 2023, by channel

Evolution of the average annual per capita consumption of meat in France from 1970 to 2023, by kind of meat (in kilograms)

Fish & Meat

Annual per capita consumption of meat in France 1970-2023, by kind of meat

Leading brands of 'Meat And Poultry (Uncooked)' in France (FR) 2023, by number of consumers (in 1,000s)

Fish & Meat

Leading 'Meat And Poultry (Uncooked)' brands in FR 2023, by number of consumers

Recommended statistics

Overview

6

Overview

Production

7

Production

Trade

5

Trade

Retail

7

Retail

Leading brands

3

Leading brands

Consumption

5

Consumption

Further reports

Get the best reports to understand your industry

Organic food market in France
Organic food market in France
Meat trends in Europe
Meat trends in Europe
Food trade in France
Food trade in France
Cheese in France
Cheese in France

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Meredith Alda
Meredith Alda
Sales Manager– Contact (United States)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Ayana Mizuno
Ayana Mizuno
Junior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)
Email
eu.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Group Director - LATAM– Contact (Latin America)
Email
latam@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)