Meat consumption per capita drops to lowest level since 1989 in Germany, while plant-based food sales rise 6% in Europe

A recent report by the Federal Information Centre for Agriculture in Germany reveals that meat consumption per capita dropped by 4.2 kg in 2022, reaching the lowest level since 1989.

The data also indicates that 55% of German consumers describe themselves as flexitarian, and the country produced 9.8% less pork, 8.2% less beef and veal, and 3% less poultry meat compared to 2021.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has called for an 80% reduction in meat consumption, stating that meat consumption in Germany is “completely unreasonable” due to cruelty to animals and CO2 emissions.

In contrast, sales of plant-based foods in Europe rose by 6%, reaching €5.7 billion in 2022, with Germany accounting for the highest sales value of plant-based food across Europe.