MEAT CONSUMPTION PERCENTAGES FOR 2009

Over the last 20 years, poultry consumption has increased from 14.05kg per person per year (in 1986) to 36.5 kg per capita in the year ending September 2006, however this figure decreased to 32.48 kg per capita in the year ending June 2009 as part of the decrease in meat consumption in general.  In New Zealand, the total meat consumption decreased 7.3% for the year ended June 2009 compared to the previous year.

Chicken is great-tasting and a lean source of protein and this makes it an excellent addition to any diet.  Even though its consumption has fallen from the high in 2005-2006, it still remains the highest percentage of meat consumed in New Zealand.  In the year ending June 2009, New Zealanders consumed 139,522 tonnes of poultry meat, which constitute 35.72% of the total meat consumption.

Source: The Economic Service Paper for June 2009, as produced by Meat & Wool New Zealand.