Meat production growth: how consumption among Ukrainians is changing

Ukrainian farms are actively increasing the number of pigs and poultry, which leads to an increase in meat production in the country. According to Olena Dadus, head of the Livestock and Breeding Department of the Agrarian Development Department of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the number of pigs increased by 3% and poultry by 2.2% compared to the previous year.

The trend of increasing meat consumption among Ukrainians is also important. According to Dadus, in 2023, meat consumption per person amounted to 54.7 kg, which exceeds the minimum requirement of 52 kg. The forecast for 2024 envisages consumption at 53.9 kg. At the same time, there is a decrease in beef consumption, but an increase in demand for pork and poultry.

In 2023, Ukrainians consumed more poultry and beef compared to the previous year. At the same time, pork consumption decreased. Poultry production grew by 5.8%, which contributes not only to meeting domestic demand but also to exports.

It should be noted that in recent years, not only domestic demand has been growing, but also Ukraine's ability to meet it with its own resources. By increasing meat production, the volume of imports is decreasing and exports are increasing. The main partners in the meat market are the countries of Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

In March of this year, pork prices at the retail market level in Ukraine decreased slightly compared to the previous month. This may be due to increased production and may favorably affect the availability of the product to consumers.

Thus, the trends in meat production and consumption among Ukrainians indicate positive changes in the country's agriculture and the development of the domestic food market.