Canadians Eating More Beef, Pork

Canadians Eating More Beef, Pork

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

According to figures released by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), domestic consumption of beef and pork rose in 2012, while chicken consumption dropped.

Beef consumption is up 1.1 percent, with pork consumption rising by 4 percent and chicken falling by 0.8 percent. According to the CCA, chicken consumption hit its peak in 2007. Over a 40-year period, Canadians have consumed between 66 to 75kg of protein on an annual basis.

In 2012, beef consumption was impacted by lower exports and some higher imports in the last quarter of 2012, following the E. coli recall. Beef imports increased 27 percent in 2012.

Beef prices in 2012 were 20 percent higher compared to 2007. This marks the second year in a row where demand increased, in 2011 it rose 0.3 percent.

The figures were published in CCA’s June newsletter.