MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay’s meat consumption hits nine-year high in 2024

Some 10,000 tons of the traditional Uruguayan barbecue were sold to the public on Wednesday throughout the country, on the eve of International Workers' Day

Uruguayans consumed nearly 100 kilograms of meat per person in 2024, the highest level in the past nine years, according to the country’s National Meat Institute (INAC). The data confirms a strong rebound in domestic demand for animal protein, particularly beef and poultry.

The annual report shows that average per capita meat consumption reached 99.3 kilograms, up from 93.3 kilograms in 2023. Beef remained the most consumed meat, rising to 48.3 kg per person, a 3 kg increase from the previous year. Poultry followed with 25.5 kg, up 1.5 kg, while pork reached 22.9 kg, a 0.9 kg rise. Only lamb consumption dropped slightly, by 0.4 kg to 2.6 kg.

Some 10,000 tons of the traditional Uruguayan barbecue were sold to the public on Wednesday throughout the country, on the eve of International Workers' Day, according to the president of the Association of Meat Distributors and Importers of Uruguay, Luis Avero, EFE quoted.

“Total protein consumption is primarily supplied by domestic production, with the notable exception of pork, which is mostly imported,” the report noted.

In total, 69.2% of the meat consumed in Uruguay was of national origin, while 30.8% came from imports. Domestic industry consumption rose slightly by 0.1%, while imported meat declined by the same amount.

Known globally for its beef exports, Uruguay also maintains one of the world’s highest per capita rates of meat consumption.