Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 12/7/11

The projected increase of trade volumes for poultry, pork and beef next year exemplifies the increasing globalization of the world’s meat markets, Kansas State University agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor said in an analysis of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s most recent annual food outlook.

The outlook predicts overall world meat production up 1.3 percent for the year, driven by poultry (up 3.1 percent) and pork (up 0.9 percent) while beef declines by 0.5 percent, according to the outlook.

“It is particularly interesting to note trade volumes of all three meats are expected to increase, particularly in the case of beef where production has [fallen],” Tonsor notes. “Overall meat trade is expected to be up 3.6 percent for the year (beef up 0.9 percent, poultry up 3.7 percent, and pork up 7.9 percent.”

Tonsor also highlighted world per-capita food consumption is projected up 0.1 percent for the year, with developing countries expected to increase consumption 0.8 percent and developed countries expected to decrease consumption 0.4 percent.

“Narrowly, this difference in consumption patterns supports the broad trend of globally changing diets,” Tonsor notes. “Much of the developing world is experiencing more robust income growth rates that supports increased food consumption overall and meat consumption more narrowly.”

To read the FAO’s outlook, click here.