Chicken consumption rises as poultry becomes fastest-growing global meat – FAO
The report also flags rising environmental pressure and food waste linked to expanding livestock production.
WORLD – Global poultry supply rose from less than 3 kilograms per person in 1961 to 17 kilograms in 2022, making chicken the fastest-growing animal protein category according to FAO data.
Total meat supply almost doubled over the same period, increasing from 25 kilograms to 47 kilograms per person worldwide.
Pork consumption also rose, reaching about 15 kilograms per person, while beef remained steady at roughly 9 kilograms per person.
Chicken has become the main driver of global meat consumption growth and now ranks among the most widely eaten meats worldwide.
Demand for poultry has increased strongly in developing economies as rising incomes and urbanisation push higher protein intake.
Access to animal-source foods remains uneven, with low and middle-income countries facing higher relative costs and more food insecurity.
Agriculture is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions globally, with sector emissions projected to rise 7.6% over the next decade and livestock is responsible for about 80% of that increase.
About 14% of meat and milk products are lost during production or wasted after reaching retailers, restaurants and consumers.
The IPCC has previously stated that shifting towards plant-based diets is among the most effective ways to cut emissions, while the FAO report focuses on improving livestock systems rather than reducing consumption.
Researchers say improvements in technology, farm management, and innovation could reduce livestock emissions while meeting rising global protein demand, with chicken expected to remain central to future growth in meat consumption.
Analysts expect poultry to continue gaining share in global meat markets, as it remains cheaper and more efficient to produce than other animal proteins, with production systems expanding across Asia, Africa and Latin America to meet urban demand.
Despite environmental concerns, chicken is expected to remain a dominant source of protein as governments balance food security needs with climate commitments and efforts to reduce waste across supply chains.
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