2011 U.S. Meat And Poultry Consumption Demand

There are conflicting figures about whether U.S. meat consumption has been increasing or decreasing. This report describes how the various numbers are calculated to explain this discrepancy. The authors conclude that for the 2011 calendar year, demand for chicken decreased slightly while demand for pork, beef, and turkey increased compared to 2010.

The authors describe the reported discrepancy as a difference between whether per capita demand or per capita consumption is being reported. Per capita consumption generally decreased, while demand increased. Looking at demand includes factors such as exports and the deflated retail price, which these authors argue is a more accurate measure.

The report concludes that meat and poultry demand increased from 1998-2004, decreased from 2005-2010 (with the exception of slight increase in 2007) and then increased again in 2011.