“Flexitarians” Driving Move Away from Meat Consumption
This study of market trends in Western nations over the past 6 years found that meat sales are slowing, likely due to intentional meat reduction by consumers. Select findings show that from 2005-2010 meat had one of the worst growth rates, under 14%, while the growth of grains and beans grew at a rate of 19%. However, meat did fare better than vegetables, which saw a growth rate of 11%.
Report Summary:
“With health, sustainability, religious and animal welfare issues giving meat a bad name and driving up prices, Western consumers are cutting back on their meat consumption, either by fully embracing vegetarianism/veganism or by adopting a pescetarian, “flexitarian” or vegetable-oriented diet. This new global report examines the ways in which low-meat diets are affecting various consumer markets such as fresh foods, meat-free ready meals, vitamins and dietary supplements, and what the future hold.”