Trends

The Evolution of Meat Consumption in Latin America 

Emergentcold
January 22, 2025

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In recent years, Latin America has experienced significant changes in meat consumption. Driven by cultural, economic and logistical factors, the meat industry is diversifying and transforming. This article explores the evolution of meat consumption in the region, the challenges of cold chain storage and how this impacts the sector’s operations. 

Meat Consumption by type 

Chicken: The Leader in Terms of Consumption 

Chicken is the most consumed protein in the region, and its growth is related to: 

  • Affordable cost: Economical production, resulting in competitive prices. 
  • Versatility and health: Accepted in different preparations and considered to be a healthier option. 
  • Limited shelf life: Fresh chicken only lasts 15 days, increasing the demand for frozen storage. 

Pork: Moderate Growth 

With greater acceptance and diversification in diets, pork has undergone consistent growth. 

  • Versatility: Increasingly used in local and modern dishes. 
  • Shelf life: Fresh pork has a shelf life of up to 40 days, allowing greater flexibility in logistics. 

Beef: Tradition and Stability 

Although consumption per capita is declining in certain countries, beef is still a traditional choice in much of the region. 

  • Predominant export: Much of the beef is shipped fresh directly to the ports. 
  • Shelf life: Fresh beef can be kept refrigerated for up to 90 days, reducing the need for freezing. 

Sustainability and Environmental Impacts 

Meat production is an essential activity, but its environmental impact varies significantly between types of protein. Beef stands out as the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG), while chicken and pork are more sustainable in many ways. 

1. Carbon footprint: 

  • Beef: According to the FAO, beef is responsible for around 27 kg of CO₂-equivalent per kg produced, leading emissions in the livestock sector. This is due to deforestation for pasture, feed production and methane emissions by ruminants, a gas with a warming potential 28 times greater than CO₂. 
  • Pork: The production of pork generates 7.2 kg of CO₂-equivalent per kg, a significant reduction compared to beef. Pigs do not produce enteric methane, which reduces their impact. 
  • Chicken: Chicken is the most efficient of the three, emitting only 6 kg of CO₂-equivalent per kg produced, due to its lower demand for land and greater feed efficiency. 

2. Use of Resources (Water and Land): 

  • Beef: In order to produce 1 kg of beef, around 15,400 liters of water and large areas of pasture are required, making beef the most resource-intensive. 
  • Pork: Pork requires less land and water, with an average of 6,000 liters of water per kg produced, making it more sustainable in this regard. 
  • Chicken: The production of chicken stands out as the most efficient, using around 4,300 liters of water per kg, as well as requiring less area per unit of protein. 

3. Feeding efficiency: 

  • Beef: Cattle require 6 to 10 kg of feed in order to produce 1 kg of meat, a conversion that is not considered very efficient. 
  • Pork: Pigs convert feed more efficiently, needing around 3 to 4 kg of feed for every 1 kg of meat. 
  • Chicken: Chicken is the most efficient, with a feed conversion rate of 1.7 to 2 kg of feed per kg of meat, which explains its lower environmental impact. 

Change in Consumer Habits: 

Consumer trends reflect a preference for protein that is more sustainable: 

  • Beef is facing a drop in popularity, especially among younger consumers, due to its high environmental impact. 
  • Chicken and pork are gaining ground as more sustainable options, as well as being more affordable. 
  • Plant-based substitutes and cultivated meats are emerging as attractive alternatives to reduce the impacts associated with traditional livestock farming. 

Below is a list of consumption (in kilograms) per capita in the main Latin American countries. 

data on meat consumption in latin america

Meat consumption in Latin America shows marked regional variations, as evidenced by the data analyzed. Argentina and Uruguay stand out as the biggest consumers of beef, reflecting cultural and economic traditions associated with high-quality livestock production. In contrast, countries like Peru and Venezuela have the lowest consumption rates of this protein, suggesting that economic factors and accessibility influence these food choices. 

Chicken leads as the most consumed protein in countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Peru, consolidating its position as an accessible and versatile option in the population’s diet. Bolivia and Venezuela also show a greater preference for chicken compared to other proteins, reinforcing this regional trend. 

In terms of pork consumption, Mexico leads the way, followed by Uruguay and Brazil, reflecting cultural patterns and significant production. However, in countries such as Bolivia and Guatemala, consumption of this protein is significantly lower, indicating that it does not have the same relevance in the daily diet. 

Finally, the unequal consumption between countries can be attributed to economic, cultural and local supply differences. Countries such as Venezuela and Peru, with low levels of beef consumption, illustrate how cost and buying power impact the diet. The analysis also highlights data gaps in a few countries, such as Ecuador, Guatemala and Panama, which can make it difficult to obtain a complete picture of the food scenario in the region. 

Conclusion 

Meat consumption in Latin America is a reflection of the region’s economic, cultural and logistical diversity. Chicken emerges as the most accessible and sustainable protein, dominating preferences in many countries. Beef, a symbol of tradition, faces challenges related to cost and environmental impact, while pork continues to expand its acceptance, especially in markets with diversified diets. 

The data analyzed highlights the importance of regional strategies to meet the demands of increasingly conscious and diverse consumers. For cold chain companies like Emergent Cold Latam, understanding these trends is essential to offering logistics solutions aligned with local and global needs. 

Finally, as the world turns to more sustainable food options, Latin America has a unique opportunity to lead by integrating innovation, logistical efficiency and environmental responsibility in the meat sector. These trends will not only shape regional consumption, but also define the region’s role in global protein markets. 

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Source: The data presented was collected from FAO, OECD, Contexto Ganadero, Statista reports, and other reliable industry sources. 

Contribution: Rafael Rocha – Commercial Vice President at Emergent Cold LatAm

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