Rates of Beef Consumption Falling in Argentina

Argentina is famous for its beef. Indeed, the South American country not only is the fifth largest global exporter of beef, but it also has one of the highest average rates of beef consumption. However, recent years have seen an accelerated decline in the amount of beef that Argentinians consume. Although beef consumption remains higher than in many other countries, this decline can also be attributed to a rising number of vegetarians, among other factors.

On Argentina’s grasslands, called pampas, huge numbers of cattle are reared. While there are only roughly 45 million people in the country, there are around 53 million cows. Quite literally, the ruminants outnumber the humans. Argentinians also consume a wide range of barbecue meats, which are viewed as something of a cultural tradition.

In recent years, animal activists in the country have launched campaigns to educate people about the moral issues of raising animals for slaughter. The organizations Animal Save Movement and Voicot have been particularly active. Partially due to these campaigns, the number of Argentinian people who follow a vegetarian diet has been rising. Additionally, the Argentinian government has issued warnings about the dangers of overconsumption of red meat. High inflation rates in the country have also driven people away from expensive meat products, like beef.

Due to a combination of these factors, beef consumption dropped to 47.8kg per person between 2018 and 2021. While this is still much higher than in other countries, including the U.K. and U.S., it represents a significant drop from the prior consumption rate of 57.8kg per person. 

Although vegetarianism is still met with skepticism by many Argentinians, rates are beginning to climb. Recently, a study showed that 12 percent of the country’s population identified as vegetarian. The study reported data from 2022 and showed a three percentage point increase in the number of vegetarians since 2021. 

However, the rising number of vegetarians is not the sole reason for falling beef consumption in Argentina. The high cost of beef has driven many to turn to other, cheaper animal products such as chicken.

According to some sources, beef production is the second-highest emitter of greenhouse gasses in Argentina. Additionally, it has also been linked to deforestation in parts of the country. Around the world, beef production is a leading driver of natural habitat loss, emissions, and resource use. 

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