China's consumption patterns of meat undergoing significant changes, China gradually abandons it’s favorite meat: the pork

[Beijingwalker]

China's consumption patterns of meat undergoing significant changes, China gradually abandons it’s favorite meat: the pork​

17.08.2024

The consumption patterns of meat and fish in China are undergoing significant changes. According to Chenjun Pan, senior analyst at RaboResearch, “Chinese consumers are now focusing more on good food than on a lot of food.” This shift is particularly impacting the pigmeat sector.

Historically, pigs have been integral to Chinese agriculture, domesticated thousands of years ago for their nutritional efficiency and ability to thrive on kitchen waste and small spaces, making them ideal for backyard farming. Pork is highly valued in Chinese cuisine for its versatility and flavor.

Despite pork’s traditional dominance, the consumption of meat and fish in China is evolving. Since the 1990s, per capita meat consumption has more than doubled, from 35 kg to 72 kg (carcass weight) in 2023. Pork accounts for 58% of this consumption, followed by poultry, beef, and seafood. In comparison, the Dutch consumed about 75 kg of meat in 2023.

While Chinese consumption of seafood, beef, and poultry has increased by 4.2%, 3.1%, and 3% respectively, pork consumption has only risen by 0.3%. In the 1990s, pork made up 85% of meat consumption, now it accounts for 58%. This decline is driven by several factors:

Demographic Shifts: The rise of 1- and 2-person households and an aging population has led to increased demand for convenience foods, ready-to-use products, and online shopping. Health concerns also play a role, with consumers favoring seafood and poultry over pork for their lower fat content.

Luxury Trends: The growing Chinese middle class is spending more on luxury foods, including imported beef from Australia or the US, lamb, game, and high-quality seafood like lobster and abalone.

Changing Preferences​

Chicken: Until the 1980s, chicken meat was not popular in China due to concerns over growth hormones and nutritional value. The introduction of fast food chains transformed chicken into a high-quality, low-fat protein source.

Beef: Historically, cattle were used for labor rather than consumption. China is now the fourth-largest beef producer and the largest importer. Beef consumption has grown significantly, especially among the affluent.

Opportunities for Companies​

For companies operating in the Chinese animal protein market, there are opportunities in poultry, beef, and high-quality seafood. To succeed, they must focus on value for money, consumer food experiences, health aspects, and changing distribution channels. Establishing partnerships with food service companies and retail is crucial to meet consumer demand. Additionally, there is a growing interest in sustainable products, providing another avenue for growth.

The rise of Western fast food chains and standardized food processing in China also presents opportunities for Western companies to adapt to these changing consumption patterns.

 

[ety]

Before Ming dynasty, pork wasn't the first choice of meat for Chinese consumption, they were lamb and beef.

 

[Alter_Ego]

Before Ming dynasty, pork wasn't the first choice of meat for Chinese consumption, they were lamb and beef.

Interesting.

Any idea why the major dietary shift happened?

 

[Vikramaditya1]

Interesting.

Any idea why the major dietary shift happened?

As you go older the less meat you consume.

 

[ety]

Interesting.

Any idea why the major dietary shift happened?

Maybe because of population growth and more cost-effective to raise pigs.

 

[Beijingwalker]

Interesting.

Any idea why the major dietary shift happened?

Beef, chicken and lamb consumption goes up very fast.

 

[Beijingwalker]

As you go older the less near you consume.

You know nothing about what you are talking about

Post in thread 'Average Chinese national now eats more protein than an American: UN food agency'

Jul 18, 2024

In 2021, Japan had a daily per capita protein supply of 91.99 grams (3.24 oz), South Korea had 108.31 grams (3.82 oz)

The far lower protein intake per capita for Japan and Korea comparing to China further proves that although Japan and Korea have higher GDP per capita than that of China but due to their incredibly high cost of living, the real standard of living in Japan and Korea now is far lower than that of China.

• Beijingwalker

 

[MH.Yang]

Yes, this year my family consumed more beef and lamb than pork.

First of all, we have to thank the new president of Argentina, Millet, who brought down the price of yellow beef in China from $16/kg to $7/kg.

secondly, we have to thank the new president of Mongolia, Uyghna, who brought down the price of mutton in China from $15/kg to $8.5/kg.

the new presidents of these two countries exported large quantities of meat even though their domestic CPIs reached 300%, bringing down China's cattle and sheep farmers into massive bankruptcy. I really admire their liberal trade spirit.

 

[MH.Yang]

Interesting.

Any idea why the major dietary shift happened?

This is because the breeds of pigs raised in the Ming Dynasty were massively improved. Pigs raised before the Ming Dynasty were very unclean, it had a lot of parasites and bacteria, and it was easy to get sick from eating pork at that time. Pig breeds and breeding techniques were drastically improved during the Ming Dynasty, removing most parasites. Pork became a healthy foods.

Secondly pork is harder to preserve than beef or lamb. The Ming Dynasty saw the emergence of the technology of making ice from saltpeter, which solved the problem of storing pork. There is also the technique of smoking meat, which was spread on a large scale throughout the country during the Ming Dynasty. Prior to the Ming Dynasty, smoked meat was usually consumed only in the northwest.

The third reason is water. Hogs require a lot of water. Before the Ming Dynasty, China's water facilities were not developed enough to support farmers in raising pigs after farming. Especially during the reign of the Mongols, China's water conservancy facilities were heavily damaged. During the Ming Dynasty, China's water facilities were heavily constructed and water resources were plentiful.

 

[Vikramaditya1]

You know nothing about what you are talking about

Are you not having a low consumption problem? Your median age is going higher while that of the US ig going down and it is going to go down due to immigration of young people. Chinese are getting old, you'll soon be like a Japan without reaching High income status. Have more kids man scrap the two child policy, make it mandatory 4 child policy, or you're going to have a crisis.

 

[Beijingwalker]

Are you not having a low consumption problem?

Low consumption? read again, the consumption of meat products rise in leaps and bounds, what are you talking about here? check the thread title again.

Post in thread 'Average Chinese national now eats more protein than an American: UN food agency'

Jul 18, 2024

In 2021, Japan had a daily per capita protein supply of 91.99 grams (3.24 oz), South Korea had 108.31 grams (3.82 oz)

The far lower protein intake per capita for Japan and Korea comparing to China further proves that although Japan and Korea have higher GDP per capita than that of China but due to their incredibly high cost of living, the real standard of living in Japan and Korea now is far lower than that of China.

• Beijingwalker

 

[Vikramaditya1]

Low consumption? read again, the consumption of meat products rise in leaps and bounds, what are you talking about here? check the thread title again.

Low consumption in general man. Not just meat, consumption is not rising fast like developing economies. This will seep into different sectors, I understand what you meant by switching to different types or whatever

 

[Beijingwalker]

Low consumption in general man. Not just meat, consumption is not rising fast like developing economies. This will seep into different sectors, I understand what you meant by switching to different types or whatever

You mean total consumption or consumption to GDP ratio? China's total consumption grows in leaps and bounds, but maybe not as fast as China's manufacturing sector, cause China is the world only manufacturing powerhouse.