Experts estimate that by 2034, global pork consumption will increase by nearly 5% compared to 2024 levels. The main drivers of this growth are economic development and rising purchasing power in emerging markets.
The highest consumption growth is expected in regions where meat has traditionally been less accessible:
- Africa — up to +39%
- Central America — similarly high growth rates
This surge will be driven by urbanization, expanding retail infrastructure, and the growth of the middle class.
Meanwhile, in the European Union, pork consumption is predicted to decline by around 4% by 2034 due to:
- changing consumer preferences,
- the growing popularity of alternative protein sources,
- increasing interest in sustainable production,
- stricter animal welfare requirements,
- and an overall trend toward reduced meat intake.
Despite global growth, pork producers face a number of structural challenges:
- tougher environmental and regulatory standards,
- the need to reduce the carbon footprint of production,
- enhanced animal welfare requirements,
- and the pressure to modernize operations to meet global market expectations.
Analysts emphasize that companies in the pork sector must adapt in two directions simultaneously — expanding production for high-growth markets while meeting increasingly stringent regulatory requirements that are becoming the norm in developed countries.
According to OECD/FAO forecasts, the global pork market will continue to grow steadily, but it will also become more demanding in terms of quality, sustainability, and responsible production practices.
PigUA.info based on materials from euromeatnews.com