Mutton consumption is declining

ELLANIE SMIT WINDHOEK It is predicted that poultry consumption, which is the most consumed meat in Namibia, will increase by 12% over the next decade, while the consumption of lamb and mutton is predicted to decline by 11%.Beef and pork consumption are expected to grow by 12% and 20% respectively.“It can be concluded that production and consumption will increase steadily over the next decade,” said the Meat Board of Namibia.It added that the growth will mainly come from regions where land is not a limiting factor and will be supported by productive gains. Buying power“Consumer spending patterns will change because of economic pressure and a lack of buying power, resulting in prices below general inflation.”According to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), globally meat production has declined since last year because of the African swine fever outbreak in China.But BFAP said global meat consumption is expected to increase by 12% over the next 10 years.“BFAP also referred to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local meat markets where consumption declined as a result of decreased buying power,” the Meat Board said.This impact was further amplified by a restriction of the food services sector, resulting in lower prices.The Meat Board said although cattle carcasses offer products within affordable ranges such as mince and offal, most cuts fall in the middle to higher price categories and are therefore price sensitive.“BFAP predicts annual price increases over the next decade will be lower than the general inflation rate at 4% on average This will support a 12% growth in consumption,” the Meat Board said.Too expensiveIt further said lamb and mutton are the most expensive meat and are therefore susceptible to changes in economic conditions.“Therefore, it is negatively affected by the downward pressure on consumer spending power.”According to the Meat Board, this is amplified by challenges such as predation and stock theft. The BFAP says this will result in sideways growth of production in lamb and mutton, excluding imports.BFAP is a South African-based research organisation with the purpose of informing stakeholders to make better decisions.

Mutton consumption is declining

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-04

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Mutton consumption is declining

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-04

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