Milei Effect! Argentina records lowest beef consumption in 20 years

In 2024, Argentina faced its lowest beef consumption in 20 years. The drop in sales was 11.1% compared to 2023, reaching the lowest level since 2002, according to data from Sputnik Brazil. The combination of a reduction in family income and a drop in beef production contributed significantly to this decline.

The report of Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Meat and Meat Products (CICCRA) points out that per capita consumption in the country was only 47.4 kilos between January and November 2024, representing a reduction of almost 6 kilos compared to the same period of the previous year and well below the historical average of 72,9 kg.

Fernando Savore, president of Federation of Warehouse Workers from the province of Buenos Aires, highlighted the change in consumption habits. “We are selling less and less meat, and many families are choosing not to barbecue, a significant deprivation considering Argentina’s strong cultural tradition,” he said.

Miguel Schiariti, president of CIRCLEexplained that consumer choice has been influenced by cost. “With the price of a kilo of beef, it is possible to buy three of chicken,” he said, highlighting the consumer’s adaptation to the fragile economic reality. The drought also had a direct impact, reducing cattle slaughter by 8%.

Although domestic consumption has declined, beef exports grew 12%, reaching more than 784 thousand tons sent abroad, with main destinations being China, Israel and the United States. “Young people from vulnerable sectors have already become accustomed to alternatives such as pork or poultry,” Savore added, indicating a lasting change in eating habits.

The economic crisis, worsened by the austerity policies of Javier Milei’s government, also had profound effects on the job market.

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC), despite a reduction in unemployment, informality grew, with incomes 46% lower than those from formal jobs.

Almost 60% of informal workers are unable to cover the cost of the basic food basket, in contrast to just 8% of formal workers.

O Center for Argentine Political Economy (CEPA) in their study revealed that in 2024 the consumption of chicken meat almost equaled that of beef, with 44.5 kg per capita annually. Schiariti predicts that meat consumption will continue to decline until it stabilizes at lower levels unless a significant economic recovery occurs.

“Meat consumption will continue to fall until it stabilizes due to price reasons, unless the economic situation reverses drastically and we see a strong increase in income,” he explained.

The trend of decreasing beef consumption raises questions about the sustainability of the traditional practice of barbecue in Argentina.

“What we have seen in recent years is a gradual decline that will see us stabilize in line with other countries, where barbecue is not as strong a tradition,” concluded Savore.