Meat consumption in Switzerland remains constant
The figures for 2022 show a stable meat market. The change in consumption compared to the previous year is within the normal statistical range. Constant per capita consumption with a slightly growing population goes hand in hand with a stable domestic share of 82.2%. Domestic production remained almost constant across all types of meat. Imports across all types of meat fell by 4.1% compared to the previous year. In relation to the individual types of meat, consumption of poultry meat grew by 2.6%. Pork and beef consumption fell slightly. Horse and lamb saw the biggest declines.
Overall stable prices for slaughter cattle
The price stability of bank cattle is the reflection of a balanced market situation. Almost without exception, animals ready for slaughter could be delivered at the desired time. A somewhat different picture emerged for the short term with the processing animals. The prolonged drought in July and August led to an unexpectedly higher supply, as the farmers sold their animals earlier than planned due to the shortage of fodder. Due to the longer vegetation period, the forage base improved noticeably in autumn, which quickly stabilized the market. The market relief measures of the past few years were not necessary in 2022, on the contrary: demand was at a consistently high level throughout the year.
Poultry production continues to increase
Domestic poultry production increased by 2% in 2022 compared to the previous year. With a slaughter weight of 114,637 tons, it has increased by almost 35,000 tons in the last 10 years. Not only domestic production but also imports increased in 2022 (+6.3%). As a result, the amount of poultry meat available increased by 2.6%. Of the 15 kg of poultry meat consumed per capita, 66.3% came from domestic production.
Turbulence in the pig market
In the pig market, the oversupply situation worsened towards the end of 2022: in November, the industry was faced with the biggest pig crisis in Swiss history. Thanks to the combined commitment of production, trade, processing, export organizations and European customers, as well as with the help of the federal government, overcrowding in the pigsties relevant to animal protection and an even more drastic drop in pig prices could be largely prevented. From November to December, meat from a total of 14,987 pigs was frozen with federal support.
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