EURASIA CONSULT
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Tel.: +31.15.2159604
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China meat processing 2008
A quick perusal of recent issues seems to show significantly few items on the Chinese meat
industry. This is surprising, as the perceived increased consumption of meat in China is often
pointed out in the media as one of the causes for the tightening food situation in world.
In fact, meat production is as dates as far back as the rest of food production in China. The main
reason for the underreporting is probably that it is one of less innovative food sectors in the
country. Pigs, cows, and what have you, are raised, slaughtered and the various cuts are sold as
to consumers or food processors.
Consumers still mainly by fresh meat in the morning to be eaten for dinner on the same day or at
most a few days later. Supermarkets are carrying packed fresh meat, which is more hygenic, but
also higher priced. This segment is increasing, but slowly, exactly because of the higher price tag.
The fact that most Chinese meat companies are either relatively sluggish state owned enterprises
or small workshop type enterprises also contributes to the low ratio of meat related items on our
pages.
However, the upside of all this is that there are ample opportunities in this industry, for Chinese
and international entrepreneurs. This text conveniently collates a few facts & figures regarding
the 2008 Chinese meat processing industry.
Number of companies
Item
number
Total
3096
Slaughteries
1799
Processors
1297
Incl.
canners
88
Breakdown of the turnover
Item
turnover
(RMB billion)
Growth
(%)
General
42.4230
32.8
Slaughtering
24.2340
40.9
Meath processing
18.1890
23.4
Incl. canned meat
5.570
18.8
Production volumes
Item
volume
(mio t)
Growth
(%)
Total
72.787
6.0
Pork
46.200
7.8
Beef
6.130
-0.1
Mutton
3.803
-0.6
Poultry
15.336
5.9
Per capita production volume