Historic Drops in Argentine Consumption: Milk, Beef, and Yerba Mate
Alarming Decline in Dairy and Meat Consumption in Argentina
A report from February 2025 by the foundations "Innovation with Inclusion" and "Encuentro" has revealed stark data on the consumption patterns of Argentinians, particularly in daily staples like milk, beef, and yerba mate.
Record Lows in Dairy Consumption
According to the study accessible to Ámbito, 2024 saw the lowest per capita milk consumption in 34 years. To find a comparable drop in consumption, one would have to go back to 1990.
Beef Consumption Plummets
Even more dire are the statistics for beef consumption, which in 2024 hit the second lowest recorded since 1914, surpassed only by the year 1920. This decline reflects deeper economic and possibly dietary shifts within the country.
Yerba Mate Highlights Similar Trends
Yerba mate, a cultural staple in Argentina, also saw a significant decline, with a 9.2% decrease from 2023 levels, marking the lowest consumption since 2016. Production of yerba mate fell by 6.8%, although its exports rose by 10.9%.
Economic Overview for 2024
- Milk: Production decreased by 6.5%, consumption dropped 9.1%, but exports grew by 7%.
- Beef: Production fell by 3.4%, consumption plummeted 8%, yet exports increased by 9.8%.
- Yerba Mate: Production decreased by 6.8%, consumption fell 9.2%, while exports rose by 10.9%.
These findings not only highlight a significant dietary transformation among Argentinians but also indicate broader economic trends affecting the agricultural and food sectors.
