Consumption of meat and eggs has fallen in Spain, according to Euromonitor. Across Europe, intake of all meats except for poultry is set to decline slightly, though in Spain, where pig meat in particular holds great cultural significance, the trend may have severe ramifications.

This is particularly true as the reason for the decline is economic in the south, whereas consumers elsewhere in Europe appear to be voluntarily cutting their meat intake.

As with the rest of Europe, poultry is expected to perform well in Spain, as a meat which is seen as ‘healthier’ and less expensive. On the other hand, pig production has been hit by lower herd numbers and rising input costs, whilst producers are seeing emerging export markets in the East. These factors have forced up pig meat prices at a time when many in Spain are having to tighten their belts.

In Spain, unemployment has hit 24 percent, and consumers have been forced to cut back on spending in a number of areas. Consumption of meat is likely to remain at current levels or even continue to fall into 2013, according to Euromonitor. Nevertheless, fresh produce has proven resilient. In fact, vegetable consumption has reportedly grown whilst meat consumption has contracted.

In response to the situation, meat producers are reportedly looking into direct distribution, such as home-delivery box schemes, which have proven extremely successful across Europe, particularly with organic producers and consumers. This direct distribution method is one way of shortening supply chains and improving relationships between producers and consumers which has been advocated by sustainability experts.

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