Today’s consumer recognizes turkey’s nutritional value and enjoys turkey year-round – not just during the holidays. The turkey industry has developed from a single-product, holiday-oriented market to a year-round, diversified and value-added product line. Increasingly, turkey products are marketed in a variety of ways and serve as a staple for health-conscious consumers.
Turkey by the Numbers shows changes in the production and consumption of turkey as well as important markets for U.S. exports. S. turkey products. For additional statistics about the U. S. turkey industry, visit USDA’s Turkey Sector page.
Turkey consumption has nearly doubled since 1970 (8. 2.2 pounds per person), as people learn more about the health benefits and great taste of turkey products. Like, ground turkey has become very popular as a healthier alternative to ground beef because it is higher in nutrients and lower in fat.
Turkey production in the US has gone up to meet consumer demand as more people choose turkey. This is because turkey is more valuable when it is processed into a wide range of cuts, parts, and other products. In 2021, U. S. total turkey production was tallied at 216. 5 million birds raised, equaling to 5. 558 billion pounds.
According to the USDA, the states that raise the most turkeys are Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, Iowa, Minnesota, and North Carolina.
The U. S. Turkey’s industry currently exports more than 10% of its goods, and trade is still a market segment where the industry can grow. In 2021, 549 million pounds of U. S. turkey was exported.
The ratification of the U. S. -The Mexico-Canada Agreement in 2020 was a big deal for the turkey business because it strengthened two important ties with Mexico and Canada. Mexico is by far the largest export market for U. S. turkey products. Since 2014, the U. S. has exported 3. 1 billion pounds of turkey meat globally. Of that, over 2 billion pounds have gone to Mexico, amounting to nearly 450 million pounds in 2021.
The expansion of U. S. exporting turkey products to other countries not only helps the economy but also keeps thousands of American jobs going and gives people all over the world a healthy protein option. NTF keeps looking for interesting markets and is very important for making connections and finding trade opportunities in the world market.
Turkey is a popular poultry choice celebrated around the world especially during holiday seasons. But which country actually consumes the most turkey meat on a regular basis? Let’s analyze global turkey consumption statistics to find out.
The United States Leads in Total Turkey Consumption
When it comes to total volume, the United States dominates global turkey meat consumption According to the latest data, the US. consumed approximately 2,519 thousand tonnes of turkey in 2020.
This comprised a whopping 41% of total world turkey consumption. The U.S. turkey industry has grown steadily over the past few decades thanks to increased exports and growing domestic demand.
After the U.S. other top countries for total turkey consumption include
- Brazil (473 thousand tonnes)
- Germany (367 thousand tonnes)
- France (259 thousand tonnes)
- Italy (258 thousand tonnes)
So while the U.S. consumes the most turkey overall, does it top the list for per capita turkey consumption? Let’s take a look.
Israel Tops Per Capita Turkey Consumption
When analyzed on a per capita basis, Israel emerges as the world’s biggest turkey consuming country. Israelis consume approximately 28 pounds of turkey per person each year.
That’s over 10 pounds more than Americans, who eat around 16.5 pounds of turkey per capita annually.
Other nations with high per capita turkey consumption include:
- Hungary (19.8 lbs)
- Canada (8.8 lbs)
- Portugal (10.6 lbs)
- Germany (7.5 lbs)
The popularity of turkey in Israel can be attributed to its lower cost compared to other meats. Turkey is often used as a protein substitute in dishes like shawarma served in pita bread.
Reasons for Growth in Global Turkey Consumption
There are several factors driving growth in turkey consumption worldwide:
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Increasing exports – The U.S. exported over 720 million lbs of turkey in 2020, up from 53 million lbs in 1990. Mexico, China, and Canada are top importers.
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Rising incomes – Higher incomes in developing nations allow consumers to purchase more turkey.
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Versatility – Turkey can substitute for pricier meats like beef or pork in various cuisines.
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Health trends – Consumers view turkey as a lean, low-fat protein option compared to red meats.
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Government trade policies – Free trade agreements between the U.S. and countries like Mexico facilitate turkey exports.
So while the U.S. still consumes the most turkey overall, demand is rising rapidly in other countries as well.
Regional Popularity of Turkey Dishes
Turkey is used in different ways around the world:
North America – Roast turkey, turkey sandwiches, ground turkey
Mexico – Turkey chorizo, turkey ham, turkey sausage
Europe – Roast turkey, turkey schnitzel, turkey stir fry
Middle East – Turkey shawarma, turkey kebabs
Asia – Turkey congee, turkey dumplings, turkey noodles
This shows the versatility of turkey in cuisines across the globe.
Outlook for Turkey Consumption
The future looks bright for continued growth in global turkey consumption. As emerging markets develop, turkey provides a cost-effective protein source.
Health-conscious consumers will also continue opting for turkey over red meats high in saturated fat. And the U.S. turkey industry aims to grow exports, especially in Mexico and China.
While Americans may be most associated with turkey, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving, other countries like Israel and Hungary have surpassed U.S. per capita consumption.
But no matter how you slice it, turkey remains a nutritious and delicious poultry option celebrated worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What country eats the most turkey per capita?
Israel has the highest per capita turkey consumption at 28 pounds per year.
How much turkey does the average American eat?
Americans eat approximately 16.5 pounds of turkey per person annually.
What are the main turkey exporting countries?
The United States, Brazil, France, Germany and Italy lead global turkey exports.
Which American holidays feature turkey?
Thanksgiving and Christmas are prime holidays for turkey consumption in the U.S.
What drives growth in global turkey demand?
Exports, higher incomes in developing nations, health-conscious consumers, and government policies.
