A post that circulated this week in X under the title “Milei Model” summarizes with data the fall in beef consumption in Argentina. He uploaded it Marcelo Casarettopublic accountant, university professor and former national deputy for the Frente de Todos during the administration of Alberto Fernández.
The historical peak of 69.9 kilos per capita in 2009 is a real figure, confirmed by the Chamber of Meat Industry and Commerce (CICCRA). Current consumption of approximately 47 kilos as well: according to the latest CICCRA report, the moving average for the last twelve months is 47.3 kilos per inhabitant per year, the lowest level in two decades. The 2023 figure – cited as 52 kilos – is approximate but reasonable; The sources range between 51.1 and 52.5 kilos depending on the reference organization.
Regarding prices, the post says that meat rose “almost double the general CPI.” Sources confirm this: in January 2026, beef cuts accumulated a year-on-year increase of around 70%, while general inflation was noticeably lower. An average salary today is enough to buy significantly fewer kilos of barbecue than in any previous government in recent decades.
Some data, however, does not close. The loss of “more than 3 million heads between 2022 and 2025” is not supported in any official report available: CICCRA speaks of a stock reduction of around 6%, equivalent to just over half a million heads. The export growth of 11.4% is also not supported by sector data, which show more mixed trends depending on the period taken.
What is undeniable is the underlying phenomenon: Argentines are eating less and less beef and replacing it with chicken and pork. Chicken rose around 19% in the last year compared to almost 57% for beef. For the first time in history, in 2024 more chicken than cow was consumed in the country that invented barbecue. The decline in beef consumption combines long-term factors—livestock cycle, droughts, export boom—with the sustained deterioration of purchasing power. Under the current administration, this combo took consumption to its historic low in twenty years.
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