Chicken Wins: Australians Swap Beef for Cheaper Poultry Amidst Rising Costs

Australia's Changing Meat Landscape: Chicken's Reign Supreme Amidst Rising Costs Australians are flocking to chicken, leaving beef and lamb behind, as a result of rising prices. Butchers across the country are reporting unprecedented demand for chicken, struggling to keep pace with the increase in sales. One butcher, Serge Cancado, stated, "Yes, it's increasing every week." This dramatic shift is confirmed by economist Michael Whitehead of ANZ AgriBusiness, who noted that chicken consumption has crossed the 50% mark, while beef and lamb sales continue to fall. "Chicken has gone through that 50 percent mark, and sheep and cattle have continued to go down on Australian dinner plates," Whitehead explained. The affordability of chicken is a key factor driving this change. Shoppers interviewed expressed no surprise at the trend, with one stating, "Price-wise, that's all, really. Lamb is so dear at the moment." The video also highlights the efficiency of chicken production, requiring less land, water, and feed compared to other meats. This makes chicken a more sustainable and cost-effective option for consumers. The trend is expected to continue, with chicken set to become an even more dominant force in Australian cuisine, and potentially, in international markets. Chris Kohler, 9News Finance Editor, concludes, "Chicken has already won the battle for home cooking, but it's also becoming a focus for international money markets."