Meat Consumption Expected to Increase 46% for Israel’s Independence Day
Meat consumption in Israel is predicted to surge 46% for Independence Day celebrations, with per capita beef consumption exceeding OECD averages.
Jerusalem, 19 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Ahead Of Israel’s 78th Independence Day on Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security published the local meat consumption data: During Independence Week, meat consumption in retail chains increases by 46%. In 2025, Israelis consumed about 201,000 tons of meat. About 50% of the supply is fresh and chilled meat.
The amount of beef consumption in Israel per capita averages approximately 20.2 kg per year, an increase of approximately 7% compared to 2024. The analysis also shows that during Independence Week there is a 46% increase in the amount of meat sold in retail chains compared to a normal week in the meat category as a whole, and a 3.3-fold increase in the “grilled meat” category.
As mentioned, beef consumption in Israel, according to the ministry’s data, stood at approximately 20.2 kg per capita in 2025, while the average consumption in OECD countries is lower than Israel’s and stood at only 13.4 kg per capita. Argentina leads in first place with 31.1 kg per capita, the US in second place with 23.2 kg per capita, and Australia in third place with 21.9 kg per capita.
The fresh meat consumed in Israel can be divided into three main categories:
1. Fresh meat slaughtered in Israel (30%) – originating from the dairy and pasture (14%) and from the import of live calves (16%)
2. Imported chilled meat (20%)
3. Imported frozen meat (50%)
The chilled meat and frozen meat arrive in Israel after being slaughtered abroad.
