Consumer survey
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GERMANY, Berlin. Less and less Germans eat meat every day. Consumers see plant-based alternatives as a contribution to more animal and climate protection.
A current, representative study by Forsa on the eating habits of Germans shows that meat consumption in the country continues to decline slightly: 26% of those surveyed eat meat or sausage every day; in 2015 this was still the case for 34%. One reason for the decline is the eating habits of men, for whom the proportion of daily meat eaters fell from 39 to 32%. Only every fifth woman stated that she ate meat seven days a week, according to the results of the study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. 
The results also show why it does not always have to be meat: Vegetable meatballs and other meat substitutes end up more and more often in shopping baskets. Almost half of the respondents (49%) have already bought vegetarian or vegan alternatives to animal products at one time or more often. Younger people are more open-minded than older people: 61% of 14 to 29-year-olds and 64% of 30 to 44-year-olds have already reached for these products once or more often. 
The reasons for the decision to buy are manifold. 75% of those surveyed are primarily curious when they buy these alternatives, 48% do so for animal welfare reasons, 43% because they like the taste and 41% think it is good for the climate. 55% of those surveyed describe themselves as flexitarians - i.e. meat eaters who occasionally deliberately avoid meat. The proportion of vegetarians (5%) and vegans (1%) in Germany remains unchanged, according to the survey results. 
The results also show why it does not always have to be meat: Vegetable meatballs and other meat substitutes end up more and more often in shopping baskets. Almost half of the respondents (49%) have already bought vegetarian or vegan alternatives to animal products at one time or more often. Younger people are more open-minded than older people: 61% of 14 to 29-year-olds and 64% of 30 to 44-year-olds have already reached for these products once or more often.
The reasons for the decision to buy are manifold. 75% of those surveyed are primarily curious when they buy these alternatives, 48% do so for animal welfare reasons, 43% because they like the taste and 41% think it is good for the climate. 55% of those surveyed describe themselves as flexitarians - i.e. meat eaters who occasionally deliberately avoid meat. The proportion of vegetarians (5%) and vegans (1%) in Germany remains unchanged, according to the survey results.
Source: agrarzeitung