Meat Consumption Trends: Analysis of Dietary Shifts and Vegetarianism in Germany
Overview
This paper analyzes changing meat consumption patterns in Germany, where over 40% of the population is reducing meat intake or adopting vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diets. The essay examines the primary driver of this shift—growing concern for animal welfare—and discusses evidence of this trend including the rise of vegan food products and major chains introducing plant-based options.
What this essay covers
- Introduction and context of Guardian article by Philip Oltermann discussing German dietary shifts
- Analysis of consumption trends showing 40% of Germans reducing meat intake
- Examination of underlying reasons for dietary change, primarily animal welfare concerns
- Evidence of trend including vegan restaurant growth, Vincent Vegan company expansion, and McDonald's vegan burger introduction
- Discussion of laboratory-cultured meat acceptance among German meat processing workers
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Meat Consumption
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Meat Consumption
On 27th September 2020, Philip Oltermann wrote an article for the Guardian titled 'The wurst is over: why Germany now loves to go vegetarian,' the supporting headline was 'More than 40% of Germans are cutting down on meat, and vegan burgers are a shopping mall staple.' His main point was to explain the shift in consumption patterns and the underlying perceptions for the move. His article is based on research conducted in Germany and France by scientists trying to uncover the population's consumption trends. Germany is the primary focus because it has recorded the highest drop in the rate of meat consumers. Over 40 percent of German respondents reported that they were either directly or indirectly reducing their meat intake or replacing it with a vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, or "flexitarian" diet.
The primary reason given for the shift in diet is a growing concern for the welfare of animals. This idea gravitates towards the protection of animal rights. Growth in the number of vegan items on food menus and the development of vegan food outlets is evidence of the trend. Vincent Vegan is a company that is gaining traction in food traction because it identified the growing niche and projected that surge in numbers (Philip, 2020). McDonald's has also introduced a vegan burger in Germany, which acknowledges the new trend. The idea is embraced more by meat processing workers in Germany, and the population is more open to consuming meat cultured in the laboratory.