Global protein growth to slow as beef and pork contract – Rabobank

According to a RaboResearch report, the global animal protein industry is set to experience a slowdown in production growth in 2026, driven by both cyclical and structural factors. Seafood and poultry will lead growth, while pork and beef production will contract. The sector faces challenges from disease outbreaks, trade disruptions, and sustainability pressures, demanding strategic adaptation and technological integration from industry players. Growth in global animal protein production will continue to slow in 2026. Seafood and poultry will emerge as the primary drivers of production growth, while pork and beef production are expected to contract, marking the first reduction in global terrestrial species output in six years. This slowdown is influenced by both cyclical factors, such as shifts in North American and Brazilian cattle markets, and structural factors, like China’s efforts to rebalance its pork market. “While we expect feed costs to remain steady, lower protein ...