Turkey Tops Europe in Meat Access Problem Amid 1,230% Price Surge
meat
In the last five years, meat prices in Turkey have skyrocketed by 1,230%, effectively driving low-income and retired citizens away from this vital source of protein. Escalating production costs, agricultural policy issues, and insufficient supply have all contributed to making meat a luxury item rather than an everyday food for many households.
Historic Rise in Meat Prices
According to Nefes Newspaper, the average carcass beef price stood at 32.35 TL in 2020, but soared to 432 TL by 2025. This sharp surge has turned meat from a common dietary staple into an unattainable product for vast segments of the population, reflecting not just an economic crisis but a social one as well.
Turkey Ranks First in Europe
Data from the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) under the report titled “Eating Properly” indicates that Turkey leads 36 European countries in the category of “Those who cannot afford to consume meat, poultry, or fish every other day”, with 39.1% of the population falling into this bracket. Romania (23.2%), Bulgaria (19.9%), and Slovakia (17.8%) follow behind.
Low Meat Consumption Per Capita
According to the Meat and Milk Board’s 2023 Sector Report, global meat consumption averages 28.5 kilograms per person annually, while Turkey’s rate is only 18.44 kilograms. Uruguay tops the global chart at 44.4 kilograms, followed by Argentina. Observers highlight that Turkey’s lower rate underscores growing income inequality and widespread nutritional shortfalls.
Continuing Price Hikes
Even as Ramadan approached, beef prices kept rising. The Union of Chambers of Agriculture of Turkey noted in its “Producer-Market Prices” report that beef climbed 7.4% in March, from 644.37 TL to 692.12 TL per kilogram. Experts warn that for children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions, decreasing access to protein can pose serious public health risks.
By turning meat into a product accessible mainly to higher-income groups, Turkey’s ongoing meat crisis not only underlines deep-seated economic inequality but may also jeopardize the overall well-being of its citizens.