Global production of animal-source foods has expanded sharply since the 1960s, with poultry leading growth and major disparities persisting across regions. The FAO study highlights strong supply gains but uneven per capita availability and structural constraints in access and trade.

The global supply of terrestrial animal source food (TASF) has increased significantly over the past six decades, reshaping livestock production systems worldwide and reinforcing its role in agricultural output. Between 1961 and 2022, meat production reached 361 million tons, milk rose to 930 million tons and egg output climbed to 94 million tons, with poultry expanding roughly fivefold, while pig meat and eggs nearly doubled and bovine meat remained broadly stable or declined in several regions.

The analysis, published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, links this growth to changing food environments, productivity improvements and evolving consumption patterns across income groups. Despite higher aggregate supply, distribution remains highly uneven: Northern America records the highest per capita availability, while sub-Saharan Africa shows limited progress. Asia is the largest producer but still lags in per capita supply.

Food loss and waste, estimated at around 14% for TASF, alongside insufficient cold-chain systems, continue to constrain access in lower-income regions. International trade remains limited, covering roughly 10% of global consumption. The report also underscores rising environmental, animal health and equity-related pressures linked to livestock expansion.