"How Are We Supposed to Eat This?" Outcry, Then Sold Out in a Day... What’s Happening in Argentina, the 'Paradise of Beef'?

In Argentina, a leading livestock country in South America known as the "paradise of beef," donkey meat has emerged as an alternative food, sparking growing controversy. This is the result of a simultaneous surge in beef prices and declining consumption.

According to Yonhap News on April 18, citing local reports, the price of beef in Argentina has risen by more than 10% in the past month, with some cuts now exceeding 25,000 pesos per kilogram (approximately 27,000 won). Over the past six months, local beef prices have jumped by more than 60%.

Argentina ranks second in the world after the United States in terms of annual per capita meat consumption. Of this, annual per capita beef consumption reaches 47.3 kilograms, but as the burden of higher prices grows, consumption patterns are shifting. Consumers are reducing their purchases of beef and instead turning to relatively cheaper foods such as chicken, pork, and eggs. According to the meat industry’s data, beef consumption has dropped by approximately 20%.

Donkey. The photo is not directly related to the content of the article. Pixabay

원본보기 아이콘

Donkey meat has even started to be sold, primarily in the southern Patagonia region. The price is about 7,500 pesos per kilogram, less than half the price of beef.

Consumer reactions have been mixed. Online, criticism has surfaced, with comments such as "Donkey meat in the land of beef? I thought it was a joke," and "How are we supposed to eat donkey meat?" However, despite the controversy, reports indicate that all available donkey meat sold out within a single day of being offered.

However, this sale was a limited pilot program conducted with temporary permission from local authorities. While hygiene standards were met, the infrastructure for nationwide distribution is not in place. In Argentina, horse and other animal meats have traditionally not been widely accepted in the domestic market, and most related slaughterhouses operate for export purposes. In particular, there is a shortage of approved slaughtering facilities required for federal-level distribution, making it difficult to expand sales to other regions.

Producers highlight the high adaptability of donkeys to the Patagonian environment and their excellent breeding efficiency, suggesting their potential as a new livestock resource. On the other hand, debates continue among consumers regarding cultural aversion and legal issues.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.