Every bite we take connects us to a staggering global network of production and trade, a story best told through the astonishing numbers that reveal how our world is truly fed.
Key Takeaways
- Global cereal production reached 2,808 million tonnes in 2022, marking a 1.1% increase from the previous year primarily driven by higher maize output in the US and Brazil
- Rice production worldwide in 2023 was estimated at 520.1 million metric tons, with Asia accounting for 90% of global output led by India and China
- Wheat harvested area globally stood at 221 million hectares in 2022, yielding 803 million tonnes, influenced by favorable weather in the EU and Russia
- Soybean output globally amounted to 396 million tonnes in 2022/23, Brazil leading with 155 million tonnes
- Global average daily calorie supply per capita was 2,963 kcal in 2019, up from 2,369 kcal in 1961
- Meat consumption per capita worldwide averaged 43.2 kg in 2021, projected to reach 45.6 kg by 2030
- Dairy products consumption globally per capita was 144 kg milk equivalent in 2021, Europe highest at 285 kg
- A 100g serving of cooked broccoli provides 34 kcal, 2.8g protein, 6.6g carbs, 3.3g fiber, and 89mg vitamin C (99% DV)
- One medium apple (182g) contains 95 kcal, 0.5g protein, 25g carbs, 4.4g fiber, and 14% DV potassium with 8mg vitamin C
- 100g baked salmon offers 206 kcal, 22g protein, 13g fat (2.3g omega-3), 485mg potassium, and 3.3mcg vitamin D (17% DV)
- Global food waste at consumer level is 131 kg per capita annually in Europe and North America, 11 kg in sub-Saharan Africa
- Total food loss and waste worldwide 1.05 billion tonnes in 2019, 19% of cereals, 29% of fruits
- US households waste 76 billion pounds of food yearly, equivalent to $161 billion value
- Global trade in agricultural products reached $1.9 trillion in 2022, up 8% from 2021
- US agricultural exports $196 billion in 2023, soybeans $28.6B, corn $18.6B top
This blog post summarizes global food production, trade, and nutritional statistics.
Food Consumption
- Global average daily calorie supply per capita was 2,963 kcal in 2019, up from 2,369 kcal in 1961
- Meat consumption per capita worldwide averaged 43.2 kg in 2021, projected to reach 45.6 kg by 2030
- Dairy products consumption globally per capita was 144 kg milk equivalent in 2021, Europe highest at 285 kg
- Vegetable oil consumption reached 20 kg per capita annually worldwide in 2022, up 2.5% from prior year
- Sugar consumption per capita globally 24.2 kg in 2021, North America 38 kg, Asia 21 kg
- Fish and seafood consumption per capita worldwide 20.7 kg in 2022, up from 9.9 kg in 1961
- Fruit consumption average per capita 82 kg yearly globally in 2019, Oceania highest at 180 kg
- US per capita red meat consumption 56.9 kg in 2022, chicken 49.2 kg, pork 23.6 kg
- India average daily calorie intake 2,550 kcal per capita in 2022, cereals 60% of supply
- China vegetable consumption per capita 120 kg annually in 2022, highest globally
- EU average alcohol consumption from beverages 9.8 liters pure alcohol per capita in 2019 adults
- Brazil soybean oil consumption 15 kg per capita in 2022, highest in South America
- Japan rice consumption per capita declined to 50.7 kg in 2022 from 118 kg in 1962
- Nigeria per capita root and tuber consumption 50 kg yearly, cassava dominant at 80%
- Russia wheat flour consumption 120 kg per capita annually in 2022
- Australia dairy consumption 265 kg milk equivalent per capita 2022
- Egypt sugar consumption 35 kg per capita 2021, one of highest in Africa
- Mexico per capita tortilla consumption 70 kg corn equivalent yearly
- UK processed fruit and vegetable consumption 25 kg per capita 2022
- Indonesia palm oil consumption domestic 15 kg per capita 2022
- France cheese consumption 26.3 kg per capita 2022, highest globally
- South Korea instant noodle consumption 80 packs per capita yearly 2022
- Turkey tea consumption 3.2 kg per capita dry weight 2022, top consumer
- Vietnam coffee consumption 2.5 kg per capita green bean equivalent 2022
Food Consumption Interpretation
We're eating more of everything than ever before, painting a picture of a world that is both better fed and more indulgent, yet one where our plates are becoming worryingly similar and heavy with animal products, oil, and sugar, despite pockets of vibrant local culinary pride stubbornly persisting.
Food Food Production
- Soybean output globally amounted to 396 million tonnes in 2022/23, Brazil leading with 155 million tonnes
Food Food Production Interpretation
Brazil’s soybean fields are working overtime, single-handedly shouldering nearly 40% of the planet's hefty annual haul of nearly 400 million tonnes.
Food Production
- Global cereal production reached 2,808 million tonnes in 2022, marking a 1.1% increase from the previous year primarily driven by higher maize output in the US and Brazil
- Rice production worldwide in 2023 was estimated at 520.1 million metric tons, with Asia accounting for 90% of global output led by India and China
- Wheat harvested area globally stood at 221 million hectares in 2022, yielding 803 million tonnes, influenced by favorable weather in the EU and Russia
- Maize production hit 1,209 million tonnes in 2022, with the United States contributing 384 million tonnes or 32% of the world total
- Global milk production in 2023 reached 881 million tonnes, up 2.2% from 2022, dominated by India at 230 million tonnes
- Poultry meat production worldwide was 137 million tonnes in 2023, growing 2.5% annually, with the US and Brazil as top producers
- Potato production reached 376 million tonnes in 2022, China producing 25% or 94 million tonnes
- Banana global production was 122 million tonnes in 2022, India and China each over 30 million tonnes
- Sugar cane production hit 1,965 million tonnes in 2022, Brazil at 672 million tonnes representing 34%
- Apple production worldwide was 86 million tonnes in 2022, China accounting for 44 million tonnes or 51%
- Tomato output globally reached 187 million tonnes in 2022, with China leading at 65 million tonnes
- Global beef production in 2023 was 60 million tonnes carcass weight equivalent, US and Brazil top contributors
- Pork production worldwide amounted to 114 million tonnes in 2023, China producing 55 million tonnes or 48%
- Aquaculture production reached 130.9 million tonnes in 2022, up 4.6% from 2021, Asia dominant
- Capture fisheries global production was 91 million tonnes in 2022, including 20 million tonnes for reduction to meal and oil
- Olive oil production in 2022/23 was 3.3 million tonnes, Spain leading with 1.2 million tonnes
- Cocoa bean production globally was 5.1 million tonnes in 2022/23, Ivory Coast 42%, Ghana 25%
- Coffee production reached 10.8 million tonnes in 2022/23, Brazil 38%, Vietnam 18%
- Tea global production was 6.4 million tonnes in 2022, China 42%, India 20%
- Cottonseed production worldwide 76 million tonnes in 2022, China and India top
- Palm oil output hit 77 million tonnes in 2022/23, Indonesia 57%, Malaysia 28%
- Cassava production globally 308 million tonnes in 2022, Nigeria 22%, Thailand 11%
- Sorghum production 62 million tonnes in 2022, US 20%, Sudan 13%
- Barley output 150 million tonnes in 2022, EU 45 million, Russia 20 million
- Global orange production 76 million tonnes in 2022, Brazil 17 million, China 7.5 million
- Grape production worldwide 79 million tonnes in 2022, China 14 million, Italy 9 million
- Onion output 108 million tonnes in 2022, China 24 million, India 23 million
- Mango production globally 52 million tonnes in 2022, India 21 million, China 5 million
Food Production Interpretation
The sheer, mountainous tonnage of our global harvest is a testament to humanity's agricultural might, yet its staggering concentration in just a few staple crops and regional powerhouses is a delicate feast of abundance built on a surprisingly narrow foundation.
Food Waste and Sustainability
- Global food waste at consumer level is 131 kg per capita annually in Europe and North America, 11 kg in sub-Saharan Africa
- Total food loss and waste worldwide 1.05 billion tonnes in 2019, 19% of cereals, 29% of fruits
- US households waste 76 billion pounds of food yearly, equivalent to $161 billion value
- UK food waste totals 6.4 million tonnes annually from households, 70% edible
- India food grain losses post-harvest 10-15 million tonnes yearly, 4-6% of production
- Brazil fruit and vegetable losses 30% of production due to inadequate storage
- China generates 35 million tonnes food waste yearly from cities
- Global fisheries discard 10 million tonnes catch annually, 8% of total landings
- EU food waste 88 million tonnes in 2022, €130 billion value, 20% from primary production
- Japan consumer food waste 2.1 million tonnes edible food yearly
- Australia 2.5 million tonnes household food waste annually, $8 billion cost
- Nigeria post-harvest losses 40-50% for roots and tubers
- France bakery waste 110 kg bread per tonne baked
- Global restaurant food waste 17-38% of prepared food
- US retail food waste 43 billion pounds yearly, 10% of supply chain
- Italy dairy waste 5% of milk production
- Thailand rice losses 15% post-harvest
- Canada 2.3 million tonnes food waste yearly, 35 kg per capita household
- South Africa fruit losses 20-30% due to poor infrastructure
- Global bread waste 25% of production
- Germany 11 million tonnes food waste 2022, halved since 2011
- Retail sector globally wastes 14% of food purchases
- Potato waste 40% globally, half at farm level
- Seafood waste at sea 40% of catch in some fisheries
- US dairy waste 20 billion pounds milk yearly
- Leafy greens waste 50% from farm to fork in US
- World cereal losses 14% of production, highest in industrial countries at harvest
- Oilseed losses 10-20% globally
- Meat processing waste 20% carcass weight
Food Waste and Sustainability Interpretation
While the world meticulously measures its shame in billions of tonnes and lost billions of dollars, the stark geography of waste reveals a global kitchen where one side scrapes a feast into the bin and the other watches their harvest rot before it can even reach a plate.
Global Food Trade and Economics
- Global trade in agricultural products reached $1.9 trillion in 2022, up 8% from 2021
- US agricultural exports $196 billion in 2023, soybeans $28.6B, corn $18.6B top
- EU agri-food exports €228.6 billion in 2023, wine €15B, dairy €28B
- China food imports $142 billion in 2022, soybeans 60% of total oilseeds
- Brazil soybean exports 100 million tonnes in 2022/23, $50 billion value
- Netherlands agri-food exports €122 billion 2023, flowers €4B, meat €10B
- Canada wheat exports 25 million tonnes 2023, $8 billion CAD
- India rice exports 22 million tonnes 2022/23, basmati $5.2B
- Russia wheat exports 46 million tonnes 2022/23, 30% global trade
- Thailand rice exports 8.2 million tonnes 2023, $4.7 billion
- US beef exports 1.4 million tonnes 2023, $11 billion, Japan top market
- Germany dairy exports €8.5 billion 2023, powder and cheese main
- Indonesia palm oil exports 26 million tonnes 2022, $22 billion
- France wine exports €11.5 billion 2023, US main destination
- Argentina soybean exports 12 million tonnes 2023, $10 billion revenue
- Vietnam coffee exports 1.8 million tonnes 2022/23, $4.2 billion, Germany top buyer
- New Zealand dairy exports $25 billion NZD 2023, milk powder 30%, China 25% market
- Turkey hazelnut exports 300,000 tonnes 2023, $2.5 billion
- Peru avocado exports 600,000 tonnes 2023, $2 billion, EU 40%
- Colombia coffee exports 12.5 million bags 2023, $3.3 billion USD
- US almond exports 1.1 million tonnes 2022/23, $5.8 billion, India top
- Chile salmon exports 700,000 tonnes 2023, $6.5 billion, China EU main
- Côte d'Ivoire cocoa exports 2.1 million tonnes 2022/23, $10 billion
- Spain olive oil exports 500,000 tonnes 2023, €2.5 billion, US Italy top
- Malaysia palm oil exports 17 million tonnes 2023, $13 billion, India China buyers
- Ukraine sunflower oil exports 6 million tonnes 2022/23 despite war
- Morocco tomato exports 1.2 million tonnes 2023, €1 billion, EU destination
- Ecuador banana exports 6.5 million tonnes 2023, $3.2 billion, Russia EU main
Global Food Trade and Economics Interpretation
The world's dinner plate is a meticulously negotiated, trillion-dollar patchwork where America's soybeans feed China's pigs, Brazil's oil fuels Europe's biofuel, and everyone's morning coffee and chocolate hinge on a fragile network of ships, treaties, and the stubborn persistence of farmers from Vietnam to Côte d'Ivoire.
Nutritional Facts
- A 100g serving of cooked broccoli provides 34 kcal, 2.8g protein, 6.6g carbs, 3.3g fiber, and 89mg vitamin C (99% DV)
- One medium apple (182g) contains 95 kcal, 0.5g protein, 25g carbs, 4.4g fiber, and 14% DV potassium with 8mg vitamin C
- 100g baked salmon offers 206 kcal, 22g protein, 13g fat (2.3g omega-3), 485mg potassium, and 3.3mcg vitamin D (17% DV)
- One large egg (50g) has 72 kcal, 6.3g protein, 5g fat, 186mg cholesterol, 67mcg vitamin B12 (279% DV)
- 100g cooked quinoa provides 120 kcal, 4.4g protein, 21g carbs, 2.8g fiber, 0.2mg iron (1% DV) and complete amino acids
- Avocado (100g) contains 160 kcal, 2g protein, 9g carbs, 7g fiber, 14g monounsaturated fat, 485mg potassium (10% DV)
- 100g spinach raw has 23 kcal, 2.9g protein, 3.6g carbs, 2.2g fiber, 558mcg vitamin A (62% DV), 28mg vitamin C
- Almonds 100g offer 579 kcal, 21g protein, 22g carbs, 12.5g fiber, 269mg magnesium (64% DV)
- 100g Greek yogurt nonfat 59 kcal, 10g protein, 3.6g carbs, 127mg calcium (10% DV), 0.4g fat
- Blueberries 100g 57 kcal, 0.7g protein, 14g carbs, 2.4g fiber, 10mg vitamin C (11% DV), 6mg vitamin E
- 100g chicken breast grilled 165 kcal, 31g protein, 0g carbs, 3.6g fat, 256mg phosphorus (21% DV)
- Lentils cooked 100g 116 kcal, 9g protein, 20g carbs, 8g fiber, 3.3mg iron (18% DV)
- 100g sweet potato baked 90 kcal, 2g protein, 21g carbs, 3.3g fiber, 18mg magnesium (4% DV)
- Walnuts 100g 654 kcal, 15g protein, 14g carbs, 7g fiber, 158mg magnesium (38% DV)
- 100g kale raw 49 kcal, 4.3g protein, 9g carbs, 3.6g fiber, 1.5mg iron (8% DV)
- Chia seeds 100g 486 kcal, 17g protein, 42g carbs, 34g fiber, 7.7mg iron (43% DV)
- 100g beef sirloin lean 206 kcal, 27g protein, 0g carbs, 11g fat, 5mg iron (28% DV)
- Oats cooked 100g 71 kcal, 2.5g protein, 12g carbs, 1.7g fiber, 177mg phosphorus (14% DV)
- 100g strawberries 32 kcal, 0.7g protein, 8g carbs, 2g fiber, 59mg vitamin C (65% DV)
- Pumpkin seeds 100g 446 kcal, 19g protein, 54g carbs, 18g fiber, 9mg iron (50% DV)
- 100g carrots raw 41 kcal, 0.9g protein, 10g carbs, 2.8g fiber, 835mcg vitamin A (93% DV)
- Black beans cooked 100g 132 kcal, 9g protein, 24g carbs, 8.7g fiber, 2.1mg iron (12% DV)
- 100g tuna canned in water 86 kcal, 19g protein, 0g carbs, 0.8g fat, 1.4mg vitamin B12 (58% DV)
- Brussels sprouts 100g cooked 36 kcal, 2.6g protein, 7.1g carbs, 3.8g fiber, 141mcg vitamin K (118% DV)
- 100g brown rice cooked 123 kcal, 2.7g protein, 26g carbs, 1.6g fiber, 0.4mg manganese (20% DV)
- Kiwi fruit 100g 61 kcal, 1.1g protein, 15g carbs, 3g fiber, 93mg vitamin C (103% DV)
- 100g cottage cheese lowfat 84 kcal, 12g protein, 4.5g carbs, 0.4g fat, 83mg calcium (8% DV)
- Peanut butter 100g 588 kcal, 25g protein, 20g carbs, 8g fiber, 4.6mg niacin (29% DV)
- 100g bell pepper red raw 26 kcal, 1g protein, 6g carbs, 2.1g fiber, 128mcg vitamin A (14% DV)
Nutritional Facts Interpretation
Nature's pantry clearly operates on a 'no free lunch' principle, offering everything from a virtuous broccoli spear to a decadent walnut, each with a meticulously itemized invoice of calories, macros, and micronutrients that proves you truly are what you eat—so choose your building blocks wisely.
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