Chart of the flows of meat between the different branches of the pork industry : from slaughtering to consumption

A chart illustrating the flows of pork meat between the branches of the pork industry has been developped. It is mainly based on bibliographical and statistical data. The existing flows of pork carcasses, cuts and fresh meat and processed products have been listed and quantified. This work shows the role played by the different branches in manufacturing and providing consumption goods to the consumers. The main flows link slaughtering and cutting companies with industrial meat-processing manufacturers and retail groups. Less important flows have also been underlined, concerning branches such as traditional processing and catering, whose role is more difficult to define.The existing data was not sufficient to describe the whole situation: some of the flows had to be assessed. The methods used and the unsolved questions are given to discussion, in order to improve the knowledge of the flows.