The line graph illustrates the weekly consumption trends of fish and various types of meat, specifically chicken, beef, and lamb, in a European country over a period spanning from 1979 to 2004. The y-axis illustrates the total consumption per person measured in grams, while the x-axis represents each year of the period. Overall, chicken emerged as the predominant consumed meat among other categories, reflecting a significant upward trajectory, while lamb and beef consumption exhibited notable declines. Fish consumption remained relatively stable throughout the observed period.
Looking more closely at the data, chicken consumption commenced at approximately 150 grams per person per week in 1979, demonstrating a pronounced increase that culminated at just below 260 grams by 2004. Notably, the increase was particularly steep during the late 1980s, peaking at around 250 grams before stabilizing. Conversely, lamb consumption, which began at a similar level of around 150 grams, experienced a gradual decrease, ultimately plummeting to approximately 55 grams by the end of the period. This consistent decline underscores a significant shift in consumer preferences away from lamb.
In contrast to chicken and lamb, beef consumption presented a more volatile trend. Initially recorded at just over 200 grams, it saw a modest increase to a peak near 225 grams in 1989, before entering a substantial decline that concluded at just below 100 grams in 2004. On the other hand, fish consumption displayed minimal variation, starting at just under 50 grams and concluding slightly above that level.