In Spanish we have a saying that literally translates to “throw all the meat on the grill” which means putting in maximum effort in an endeavor. And I think Latin America is doing just that – putting lots of effort into promoting chicken consumption. Put all the chicken on the grill!
Last week I blogged about the Latin American Chicken Day and on how the Latin American Poultry Association (ALA) is working on consumption promotion. But now, this time I would like to talk about one country – Peru, celebrating National Grilled Chicken Day. Incidentally, I have written about this Peruvian flagship dish a few other times, as well as in other countries, like Portugal.
The Peruvian Poultry Association (APA) and participating restaurants celebrated last Sunday, July 16, National Grilled Chicken Day. Grilled, broiled or rotisserie chicken (pollo a la brasa) is a national dish in Peru – available in restaurants and supermarkets – which brings per capita chicken consumption to 56.3 kg per year (as per the latest data provided by the APA). Although in Lima and its surrounding area per capita consumption can be much higher than that. Chicken and eggs account for 75% of animal protein consumed in this country.
More than 5,000 broiled chicken dishes were donated to the underprivileged and health workers. The APA also shared videos on the importance of chicken production in Peru while also working with influencers.
APA estimates that 150 million chickens a year are grilled, that is, 20% of annual production. Grilling or broiling chickens also increases potato and vegetable consumption, ingredients that go with this national dish.
Once again, we are talking about the importance of the poultry industry to food security and jobs making up 65% of the nation’s animal agriculture value.
Another thing that I would bring up is the fact that Peruvians – as well as many other Latin Americans – like fresh poultry meat, and grilled chicken is one of those dishes made with fresh ingredients.
What do you think?
