Scale of Consumption

Austria has banned force‑feeding of geese and ducks for foie gras since the 1990s, so there is no domestic production of foie gras. Consumption therefore depends entirely on imports, and it remains a niche product compared with Austria’s meat intake.

Per‑capita and national estimates – Belgium has only a small domestic foie‑gras industry but is one of the largest consumers relative to population. A 2020 feature in Sillon Belge noted that Belgian consumers eat about 105 g per person per year, making Belgium the second‑highest per‑capita consumer in the world; yet the country has only eight producers (seven in Wallonia)[1]. The same article explained that local production is tiny (about 26 tonnes in 2019) and the rest is imported; Belgium imported 1,200 t of raw foie gras in 2019[2]. Euro Foie Gras, an industry group, lists similar figures: 13 t of foie gras (all duck) produced in Belgium in 2024, with Belgian consumers eating about 105 g per person per year and the country ranked as the second‑largest importer of raw foie gras[3]. Imports as a proxy for consumption – World Bank/WITS customs data show that in 2023 Belgium imported 193 t (US$7.9 million) of fresh or chilled fatty livers of geese/ducks (HS 020731), second only to France[4]. By contrast, domestic exports of raw foie gras were roughly 122 t[5], suggesting Belgium acts mainly as an importer and minor re‑exporter. Market research summarised by 6Wresearch (2023) describes Belgium as having a compound annual growth rate of about 13.9 % between 2020‑2024 and notes that the top suppliers to Belgium include the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the UK and Spain (implying a concentrated supply structure)[6]. Trends – Local and European production was disrupted by avian influenza outbreaks in 2016‑2017 but recovered by 2019. Belgian consumption appears robust; producers say demand remains strong despite economic pressures and growth of veganism. The co‑owner of Ferme de la Sauvenière told The Brussels Times in January 2026 that “Belgians love foie gras” and that sales of their products remain steady[7]. The 6Wresearch report notes a slowing growth rate in 2023‑24 but still sees strong demand[6]. The popularity of animal‑free “Faux Gras” is also rising; GAIA claims sales of its vegetarian pâté reached 160 000 jars per year in Belgium and increased 433 % between 2009 and 2011[8], showing that some consumers are shifting.

Bulgaria is an important producer of foie gras but a minor consumer. Multiple sources agree that production is large—EU and industry data list Bulgarian production at about 2.6 – 2.7 thousand tonnes of duck foie gras annually in the 2010s and early‑2020s[1][2]. Bulgarian farmers raise roughly 5 million mule ducks on around 800 farms, making the country the world’s second or third largest producer[3][4]. A 2023 analysis by InteliAgro (a Bulgarian agri‑consultancy) notes that foie‑gras production remains exotic and unfamiliar in the Bulgarian market and is almost entirely export‑oriented[2]. Compassion in World Farming’s factsheet reports that about 88 % of Bulgaria’s foie‑gras output is exported to France[5]; a separate Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce analysis states that the country holds 36.7 % of world exports of duck liver, 26 % of frozen duck meat and 18 % of fresh duck meat, although total volumes are only about US$150 million[6]. These figures imply that domestic consumption accounts for a small fraction of production—likely under 10 % of output (i.e., roughly 200–250 tonnes of liver annually). Domestic consumption patterns confirm this. A 2023 national survey by Sova Harris cited by InteliAgro found that 56 % of Bulgarians had never tried foie gras, 7 % had tried it once, 11 % consumed it rarely, only 2 % consumed it often, and nearly a quarter did not know what foie gras is[7]. These results suggest that foie gras remains an elite or niche product and that per‑capita exposure is minimal. Interviewed producers told The Local (2016) that foie gras is “virtually unknown at local Christmas dinner tables” and that the bulk of their production goes to France[8]. Trends over time indicate stable or slightly growing production but limited domestic consumption: production has increased from about 1,500 t in 2005 to 2,752 t in 2020[9], yet surveys show that most Bulgarians still do not eat it[7]. Consumption remains largely static because exports absorb the growth and because foie‑gras is not part of traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

Estimated consumption and imports. A French industry article about Rougié’s Quebec factory notes that Canada consumes around 100 tonnes of foie gras per year[1]. Of this, roughly 20 tonnes of foie gras are imported annually – mainly from Hungary and some from France – with the imports mostly destined for retail rather than restaurants[1]. The remaining ~80 tonnes are produced domestically (see below). The same article explains that only about ten producers operate in Canada, all located in Quebec[1], and just three of these – including the French company Rougié – are licensed to export their products[1]. Domestic production volume. Rougié’s Quebec plant in Marieville slaughters about 200 000 ducks per year, which its production manager calls “very small” by French standards but nevertheless “almost 60 % of the Canadian production”[2]. Using Rougié’s 60 % figure, Canada’s total foie‑gras duck slaughter is roughly 330 000 ducks per year. Ducks are the primary species; geese are rare, and the industry uses hybrid Mulard drakes[3]. Production remains small, especially when compared with France (which can process that volume in two weeks[4]). The 2013 Canadian Veterinary Journal notes that foie gras production is a small industry located primarily in Quebec[3], reinforcing the limited scale. Per‑capita relevance and trends. With only ~100 tonnes consumed nationally, foie gras is a tiny niche in Canada’s food system. Consumption is concentrated among high‑end restaurants and affluent diners rather than the general population. The Reussir article describes the Canadian market as “étroit” (narrow) and notes that consumption is oriented towards restaurants and festive occasions[5]. There are no official time‑series statistics, but industry sources imply the market is stable: domestically produced volumes have remained around 200 000 ducks per year, and imports have averaged about 20 tonnes[1]. Demand dips during avian influenza outbreaks when imports from Europe are suspended, but there is no evidence of sustained growth or decline. Data limitations. Canadian customs data do not separately report “foie gras” because the commodity falls under broader poultry offal categories; the industry is small, and confidentiality rules can prevent publication of detailed figures. The estimates above come from industry interviews and trade press[2][1] rather than official statistics. Without dedicated HS codes, precise production tonnages are difficult to verify.

Limited and import‑driven. Croatia has no significant domestic foie gras industry because the country explicitly prohibits force‑feeding birds for non‑medical purposes. The foie gras controversy entry on Wikipedia notes that Croatia is one of the European countries where force‑feeding is banned; however, it explains that foie gras can still be imported and purchased in these countries and that most of them have never produced foie gras[1]. Consequently, Croatian consumption relies entirely on imported products rather than local production. Imports as a proxy. Public trade data do not isolate “foie gras,” but the UN Comtrade HS code 020743 (frozen cuts and offal of ducks, geese and guinea fowl) is the closest proxy because it includes fatty livers. In 2023 Croatia imported about 49 t of duck/goose offal from Hungary and smaller quantities from Bulgaria, Austria, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Poland[2]. While most of this offal will be used as standard duck/goose meat, fatty livers suitable for foie gras account for only a fraction. An industry report (6WResearch) characterises Croatia’s foie gras market as small but growing: imports come primarily from Slovenia, Poland, France, Hungary and Bosnia‑Herzegovina, and the market recorded a compound annual growth rate of about 13.7 % from 2020‑2024[3]. This suggests that demand, although modest in absolute terms, has been rising from a very low base. Per‑capita relevance. Per‑capita consumption is extremely low. Croatia’s population is roughly four million; even if half of the 49 t of imported offal were fatty liver (a generous assumption), it would translate to less than 6 g per person per year. The figure is therefore negligible compared with France, where per‑capita consumption exceeds 200 g/year. Foie gras in Croatia is a niche luxury product consumed by a tiny fraction of the population and mainly encountered by visitors in high‑end establishments. Trends. The limited data indicate a slow upward trend driven by tourism and growing interest in fine dining[3]. There is no evidence of a mass‑market boom. Given the legal ban on production, any increase in consumption depends on imports. Should European welfare concerns lead to tighter restrictions on imports, the Croatian market would likely contract quickly.

Import‑based estimates. The Czech Republic does not publish official data on foie gras consumption or domestic production. The best proxies are customs records for the HS codes covering fatty livers and prepared liver products. UN/World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) data show that the Czech Republic imported 11,167 kg of fresh or chilled “fatty livers of geese or ducks” (HS 020731) in 2024, valued at US$381 k[1]. Imports have risen since 2020 (4,630 kg) and roughly doubled after 2021[2][3]. In 2024, the country also imported 337,537 kg of prepared liver products (HS 16022019) – a category dominated by goose and duck liver pâtés and terrines – worth US$2.04 m[4]. Because this category includes other animal livers, it overestimates foie gras volumes but confirms that liver‑based preparations have a presence in Czech diets. Per‑capita relevance. At the end of 2024 the Czech population was 10.91 million[5]. Dividing import volumes by population gives a per‑capita consumption of only about 1 g of fresh/chilled fatty liver per year and roughly 31 g for all prepared liver products. Even if all prepared products were foie gras, these values indicate that consumption is tiny and confined to a small segment of consumers. The market research firm 6Wresearch similarly notes that foie gras is consumed on special occasions and that demand is growing but remains niche[6]. Trends. Customs data show an upward trend through 2022–2023; imports increased from 3,559 kg in 2021[7] to 9,586 kg in 2023[3] and further to 11,167 kg in 2024[1]. The 6Wresearch report identifies a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.21 % for 2020‑2024, with a slight decline in imports (‑0.69 %) between 2023 and 2024[8]. These figures suggest moderate growth, driven by a small but growing interest in gourmet foods.

Denmark does not produce foie gras domestically; since the 1950s its animal‑welfare law prohibits force‑feeding, so all foie gras on the Danish market comes from imports. In 2006 Denmark imported 36.3 tonnes of foie gras, but Statistics Denmark data show imports fell to 19.8 tonnes by 2016, a decline of more than 45 % over ten years[1]. These imports are modest for a country of ~5.9 million people and correspond to around 3–4 g per person per year. An Epinion survey for the Danish animal‑welfare NGO Dyrenes Beskyttelse found that 80 % of Danes do not eat foie gras[1]. The NGO’s 2017 press release emphasises that consumption has fallen and that roughly 20 tonnes continued to be imported annually, implying a small, niche market[2]. Recent official import data after 2016 are not publicly reported. Activist and news reports note that Danish supermarkets stopped stocking foie gras in 2014 and that imports continue via gourmet retailers and restaurants[3][4]. The animal‑welfare group Dyrenes Beskyttelse states that imports “have generally been falling since 2006”[1]. A TrendEconomy summary of UN Comtrade data indicates that Denmark imported roughly US$9,667 (≈DKK 67,000) of fresh goose fatty livers (HS 020753) in 2023, less than 0.1 % of world imports. This suggests that the volume remains very small and may continue to decline. Exact tonnage figures for 2017–2025 are unavailable because Danish customs statistics aggregate foie gras under broader meat‑offal categories. Overall, foie gras consumption in Denmark appears elite and marginal. Imports have more than halved since 2006, supermarkets have dropped it, and a survey indicates most citizens do not consume it. Consumption seems to peak in December for holiday celebrations and is otherwise occasional[4].

Overall consumption volume. Finland’s consumption of foie gras is extremely small compared with major consumer markets. World Bank trade data for 2019 show that Finland imported about 35 kg of fresh or chilled fatty livers of geese or ducks (tariff code 020731), valued at roughly US $2 000[1]. With a population of about 5.5 million, this equates to less than 0.01 g per person per year. Imports of prepared or canned foie gras are not separately reported, but retail offerings (e.g., a 75 g tin of French foie gras sold by Finlandia Caviar for €29[2] and 75 g Rougié foie gras sold in supermarket chain K‑Ruoka for €22.85[3]) suggest that volumes remain very modest. Finland produces a small amount of goose liver domestically: the Hauhalan Hanhifarmi farm sells “light” goose livers weighing 150–300 g[4], but production is tiny and targeted at gourmet consumers. There are no national statistics on total consumption; imports and limited farm output are therefore used as proxies. Per‑capita relevance. The combination of high price and ethical concerns makes foie gras an elite, niche product. Retail prices of over €300 per kg[3] and the lack of mass‑market distribution mean that most Finns never encounter foie gras. Consumption is largely restricted to gourmets dining in upscale restaurants or purchasing small tins for special occasions. Trends. There is no long‑term data series for Finnish consumption. Import volumes recorded by UN Comtrade fluctuate at very low levels (under 50 kg per year). Finland banned force‑feeding in the 1990s (see legal context below), so domestic production has never been large. Since 2007 a farm has offered ethically produced “light” goose liver[4], but this has not changed overall consumption levels. Overall, consumption appears stable at a very low level, with occasional imports catering to restaurants and gourmet retailers.

France dominates the world foie gras market. FranceAgriMer’s 2021 and 2023 reports show that the country produced 12,320 tonnes of foie gras in 2021 and 7,740 tonnes in 2023, accounting for roughly 60 % of global supply[1][2]. Domestic consumption (in-home and restaurant) in 2021 was 11,525 tonnes, or about 170 g per capita[1]. After the avian‑influenza crises of 2021‑2023, production fell sharply; by 2023 consumption had dropped to 7,275 tonnes, reducing per‑capita intake to about 107 g[2]. Surveys indicate that consumption remains widespread: CIFOG/CSA polls reported that 90 % of French adults consume foie gras and 67 % eat it at least twice a year[3]. FranceAgriMer’s 2023 consumer survey found that 58 % of respondents purchased foie gras that year—down from 72 % in 2020—because high prices following the avian‑flu shortages discouraged some shoppers[4]. Despite recent declines, foie gras remains a ubiquitous holiday delicacy: FranceAgriMer data show that 83 % of household purchases occur between November and January[2]. Market analysts expected a strong rebound in 2024; trade journals predicted supply would rise by more than one‑third to around 13,500–14,748 tonnes, signalling a recovery after the epidemic[5][6].

Estimated volume and data gaps. There is no open Hong Kong government figure on foie gras imports or consumption. An animal‑welfare NGO compiled export statistics and estimated that Hong Kong imported almost 55 tonnes of foie gras in 2019[1], putting the territory among Asia’s largest consumers. Official trade datasets are aggregated into broader meat categories and do not isolate fatty livers, so precise recent volumes are unavailable. Hong Kong imports around 95 % of its food[2] and has about 12,800 restaurants[3], so even a small fraction of these outlets serving foie gras would require significant imports. Customs press releases reporting seizures of mislabeled goose‑liver products in 2023–24 show that foie gras products enter retail channels[4][5]. Overall, consumption appears modest relative to total meat intake but large for a product considered a luxury. Per‑capita relevance and trends. With a population of ~7.5 million, the NGO’s figure implies roughly 7–8 g per person per year, but consumption is highly skewed. Foie gras is a niche luxury consumed by wealthy residents, expatriates and tourists; most Hong kongers never encounter it. There is no evidence of large growth: media coverage in 2021 described the market as “slightly sparse,” noting that only a handful of high‑end restaurants and gourmet supermarkets offer the product[6]. In 2024 the discussion pivoted to cultivated foie gras, with Hong Kong becoming the first part of China to approve sales of lab‑grown meat[7]. This suggests that any increase in foie gras demand may come from interest in ethical alternatives rather than expansion of traditional consumption.

Production and volume available for the domestic market. Hungary is one of the world’s largest producers of foie gras. In 2024 it produced 788 t of goose foie gras and 1 ,632 t of duck foie gras, making it the leading producer of goose foie gras and third‑largest producer of duck foie gras[1]. EU statistics show 20 ,657 t of foie gras produced in 2024, so Hungary accounts for around 20 % of EU production[2]. However, most of this output is exported. A 2008 study based on industry and household surveys calculated that 20–25 % of Hungarian production remains for domestic consumption, equivalent to 300–600 t. Later trade reports suggest that exports now account for about 80 % of production[3][4], implying that domestic consumption may have fallen to roughly 400 t/year. A 2010 industry review noted that barely 5 % of production stays in the country[5], supporting the view that the local market is tiny compared with output. Per‑capita relevance. Surveys in 2008 found that about 35 % of Hungarians consume foie gras occasionally, usually a few times a year. The market is not mass; most people try it at restaurants or on festive occasions. Recent Hungarian media estimate that domestic goose consumption is less than 1 kg per person per year[6] and that goose liver has become a luxury item priced between 5 ,000 and 23 ,000 HUF/kg[7][8]. The high price and export orientation mean average households rarely purchase it. Consumption is therefore best described as elite‑niche and seasonal rather than a staple. Trends. Early 2000s research noted that domestic consumption roughly equalled one‑fifth of production. Since then, two forces have shaped the market: strong export demand (mainly France and Belgium) and domestic economic constraints (inflation, energy crises and bird‑flu epidemics). Trade data from 2024 show exports of 8.1 million kg of fatty livers valued at US$14.24 million, with France taking 5.07 million kg and Belgium 2.61 million kg[9]. At the same time, local media report that the “golden age” of goose products will not return—most Hungarian consumers buy foie gras only during St Martin’s Day or Christmas and the average consumption remains low[6]. Bird‑flu outbreaks in 2022–2023 reduced waterfowl numbers by 36 %[10] and led to higher prices, further discouraging domestic demand[8]. The long‑term trend is thus declining domestic consumption and growing dependence on export markets.

Size and trends.Italy does not produce foie gras domestically because forced‐feeding has been prohibited since 2004 under Legislative Decree 146/2001, which implemented the EU’s general animal‑protection directive[1]. Without domestic production, consumption is reflected in import volumes. UN Comtrade data (HS 020731 – fresh or chilled fatty livers of ducks/geese) show that Italy imported 26.7 tonnes of raw fatty livers in 2023, slightly more than the 25.4 tonnes imported in 2022 and similar to 26.4 tonnes in 2021[2][3][4]. Imports fell to 16.5 tonnes in the pandemic year of 2020, but were 34.3 tonnes in 2019[5][6]. Prepared liver products (HS 160220) – a broader category that includes terrines and pâtés – amounted to ≈443 tonnes in 2023[7]; only a portion of this volume is foie gras, but it indicates a larger market for processed liver products. Per‑capita relevance.Activist and mainstream Italian sources agree that consumption is extremely low compared with France. Animal equality activists note that Italian consumption is roughly 1 % of French consumption[8], and wine‑industry news likewise states that Italy’s consumption is “about 1 % of France”[9]. Foie gras is therefore an elite niche rather than a mass‑market food. Trend.Imports suggest a stable but small market; volumes remained around 25‑35 tonnes of raw liver in recent years with a dip during the pandemic. However, retail availability has collapsed: a campaign led by Essere Animali persuaded major supermarket chains (Coop, Conad, Carrefour, Esselunga and others) to stop stocking foie gras in 2020‑2021[10]. Activist reports and news articles emphasize that foie gras now appears mainly in gastronomy shops, restaurants or online[11][12]. This suggests that although imports persist, consumer exposure has decreased and the product has retreated into high‑end niches.

Estimated volume & per‑capita exposure.The Philippines does not produce foie gras domestically and relies entirely on imports. A Swiss animal‑protection group monitoring global trade estimated that the country imported around 49 tonnes of foie gras in 2019[1].  With a mid‑2024 population of roughly 115.8 million people[2], this volume equates to about 0.4 grams per person per year, indicating that foie gras is a very small, elite segment of the overall diet.There are no official Philippine statistics on foie gras consumption; imports provide the best proxy because there is no domestic production. Trends over time.Written sources suggest that consumption has increased gradually from a very small base as economic growth and luxury dining expanded. In the early 2000s, French restaurants in Manila struggled to obtain foie gras and often had to bring in canned foie gras from overseas[3]. By the mid‑2010s, high‑end hotels and restaurants were holding foie‑gras‑focused menus[4] and local fine‑dining chefs were trained in France[5]. In 2019–2024, several Manila restaurants and buffets highlighted foie gras dishes, and specialty retailers offered a wider variety of imported duck liver products (e.g., Ernest Soulard and Rougié brands sold for ₱11 000–13 300 per kg[6]). This suggests moderate growth in availability, although the overall market remains tiny. Elite niche exposure.Commentators repeatedly stress that foie gras is not common in the Philippines and is “available in high‑end establishments” only[7]. Many Filipinos have never tasted it or regard it as a luxury reserved for special occasions. The per‑capita figure (≈0.4 g/person/year) confirms that exposure is essentially confined to a small elite and tourists.

Poland banned force‑feeding and the fattening of geese and ducks for the purpose of producing fatty liver under the 1997 Animal Protection Act. The Act defines "cruel methods" in animal rearing to include feeding and watering animals by force[1], and a subsequent clause explicitly forbids the fattening of geese and ducks to induce fatty liver[2]. Existing foie‑gras farms closed by 1 January 1999[2]. Consequently, there is no legal domestic production of foie gras; consumption is supplied solely by imports. Because foie gras sales are unregulated and folded into customs categories that include general liver pâtés, there is no official per‑capita figure. WITS trade statistics for HS 160220 (“preparations of animal liver”) show Poland imported 556 767 kg of animal‑liver preparations worth US\$3.0 million in 2024[3]. The same year Poland exported 1 784 320 kg of such preparations worth US\$5.57 million[4]. These figures include ordinary pâtés and offal, so they likely over‑state foie‑gras consumption. Even if the entire 556 767 kg were foie gras (which it is not), it would amount to about 15 g per person per year (0.56 million kg divided by ~37.6 million inhabitants), highlighting its niche nature. Polish goose meat exports vastly exceed imports: in 2022 the country exported over 10 500 tonnes of goose meat, mainly to Germany, while imports ranged from 22 to 513 tonnes[5]. Therefore, foie‑gras consumption in Poland is very small relative to the overall poultry market. Market analysts note that imports of foie gras have grown from 2020–2024. A 2025 market report by 6Wresearch says imports rose 675 % between 2023 and 2024 and the compound annual growth rate over 2020–2024 was 23.1 %[6]. This growth is tied to increasing interest in premium foods rather than mass consumption. It also suggests a rebound in imports after the COVID‑19 decline as restaurants reopen and consumers seek gourmet experiences.

Niche, high‑end market with limited volumes. Qatar does not raise ducks or geese for foie gras; consumption is supplied entirely by imports. The country’s affluent population and tourism‐driven restaurant scene create steady demand for gourmet foods, but foie gras is a minor market segment. A market briefing from 6Wresearch notes that Qatar’s foie gras market is niche; it serves “gourmet restaurants and high‑end culinary establishments” and is supported by “Qatar’s affluent population and growing appreciation for gourmet cuisine”[1]. The same source stresses that ethical concerns about force‑feeding and potential regulatory hurdles limit widespread growth[2]. No reliable consumption statistics. Official trade statistics for goose or duck livers are difficult to access and, when available, show extremely small volumes. IndexBox’s market report notes that domestic production of prepared or preserved goose or duck liver in Qatar stood at “X kg”, essentially negligible, and that imports have declined since peaking in 2010[3]. The report describes the trend in imports as an “abrupt curtailment” after 2010[3], implying that volumes are small and sporadic. This lack of data suggests that foie gras consumption in Qatar is limited to an elite niche rather than a mass market; per‑capita exposure among the general population is minimal. Proxies from restaurant offerings. Because import volumes are small and no household consumption data exist, restaurant menus provide the best proxy for demand. Numerous high‑end restaurants in Doha feature foie gras dishes (see sections below), which indicates persistent demand within the luxury dining sector. Menu prices (often between 85 QAR and 215 QAR for a foie gras starter or tasting portion) show that foie gras is positioned as a premium or luxury item[4][5].

Evidence on South Korea’s foie gras consumption is limited because there is little domestic production and imports are relatively small. Import statistics suggest a niche but persistent market: Pre‑COVID consumption: During avian‑influenza‑related restrictions in 2015, South Korea imported 13 tonnes of foie gras from France between January and October[1][2]. This figure provides a benchmark: French exports dominate the Korean market. Recent imports: The European NGO Stop Gavage Suisse, summarising EU export data, reported that in 2019 South Korea imported 17 tonnes of foie gras[3]. Official customs data for later years were not available, but industry articles indicate that imports continued through the 2020s, albeit with fluctuations linked to avian influenza outbreaks and supply disruptions. Per‑capita context: Seventeen tonnes of foie gras for a population of around 51.8 million (2024 figure[4]) yields a per‑capita availability of roughly 0.3 grams per person per year, showing that consumption is confined to a very small fraction of the population. Luxury market analysts characterize the foie gras market as niche, serving affluent consumers and high‑end restaurants[5]. Trends: Imports fell during 2016‑2017 because France halted exports during a severe avian‑influenza epidemic, but they recovered by 2019[3]. Covid‑19 temporarily reduced fine‑dining and tourism, but by the mid‑2020s department stores and e‑commerce platforms were again promoting foie‑gras gift sets. Overall consumption appears stable or slowly growing from a very low base, driven by rising interest in gourmet dining but limited by animal‑welfare concerns and high prices.

Estimated volume and per‑capita relevance. Spain is the world’s second‑largest consumer of foie gras, only surpassed by France. Around 2024, the Spanish sector estimated domestic consumption at ~2,500 tonnes of foie gras products. This figure comes from Interpalm’s 2025 report, which notes that Spain raised 954,981 ducks, produced 524 t of foie gras and consumed about 2,500 t domestically[1]. Other sources provide similar but slightly higher ranges: an Avicultura interview in 2019 put annual consumption at ~3,000 t, emphasising that only ~600 t were produced locally[2], while a 2022 report by Anafric estimated more than 3,150 t[3]. These figures suggest that Spain consumes between 2.5–3.2 thousand t annually, corresponding to roughly 50–80 g per person (Spain’s population is ~47 million). Spain’s per‑capita consumption is therefore much lower than France’s (~272 g), but higher than other countries and places it firmly among elite consumers[4]. Trends over time. Household consumption of “foie‑gras y patés” reported by the national market panel shows a decline after 2020. In 2022 households purchased 12.2 million kg of foie‑gras and pâté combined (about 0.3 kg per capita) and spent €133.8 million; this category includes inexpensive patés, so actual foie‑gras consumption at home is likely much smaller[5]. Restaurant and hotel sales account for about 70 % of sector revenues[6]. The 2020 pandemic briefly reduced demand; domestic production fell to 487 t because restaurants were closed[7]. By 2024, production recovered to 524 t and sales exceeded €56 million[1]. However, animal‑welfare campaigns and rising interest in plant‑based alternatives (e.g., Nestlé’s “Voie Gras” or the Catalan start‑up “FoieGood”) have begun to erode demand among some consumers[8]. Retail data show a wide range of products priced from €7.09 for 130 g bloc (~€55/kg) to €11.50 for 80 g mi‑cuit (~€144/kg) in supermarkets[9], indicating that foie gras remains a luxury item.

Switzerland banned domestic foie‑gras production over four decades ago, so consumption is entirely driven by imports. Government statistics and investigative reporting suggest that Swiss people still purchase considerable quantities of imported foie‑gras. NGOs report that around 194 t of foie gras were imported into Switzerland in 2023—equivalent to livers from more than 300 000 ducks—and that these imports are broadly split between restaurants and retail chains[1]. Other Swiss news outlets and parliamentary documents cite an annual import volume of about 200 t[2][3]. World Bank trade statistics for 2023 show that Switzerland imported 120 t of prepared animal liver (HS 160220)[4]; this number excludes whole fresh liver products (classified separately) and therefore understates total foie‑gras imports but suggests a lower bound. Taken together, these figures indicate that Swiss consumption lies roughly between 120 t and 200 t per year—equivalent to about 14–23 g per person per year for a population of ~8.7 million. Surveys indicate that consumption is highly concentrated: a 2018 poll found that 70 % of Swiss respondents never eat foie gras; consumption is much more common in French‑speaking Switzerland (70 % of respondents) than in German‑speaking regions (13 %). Because of this regional concentration, per‑capita exposure is better described as an elite niche rather than a mass‑market food. Imports appear relatively steady but have not grown dramatically. Activist groups note that marketing campaigns by supermarkets and restaurants have increased consumption in recent years[5], but the overall volumes remain modest compared with France. The Swiss Federal Council has acknowledged that force‑feeding is illegal domestically and will be replaced by labelling requirements rather than a full import ban[6], indicating that consumption will likely continue at current levels, albeit under stricter disclosure rules.

Unlike Switzerland, the United States both produces and imports foie gras. Domestic production is concentrated in Sullivan County, New York, where Hudson Valley Foie Gras and La Belle Farm together raise about 350 000 ducks a year, making up the majority of U.S. foie gras production[9]. At average liver weights of ~0.7 kg, this corresponds to roughly 230–250 t of raw duck liver annually. According to the specialty‑food journal Meat & Poultry, these farms export around 10 % of their production to Asia[10], leaving about 200–225 t for domestic use. Trade data show that the U.S. is also a large importer of liver products. World Bank trade statistics for 2023 report imports of 623 t of prepared animal liver (HS 160220)[4] and only 22 kg of fresh or chilled fatty duck or goose liver (HS 020731)[11]. Much of the imported volume is pâté and mousse made from various species; however, Canada, France, Hungary and Poland supply significant quantities of duck or goose liver preparations. Combining domestic production and imports suggests that U.S. consumption of foie gras products likely falls between 400 t and 800 t per year, which translates to about 1–2 g per person per year—a negligible amount relative to total meat consumption. Consumption is thus highly niche. Industry reports note that demand plummeted during the COVID‑19 pandemic when restaurants closed, causing Hudson Valley Foie Gras to lose roughly 75 % of its business[12]; demand began to rebound in 2021[13]. Long‑term trends are shaped more by restaurant and legal restrictions than by consumer tastes.

Thailand does not publish official statistics on foie gras consumption, but import data and market reports provide an indication of scale. Foie gras is not a staple food in Thailand; it is largely consumed by affluent consumers in luxury dining settings. Imports of fatty duck and goose livers (HS 020731) and prepared liver products (HS 160220) are the best proxy for consumption because domestic production is negligible. United Nations trade data show that Thailand imported ~62 tonnes of foie gras products in 2019, ~61 tonnes in 2020, ~57 tonnes in 2021, ~25 tonnes in 2022 (pandemic year) and ~44 tonnes in 2023[1][2]. These totals combine imports of fresh/chilled fatty duck and goose livers and prepared liver products. Imports came mainly from Hungary, France and Spain. In the absence of population‑level data, it is difficult to calculate per‑capita consumption. Using the 2019 import figure of ~62 tonnes and Thailand’s population (~67 million), per‑capita availability would be roughly 0.9 grams per person per year. However, because foie gras is consumed almost exclusively by wealthy Thais, expatriates and tourists, actual consumption is concentrated within a very small population segment. High‑end hotels and restaurants frequently feature foie gras buffets, and social media shows “unlimited foie gras” as a selling point. According to the magazine BK Magazine (2012), Bangkokians were embracing the dish at increasing rates; PETA estimated that US$7.7 million worth of foie gras was consumed in Thailand in 2009, and demand had been rising[3].

Quantifying foie gras consumption in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is difficult because the country neither produces foie gras nor publishes dedicated consumption figures. Consumption must be inferred from trade statistics and hospitality‑sector reporting. Imports as a proxy. The UAE relies entirely on imports of duck and goose offal for foie gras and related dishes. UN Comtrade data (via the World Bank’s WITS portal) show that in 2023 the UAE imported about 3.6 million kg of frozen cuts and offal of geese and ducks (HS code 020743) valued at US$5.53 million[1]. France supplied the largest share by value, sending 86,841 kg worth US$2.26 million, followed by Saudi Arabia (3.23 million kg valued at US$1.79 million) and Hungary (18,568 kg valued at US$0.55 million)[2]. HS 020743 covers all frozen cuts and offal of ducks and geese, not only fatty livers, so only a small fraction of this trade represents foie gras. Nevertheless, the data show a steady flow of duck and goose offal into the country. NGO estimate. The Swiss animal‑protection group Stop Gavage Suisse compiled estimates of international trade and reported that the UAE imported about 220 tonnes of foie gras in 2019[3]. This estimate cannot be verified through official statistics but suggests that the UAE is one of the larger foie gras importers in the Middle East. Because the estimate comes from an advocacy group rather than customs authorities, it should be treated cautiously. Per‑capita relevance. The UAE’s population is roughly 9–10 million. Even if the NGO estimate of 220 tonnes were accurate, per‑capita consumption would still be tiny (around 20–25 grams per person per year). Foie gras therefore remains an elite product with little impact on the diet of the broader population. Trends over time. There are no official time‑series for foie gras. Import data for HS 020743 show that total imports of duck and goose offal fluctuated between US$2–3 million in the early 2020s and rose to US$5.53 million in 2023[1], suggesting growth in demand. Media coverage indicates that foie gras festivals have been held in Abu Dhabi since at least 2012 and continue to recur, indicating sustained interest. However, global avian‑influenza outbreaks and growing ethical concerns could depress imports. Activists have called for boycotts of foie gras in Dubai and there is occasional public debate (e.g., The National wondered in 2019 whether the UAE should follow New York’s ban)[4].

Size of the market. The United Kingdom does not produce foie gras because force‑feeding birds is prohibited under animal‑welfare legislation, so all supplies are imported. The only recent official metric comes from a February 2024 parliamentary answer, which reported that the UK imported 628 tonnes of fatty livers of geese and ducks in 2023, valued at about £3.3 million[1]. Officials noted that the figure came from HMRC trade data and was provisional[1]. Earlier estimates—used in parliamentary debates and activist campaigns—suggested the UK imported about 180–200 tonnes of foie gras each year[2]. NGO and media reports said ~184 tonnes were imported in 2014[3] and that French producers exported around 29 tonnes of raw foie gras and 65 tonnes of processed foie gras to the UK in 2019[4]. These figures imply that British demand is modest compared with France or Spain, but it is substantial for a country that does not produce the delicacy. Per‑capita relevance. With a population of roughly 67 million, even the higher 628‑tonne estimate equates to fewer than 10 grams of foie gras per person per year. Most Britons never buy or taste foie gras; consumption is concentrated in a small luxury niche. Animal‑welfare group Viva! notes that most foie gras imported into the UK is sold through restaurants, bistros and pubs rather than supermarkets[3], reinforcing its elite status. Trends over time. Trade statistics from the 2000s show imports rising from 127 tonnes in 2006 to about 184 tonnes in 2014[3]. From the late 2010s onward, import volumes were usually quoted around 180–200 tonnes per year[2], and activists claimed that consumption had declined over the past two decades[5]. Reports suggested that French exports to Britain totalled about 94 tonnes of raw and processed foie gras in 2019[6]. The spike to 628 tonnes in 2023[1] may reflect reclassification of “fatty livers” (which include raw livers not sold as foie gras) or a temporary surge in imports after pandemic restrictions; the government said the data were provisional[1]. Regardless of the precise figure, long‑term trends and industry commentary indicate that demand is declining and the product has become harder to justify on ethical and economic grounds[5].

Vietnam does not produce foie gras domestically. Duck and goose liver products are imported, so the scale of consumption must be deduced from trade statistics and industry reports. A French animal‑welfare NGO that monitors global foie gras trade reported that Southeast Asian nations imported relatively small quantities of foie gras in 2019; Thailand imported 92 tonnes, Singapore 59 tonnes, the Philippines 49 tonnes, Vietnam 44 tonnes, and South Korea 17 tonnes[1]. This figure likely includes prepared duck and goose livers as well as whole livers and indicates that Vietnam’s annual consumption is modest compared with European markets. Official customs data lump foie gras into broader categories. The UN Comtrade‑based WTO dataset shows that Vietnam imported 1.43 million kg of HS 160239 (“preparations of poultry”) in 2019; France supplied 16,034 kg of these products[2]. Because the category covers all prepared poultry meats, only a fraction represents foie gras, but it confirms that France is a supplier of prepared duck or goose liver products. Price data compiled by Tridge for imported frozen duck offal show that in 2023 the import price ranged from US$36.20/kg to US$53.87/kg, while in 2024 the range widened from US$3.22 to US$65.44/kg, indicating sharp volatility. Sample customs records from September 2024 show imports of “quick frozen raw duck foie gras” and sliced foie gras from Rougié (Euralis Gastronomie) shipped from France. Taken together, these figures suggest that Vietnam’s foie gras consumption is small and niche—probably in the tens of tonnes annually. The market is growing slowly thanks to rising incomes and tourism but remains far below European or Chinese consumption levels. Because consumption is restricted to high‑end outlets, per‑capita exposure is limited to affluent consumers and tourists.