Global Chicken/Poultry Meat Market Trends & Summary (2025–2033)

The Global Chicken/Poultry Meat Market is set to expand significantly, rising from US$ 160.62 billion in 2024 to US$ 268.35 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.87% from 2025 to 2033. Rising global urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, the convenience of poultry-based foods, fast-paced growth of the foodservice industry, and growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of poultry compared to red meat continue to drive global demand. Technological advancements in poultry farming, robust distribution networks, and supportive government policies further shape the industry’s upward trajectory.

Chicken/Poultry Meat Industry Overview

Chicken is the most consumed meat worldwide and a core source of affordable, high-quality protein. As consumers seek nutritious and versatile food options, poultry meat—particularly chicken—has become the preferred alternative to beef and pork due to its lower fat content, adaptability across cuisines, and broad acceptance among diverse populations.

Increasing demand for convenience and ready-to-eat foods, such as chicken nuggets, sausages, patties, fried chicken, and deli meats, has strengthened the role of poultry in fast food, quick-service restaurants, and modern retail chains. Global dietary shifts toward leaner proteins have accelerated consumption in developed and emerging markets alike.

Technological breakthroughs in poultry farming have improved productivity, animal health, and sustainability. Automation, precision feeding technologies, advanced genetics, and modernized housing systems have led to:

• Higher meat yields
• Better disease prevention
• Lower production costs
• Efficient resource management

However, the industry continues to face challenges such as disease outbreaks (e.g., avian influenza), fluctuating feed costs, sustainability pressures, and rising competition from plant-based and cultivated proteins. Even with these challenges, poultry remains the most scalable, cost-efficient, and resource-efficient animal protein available, securing its dominant position in global protein markets.

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Global Market Landscape and Policy Shifts

Government policies and investments are increasingly influencing poultry production capacity. A notable example is Ghana’s US$ 541 million poultry sector investment plan announced in 2023 to reduce import dependence and strengthen local meat production. Similar strategies across Asia, Africa, and South America highlight the global recognition of poultry as an essential food industry for national food security.

Modernizing processing facilities, enhancing biosecurity, expanding cold chains, and improving feed quality are major focus areas globally. These interventions support sustainable growth and help producers meet rising consumer expectations around quality, safety, and affordability.

Recent Trends in the Global Chicken Meat Market

1. Rising Global Population & Increasing Protein Demand

With the world population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, demand for accessible, affordable protein sources is rising. Poultry, being significantly cheaper and more resource-efficient than beef or pork, will remain a primary protein source worldwide.

2. Expansion of Global Poultry Production

According to OECD–FAO forecasts, global poultry production surpassed 139 million metric tons in 2023, a nearly 3% increase over 2022. Chicken production continues to outpace beef, pork, and sheep meat due to faster production cycles and lower input requirements.

3. Asia-Pacific as the Consumption Powerhouse

Total disposable income in Asia-Pacific is expected to more than double from 2021 to 2040, making the region the world’s fastest-growing consumption market. Poultry consumption will rise significantly due to:

• Urban migration
• Expanding middle-class populations
• Increased demand for convenient, affordable protein

4. Rise of Cultivated Meat

In July 2023, the USDA approved cultivated chicken for sale in the U.S., marking a breakthrough for cell-based meat companies Upside Foods and GOOD Meat. This development represents a potential long-term shift in global protein supply chains, although commercialization will take time.

5. Strong Consumption Growth in Developed Markets

Japan’s rising household income, driven by wage growth, has supported increased meat consumption. In 2023, Japanese households spent ¥72,800 on meat on average, with steady growth expected through 2028 due to continued urbanization and demand for convenient foods.

Key Market Growth Drivers

1. Rising Global Population

Population growth directly increases demand for protein-rich foods. Chicken’s affordability, global availability, and short production cycles make it ideal for feeding expanding populations. Its high biological efficiency makes poultry cheaper to produce than beef or pork, supporting consumption especially in low- and middle-income economies.

2. Growing Health Consciousness

Consumers increasingly choose chicken over red meat due to:

• Lower saturated fat
• Fewer calories
• High protein content
• Perceived heart-health benefits

Health-driven shifts, especially among younger and urban populations, significantly contribute to higher poultry consumption.

3. Urbanization & Rising Disposable Incomes

Urban consumers are more likely to purchase:

• Processed chicken products
• Ready-to-eat meals
• Fast-food chicken items

Rising incomes enable households to upgrade from plant-based diets to more animal protein, and chicken is the most affordable option. The growing penetration of multinational fast-food chains also bolsters global poultry demand.

Key Challenges in the Poultry Meat Market

1. Fluctuating Feed Costs

Feed accounts for 60–70% of poultry production costs. Global feed prices fluctuate due to:

• Droughts and extreme weather
• Soybean/corn supply disruptions
• Logistic bottlenecks
• Trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions

Higher feed costs reduce profitability, push up wholesale chicken prices, and create instability in global supply chains.

2. Disease Outbreaks

Outbreaks of avian influenza and Newcastle disease can lead to:

• Massive culling
• Export bans
• Supply chain disruptions
• Increased biosecurity costs
• Consumer hesitancy

These outbreaks significantly affect global supply and pricing, especially in high-export markets.

Country-Level Insights

United States

The U.S. remains one of the largest global producers and consumers of chicken. Strong demand for high-protein diets, fast-food expansion, and advanced production technologies support the market. Challenges include rising feed costs, labor shortages, and animal welfare concerns.

United Kingdom

UK consumers prefer chicken due to its affordability, lean profile, and versatility. Demand for free-range and ethically sourced poultry is rising, reflecting strong interest in sustainability. However, the sector faces supply chain issues, regulatory pressure, and rising import costs.

Japan

Japan’s poultry market is driven by demand for high-quality, protein-rich foods and widespread consumption of chicken-based dishes such as karaage. Urbanization, growth in ready-to-eat foods, and strong hygiene standards support the market, though feed prices and disease risks pose challenges.

Saudi Arabia

Poultry is a staple in Saudi diets, driven by affordability, cultural preferences, and rising incomes. Demand for halal-certified, processed, and frozen chicken products is rising. Challenges include dependence on feed imports and sustainability concerns.

India

India is one of the world’s fastest-growing poultry markets. Rising urban incomes, dietary diversification, fast-food proliferation, and modern poultry farming are key drivers. In 2021–2022, over 3.06 billion chickens were slaughtered, contributing to 51.44% of total meat production in India. Increasing household spending on protein-rich foods further strengthens the market outlook.

Recent Key Developments in the Global Poultry Industry

• February 2023 – Stampede Meat & DL Lee & Sons partnership
  Strengthened production capacity and expanded operations in the Southeastern United States.
• August 2023 – DCP Capital acquiring Cargill’s Chinese poultry business
  Signaled strong investor interest in Asia’s poultry market.
• November 2023 – Tyson Foods expansion in China, Thailand & the Netherlands
  New plants to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of fully cooked poultry, creating major job opportunities.
• March 2023 – Kraft Heinz & BEES partnership expansion
  Strengthening retail distribution in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, targeting one million additional points of sale.

Conclusion: Global Chicken Market Outlook

The global chicken/poultry meat market is poised for strong, sustained growth through 2033. Rising protein demand, health-conscious consumers, urbanization, and advancements in poultry farming will drive market expansion. Although the industry faces challenges such as feed price volatility and disease outbreaks, ongoing technological and structural advancements are enhancing resilience.

Furthermore, emerging trends—such as cultivated chicken, sustainable farming practices, and government-supported expansion in Asia and Africa—will reshape global poultry production over the coming decade. With consumption rising across all major regions, chicken remains the world’s dominant and fastest-growing animal protein source