Chicken meat and offal market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh, chilled, or frozen chicken meat and offal in Costa Rica experienced fluctuating growth in physical volume from 2018 to 2020. Starting at 145 thousand tons in 2018, it rose to 155 thousand tons the following year before contracting slightly to 151 thousand tons in 2020. In value terms, the market followed a different path, dropping to $211 million in 2019 but recovering to $246 million in 2020.

A period of more consistent expansion began in 2021. That year, a reported increase in distributor margins of over 50% above producer prices significantly raised consumer costs for chicken. This price surge was a key driver behind the market's value jumping 21% to $297 million, even as physical volume grew a more moderate 5% to 158 thousand tons. Growth continued through 2022 and 2023, supported by rising domestic demand and the influence of the country's tourism sector, which increased demand for high-quality food products. Chicken further cemented its status as the most consumed meat in Costa Rica due to its relative affordability and culinary versatility, helping push the market to 174 thousand tons and a value of $381 million by 2023.

The market structure during this period featured established players like Cargill and Gico. The segment's strength was further highlighted by significant investments from foodservice chains, including KFC's 2024 announcement of a $9.1 million plan to open new restaurants in the country, reflecting the enduring consumer preference for chicken.

Production chicken meat and offal in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

Costa Rica's chicken meat and offal production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 137.5 K t, representing a modest decrease of 5.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 3.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 145.0 K t, which marked the largest annual increase of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, chicken meat and offal production in Costa Rica rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 231.7 M $ US, showing a significant year-over-year increase of 17.7%. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 7.6%, with an average annual decline of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 196.9 M $ US, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 12.9% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports chicken meat and offal from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Costa Rica's chicken meat and offal exports reached 789 t, representing a substantial 58.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 32.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 499 t, while the highest was in 2018 at 870 t. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 42.6% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua and Honduras were the primary destinations for Costa Rica's chicken meat and offal exports in volume terms, together accounting for 92.2% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. In 2020, Costa Rica's chicken meat and offal exports totaled 1 329 K $ US, marking a dramatic 96.1% increase compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 678 K $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 1 401 K $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 51.6% decrease. Import levels fluctuated 2.1 times between the 2018 high and the 2019 low.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, Nicaragua and Honduras remained the leading markets for Costa Rica's chicken meat and offal exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 96.2% of total flows. Other trading partners played a supplementary role.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020

Imports chicken meat and offal to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

Costa Rica's chicken meat and offal import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 14 024 t, marking a 31.2% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 15.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 336 t, which also saw the largest decline of 15.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Chile were the dominant sources for Costa Rica's chicken meat and offal imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 99.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Costa Rica's chicken meat and offal imports increased. In 2020, imports reached 15 630 K $ US, indicating a 7.9% advance compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 20.2%, with an average annual decline of 7.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 490 K $ US, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 21.6% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, Costa Rica's dependence on the United States was pronounced, with this market accounting for 92.5% of total chicken meat and offal imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020