Chicken meat and offal market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian chicken meat market volume stood at 266.6 thousand tons in 2018. Domestic retail chains like Aldi and Lidl actively promoted local chicken, sourcing exclusively from Hungarian suppliers, which supported domestic production. At the same time, cheaper imported products such as frozen Brazilian chicken liver appeared, broadening the assortment. In 2019, the market stabilized at 260.9 thousand tons as consumers paid more attention to freshness and shelf life. The market then grew to 285.6 thousand tons in 2020, driven by rising health consciousness that increased demand for organic and GMO-free chicken, while retailers expanded offerings through innovative small suppliers.

In 2021, simplified hygiene rules for small producers took effect, making it easier for them to enter the market and supporting local production. The market volume edged down slightly to 284.4 thousand tons, but in value terms it jumped 21% to $533.1 million, reflecting a shift toward higher-quality products. The government's price cap on chicken from February to May 2022 raised producers' costs and contributed to a market decline to 278.5 thousand tons. EU food safety alerts regarding poultry products also affected consumer confidence that year. By 2023, the market recovered to 299.3 thousand tons, with the value reaching $686.6 million.

Production chicken meat and offal in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of chicken meat and offal, 2018-2021

World map of production of chicken meat and offal, 2018-2021

Hungary's chicken meat and offal production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 367.6 thousand tons, showing a moderate increase of 3.7% compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 12.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's chicken meat and offal production in value terms rebounded after two years of decline. In 2021, the output was valued at 667.8 million US dollars, marking a significant uptick of 26.3% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 15.1%, with an annualized rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 528.6 million US dollars, following the largest decline of 5.7% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports chicken meat and offal from Hungary

Exports in kind, K t

Hungary's chicken meat and offal exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 138.1 thousand tons, up by 10.8% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 29.5%, equating to an average annual rate of 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Hungary exported chicken meat and offal to a diverse range of markets. Romania accounted for 18.3% of exports in kind, Bulgaria for 12.5%, and Ukraine for 12.3%, together making up 43.2% of total exports. The remaining 56.8% was distributed among many smaller destinations.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Hungary's chicken meat and offal exports in value terms amounted to 250.8 million US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 35.0% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 32.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 185.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's export partners in value terms were varied. Austria represented 17.2% of exports, Romania 13.6%, and France 11.4%, together accounting for 42.2% of total flows. A substantial 57.8% was directed to numerous other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports chicken meat and offal to Hungary

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Hungary's chicken meat and offal imports declined. In 2021, imports reached 54.8 thousand tons, representing a slight contraction of 1.6% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 18.2%, with an annualized rate of 5.7%. The peak was in 2020 at 55.7 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Poland was the leading source for Hungary's chicken meat and offal imports in kind, accounting for 35.4%, followed by Romania at 19.6% and Austria at 12.7%. Together, these three countries made up 67.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Hungary's chicken meat and offal imports in value terms have risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 116.1 million US dollars, which is 18.7% higher than in 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 21.3%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 6.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 90.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In the period from 2018 to 2021, the main sources for Hungary's chicken meat and offal imports in value terms were Poland, representing 38.9%, Romania at 17.4%, and the Netherlands at 12.4%. These three countries jointly accounted for 68.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021