Chicken meat and offal market in Iceland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for chicken meat and offal in Iceland fluctuated, reaching 10 798 t in 2019 then dipping to 10 128 t in 2020 before peaking at 12 353 t in 2021. The increase in 2019 was supported by higher imports under tariff quotas set around 1 115 t. The sharp 22% surge in 2021 to 12 353 t was driven by a more than doubling of imports, which reached 3 361 t. However, in 2022 the market volume fell to 10 850 t as imports dropped back, constrained by the same tariff quotas, then grew slightly to 11 117 t in 2023 with increased import volumes.

Domestic chicken meat production remained relatively stable, ranging between 9 070 t and 9 589 t, with chicken becoming Iceland's most produced meat type ahead of lamb in 2021. Consumer preferences shifted towards sustainable and ethically sourced meat, though supply of organic chicken stayed limited. In 2022, a new player entered the market with the opening of the 'Mama Geee' chicken restaurant in Akureyri, reflecting growing demand for fresh, quality meat.

Imports continued to play a key role, with frozen chicken meat from Ukraine gaining share in 2023, helping lift market volume to 11 117 t. Tariff quotas remained the main import regulator, affecting overall product availability. Discussions about raw meat imports and their potential impact on campylobacteriosis were noted in 2021-2022, but no major legislative changes followed. In 2024, the market kept evolving with emphasis on quality, freshness, and sustainability, though volume data beyond 2023 is not available.

Production chicken meat and offal in Iceland

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of chicken meat and offal, 2018-2021

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

Iceland's production of chicken meat and offal declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 8 997 tonnes, marking a slight year-over-year decrease of 0.8%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 9 589 tonnes, which saw a modest increase of 1.1%. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a decline of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Iceland in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports chicken meat and offal from Iceland

Exports in kind, t

The export market for chicken meat and offal from Iceland showed considerable volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at just 0.1 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 47 tonnes in 2020, representing a dramatic 76 319.4% increase and a 764-fold amplitude between the two years. In 2021, exports fell sharply to 4 tonnes, a steep year-over-year decline of 90.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom and Norway were the primary markets for Iceland's chicken meat and offal exports, together accounting for 90.0% of total export volumes. The remaining 10.0% was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Iceland's export values for chicken meat and offal experienced significant fluctuations. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 000 US dollars, which then jumped to a high of 232 000 US dollars in 2020, a massive increase of 21 206.3% and a 213-fold variation. In 2021, export values dropped to 6 000 US dollars, a substantial 97.4% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom and Norway dominated Iceland's chicken meat and offal exports in value terms, capturing 94.5% of the total. Other destinations accounted for the remaining 5.5%, with smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Imports chicken meat and offal to Iceland

Imports in kind, t

Iceland's import volumes for chicken meat and offal showed an unstable trend. The lowest volume was in 2018, which then increased to a peak of 3 361 tonnes in 2021, reflecting a 3.5-fold gap. This 2021 volume represented a significant 204.0% rise compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with an 8.6% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark and Germany were the main suppliers of chicken meat and offal to Iceland, jointly holding 87.4% of total import volumes. The remaining 12.6% was fragmented across other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Iceland's imports of chicken meat and offal reached 5 547 000 US dollars, a 12.9% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import values grew by 43.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 28.5%, while the most notable decline was in 2020, with a 1.1% decrease.

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

During 2018-2021, Denmark and Germany led Iceland's imports of chicken meat and offal in value terms, together accounting for 87.8% of total import flows. The remaining 12.2% was dispersed among other countries.

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

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