Chicken meat and offal market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the chicken meat market in Ireland experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After reaching 144.1 thousand tons in 2018, it fell to 111.5 thousand tons in 2019, largely due to a significant increase in export volumes which redirected production away from domestic consumption. The market contracted further to 107.5 thousand tons in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and altered demand. A strong recovery followed, with volume jumping to 140.3 thousand tons in 2021 and peaking at 160.6 thousand tons in 2022, driven by renewed domestic demand for fresh and convenient products. In 2023, the market stabilized at 160.2 thousand tons.

European animal welfare legislation for broilers and updates to poultry meat labeling and marketing standards influenced production practices and consumer trust throughout the period. Investment in processing capacity modernization by key players and the launch of new marinated frozen chicken products catered to growing demand for convenience. The implementation of stricter origin labeling rules for meat products in 2023 enhanced market transparency.

Per capita consumption of poultry meat in Ireland continued its upward trend, supported by quality assurance schemes like the Bord Bia Quality Mark. The industry concurrently faced persistent challenges including competitive pressure from low-cost imports, rising production and labor costs, and structural difficulties in farm succession due to tight margins.

Production chicken meat and offal in Ireland

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

Ireland's chicken meat and offal production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 152.1 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 7.9% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 18.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of chicken meat and offal production in Ireland reached 167.8 million US dollars, showing a moderate rise of 7.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 14.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 192.7 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 19.0%. The biggest increase was in 2018, with a jump of 31.3%.

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

Exports chicken meat and offal from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

Ireland's exports of chicken meat and offal have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 99 581 tonnes, up 5.9% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 46.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 13.5%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 63 319 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 7.0%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 48.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom and South Africa together accounted for 81.2% of Ireland's total exports by volume. Other countries made up the remainder, forming a diverse but less significant portion of the export market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Ireland's exports of chicken meat and offal have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value totaled 109.8 million US dollars, reflecting a modest increase of 5.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 40.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ireland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom and South Africa were the top two markets, together making up 84.0% of Ireland's total export value. The rest was spread across a wide range of other countries.

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

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

Imports chicken meat and offal to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

Ireland's imports of chicken meat and offal have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 54 975 tonnes, indicating a strong reduction of 14.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 23.7%, with an annualized decline rate of 8.6%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 75 507 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom were the main suppliers of chicken meat and offal to Ireland, together accounting for 80.2% of total imports by volume. Other partners contributed a smaller share.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Ireland's imports of chicken meat and offal have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value was 185.5 million US dollars, showing a significant decrease of 22.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 28.4%, with an average annual decline rate of 10.5%. The peak value was in 2018 at 301.8 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ireland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Ireland's import value was heavily concentrated on the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, which together took 80.1% of the total. Other partners accounted for the remaining portion.

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

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