Chicken meat and offal market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The Southern European market for fresh, chilled, or frozen chicken meat and offal saw its volume grow from 3 219 thousand tons in 2018 to 3 587 thousand tons in 2023, an overall increase of 11.4%. In value terms, the expansion was more pronounced, rising from $6 933 million to $10 071 million, a 45.3% growth over the same period. After a 4.3% volume increase in 2019, the market stabilized in 2020, experienced a slight 1.8% contraction in 2021, and then resumed growth with a 2.1% rise in 2022 followed by a significant 6.9% jump in 2023.

Key industry developments began influencing the market from 2021 onward. That November, JBS Foods announced its plan to commercialize cultivated chicken meat in partnership with BioTech Foods by 2024, marking the entry of an innovative protein segment into the European market. Subsequently, responding to strong consumer preference for fresh, nutrient-rich products, poultry producers shifted their focus from frozen to refrigerated chicken lines to secure higher margins. This structural change towards higher-value products was a key driver behind the 16.2% surge in market value in 2022. The market's robust volume recovery in 2023, at 6.9%, was primarily fueled by increased domestic consumption of fresh chicken in countries like Spain, where lower production costs supported demand.

In 2024, import volumes reached 516 thousand tons, continuing the upward trend, while factors such as sustained domestic fresh chicken consumption in Spain and adaptations to post-Brexit trade agreements with the UK influenced trade flows. The industry also navigated strict veterinary export requirements for markets like Saudi Arabia, which affected international market access for authorized establishments.

Production chicken meat and offal in Southern Europe

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

Southern Europe's chicken meat and offal production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3 325 K t, which remained broadly stable compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5%, translating to an annualized rate of 1.6%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 134 K t, marking a decline of 1.1% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with production rising by 5.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year rise, Southern Europe's chicken meat and offal production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 6 529 M $ US, down by 5.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 6 903 M $ US, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a rise of 7.1%.

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

Exports chicken meat and offal from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, Southern Europe's chicken meat and offal exports declined. In 2020, exports stood at 308.8 K t, which is 2.8% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 317.6 K t, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

The country composition of exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. France accounted for 13.7% of exports, Germany for 7.8%, and Benin for 5.1%, together forming just 26.6% of total flows. The remaining 73.4% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Southern Europe's chicken meat and offal exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 606.3 M $ US, which is 8.5% lower than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 669.6 M $ US, with the largest increase that year at 12.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms from Southern Europe were not concentrated on a few key markets. France represented 19.5% of exports, Germany 15.3%, and Austria 5.2%, jointly accounting for only 40.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports chicken meat and offal to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Chicken meat and offal imports into Southern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 332.1 K t, down by 8.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2018 at 394.4 K t, with the largest increase that year at 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

The structure of imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. Germany accounted for 13.2% of imports, the Netherlands for 11.2%, and Poland for 10.2%, together making up just 34.6% of total flows, with no country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imported chicken meat and offal volumes into Southern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 611.9 M $ US, corresponding to a notable decrease of 14.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 16.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 816.9 M $ US, with the largest increase that year at 11.8%.

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

In 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in value terms remained highly diversified. Germany accounted for 14.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 13.2%, and Brazil for 9.7%, together representing only 37.4% of total flows. A long tail of smaller markets formed the remaining 62.6%.

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

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