Fresh or chilled duck meat market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the Portuguese market for fresh or chilled duck meat experienced a notable contraction followed by a robust recovery. After starting at 11 253 tons in 2018, market volume declined to 8 265 tons by 2021. This downturn was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and logistics in 2020. The market then rebounded sharply, expanding to 9 871 tons in 2022 and reaching 11 365 tons in 2023, close to its pre-pandemic level.

The recovery was fueled by a significant increase in domestic production, which grew by 23.8% in 2023. Product diversification played a key role, as offerings shifted from whole ducks to a variety of fresh and frozen cuts such as breasts, legs, and shredded duck, meeting consumer demand for convenience. Strict enforcement of EU and national labeling regulations, including mandatory origin indication, reinforced consumer trust in product quality and safety throughout the period.

Underpinning the market were sustained investments in sustainable farming and advanced packaging technology to extend shelf life. Consumer preference for locally sourced meat was highlighted by retailer programs like Intermarché's Origens, which promoted ducks born and raised in Portugal. The integrated production model of Marinhave S.A., the country's sole dedicated duck processor, ensured consistent quality from breeding to packaging, supporting the market's structure and resilience.

Production fresh or chilled duck meat in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Globally, Portugal ranked as the 24th largest producer of fresh or chilled duck meat from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of fresh or chilled duck meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of fresh or chilled duck meat, 2018-2021

Portugal's production of fresh or chilled duck meat rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2021, the country produced 9 720 tonnes, marking a slight increase of 1.0% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 9 620 tonnes, with the largest annual decline of 8.5% occurring that same year.

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

Exports fresh or chilled duck meat from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal exported 2 751 tonnes of fresh or chilled duck meat, representing a 40.0% year-over-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 47.6%, averaging an annualized rate of 13.9%. The largest decline during this period was recorded in 2020 at 4.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Angola, and Italy were the primary destinations for Portugal's fresh or chilled duck meat exports, accounting for 39.3%, 10.9%, and 9.4% of total export volume, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 59.6% of all export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Portugal's fresh or chilled duck meat export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 6 217 thousand US dollars, up by 67.4% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value rose by 23%, with an annualized growth rate of 7.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 711 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 26.6%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain, Angola, and Canada were the key partners for Portugal's fresh or chilled duck meat exports in value terms, contributing 36.1%, 14.1%, and 10.2% of total export value, respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 60.4% of all export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled duck meat to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of fresh or chilled duck meat declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 1 000 tonnes, showing a solid drop of 10.3% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 49.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Hungary, and France were the largest suppliers of fresh or chilled duck meat to Portugal, accounting for 29.3%, 26.4%, and 12.1% of total import volume, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 67.9% of all imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Portugal's fresh or chilled duck meat import value increased. In 2021, imports totaled 4 690 thousand US dollars, indicating a notable rise of 17.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, import value decreased by 44.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 3 991 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 31.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France, Germany, and Hungary made the biggest contributions to Portugal's fresh or chilled duck meat imports in value terms, representing 24.3%, 21.3%, and 17.7% of total import value, respectively. Jointly, these three countries accounted for 63.3% of all import flows.

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

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