Fresh or chilled whole chickens market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled whole chickens in Hungary experienced considerable volume fluctuations from 2018 to 2024. A sharp rise to over 51 700 tons in 2019 coincided with the industry's increased focus on processors' selling prices and material-use strategies, which likely improved supply chain efficiency. This growth was interrupted in 2020, a year that also saw new consumer trends emerge, particularly among younger buyers, with rising demand for organic chicken and healthier prepared food options.

After a partial recovery in 2021, market volume declined again in 2022 and 2023. During 2023, heightened public attention to safe chicken storage practices and hygiene rules became a notable market factor, potentially affecting consumer handling and purchase decisions.

The market rebounded strongly in 2024, with volume surpassing 51 000 tons. This period was marked by the growing prominence of functional foods and the influence of appetite-suppressing factors like GLP-1, which began steering consumer preferences toward nutrient-dense products and smaller portions, adding a new dimension to market dynamics.

Production fresh or chilled whole chickens in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary's production of fresh or chilled whole chickens reached a value of 72 779 thousand US dollars, marking a 14.3% increase compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 75 206 thousand US dollars, while the minimum occurred in 2020 at 63 700 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was observed in 2020, with a drop of 15.3%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 8.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 2.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Hungary produced 48 898 tonnes of fresh or chilled whole chickens, showing a substantial year-over-year increase of 12.7%. The maximum production volume was recorded in 2019 at 50 976 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 14.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 24.6%. From 2018 to 2021, production expanded by 19.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 6.1%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled whole chickens from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens amounted to 2 836 tonnes, representing a 12.8% increase compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 077 tonnes, while the minimum was in 2020 at 2 515 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 18.3%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 5.8%, corresponding to an annualized decline rate of 2.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Slovakia, and Austria were the key partners for Hungary's exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in volume terms. Romania accounted for 43.1% of exports, Slovakia for 30.0%, and Austria for 17.3%. Together, these three countries represented 90.3% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary exported fresh or chilled whole chickens worth 5 315 thousand US dollars, showing a solid increase of 24.8% relative to the prior year. The maximum export value was recorded in 2019 at 6 232 thousand US dollars, while the minimum was in 2020 at 4 258 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 31.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 2.2%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 0.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Slovakia, and Austria led Hungary's export structure in value terms. Romania accounted for 41.4% of exports, Slovakia for 26.7%, and Austria for 18.5%. Collectively, these three markets represented 86.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled whole chickens to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary imported 3 311 tonnes of fresh or chilled whole chickens, showing a robust decrease of 17.0% year-over-year. This followed a two-year increase in import volumes. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 991 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 24.0%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 7.7%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Czechia, and Poland formed the core of Hungary's imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in volume terms. Austria accounted for 32.8% of imports, Czechia for 22.5%, and Poland for 21.5%. Together, these three countries represented 76.8% 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, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary imported fresh or chilled whole chickens worth 6 984 thousand US dollars, showing a notable contraction of 13.1% over the past year. This decline followed a two-year increase in import volumes. The maximum import value was recorded in 2020 at 8 040 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 32.0%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 38.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 11.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for Hungary's imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in value terms were Romania, Austria, and Czechia. Together, these countries accounted for 73.3% 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