Fresh or chilled whole chickens market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled whole chickens in Poland experienced a substantial contraction between 2018 and 2020, with volume dropping from 724.5 thousand tons to 519.0 thousand tons. In value terms, the decline was even more pronounced, falling from $1.02 billion to $677 million over the same period.

A consistent recovery phase began in 2021, with market volume growing to 620.1 thousand tons by 2024. This expansion was underpinned by several concurrent trends. Shifting consumer preferences toward healthier eating and greater nutritional value favored poultry as a lean protein source, while economic pressures that encouraged more budget-conscious food spending sustained demand for affordable meat. The market was also broadened by the growing number of single-person households and a rising need for time-saving convenience, which increased the appeal of prepared poultry products and new formats tailored to different consumer groups.

The market's value rebounded more sharply than its volume, reaching $1.26 billion in 2024. This stronger increase in monetary terms reflected the impact of inflation and higher costs for raw materials on producer prices, even as consumption in physical terms continued its upward trend.

Production fresh or chilled whole chickens in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's production of fresh or chilled whole chickens has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 760 million US dollars, marking a 27.8% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 35.2%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 13.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Production of fresh or chilled whole chickens in Poland has dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Poland produced 577.2 thousand tonnes, which is 18.3% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 33.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.9%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled whole chickens from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens from Poland have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Poland exported 58 378 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decrease of 26.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 27.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 10.3%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 88 325 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of fresh or chilled whole chickens from Poland were Czechia, accounting for 22.1% of exports in volume, Bulgaria with 18.5%, and Slovakia at 12.5%. Together, these three countries made up 53.1% of Poland's total exports in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Export volumes of fresh or chilled whole chickens from Poland have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 83.6 million US dollars, a decline of 29.3% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 28.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 10.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 145.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 24.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market in value terms was relatively dispersed. Czechia accounted for 20.8% of exports by value, Bulgaria for 17.0%, and Slovakia for 12.1%. Combined, these three countries represented 49.8% of total exports, with no single partner dominating the market.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled whole chickens to Poland

Imports in kind, t

The import data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market. Poland imported 99 tonnes of fresh or chilled whole chickens in 2020, which is 65.1% higher than the previous year. The lowest point was in 2018 at 49 tonnes, marking a 91.1% decline from 2017, with an 11.2-fold variation between the maximum in 2017 and the minimum in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine was the leading supplier of fresh or chilled whole chickens to Poland, accounting for 54.8% of imports in volume. France followed with 11.9%, and Germany with 10.7%. Together, these three countries made up 77.4% of Poland's total imports in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. In 2020, Poland imported fresh or chilled whole chickens valued at 0.2 million US dollars, a 5.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 0.2 million US dollars, with a 76.9% decline from 2017, while 2019 saw the largest increase of 34.8%. Overall, imports varied by 4.3 times from the high in 2017 to the low in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary suppliers of fresh or chilled whole chickens to Poland in value terms were Ukraine, accounting for 34.6% of imports, France with 33.8%, and Germany at 15.6%. Together, these three countries represented 84.1% of Poland's total imports in this category.

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

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