Fresh or chilled whole chickens market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for fresh or chilled whole chickens expanded from 224 thousand tons in 2018 to 235 thousand tons in 2019, supported by the continued vertical integration of major players like Grupo Valouro and their focus on advanced refrigeration and vacuum packaging to ensure product freshness. This period also saw the entry of new companies such as Campoaves, which introduced premium, free-range chicken products, catering to growing consumer demand for differentiated and certified quality offerings. While the market volume slightly retreated to 231 thousand tons in 2020, the underlying industry structure strengthened through investments in modern, high-capacity broiler farming infrastructure and a consumer shift towards white meat, which supported a more concentrated and efficient production base.

In the following years, the market navigated specific supply and demand shocks. A nitrofuran crisis in 2022 temporarily constrained domestic production, lifting prices and prompting increased imports from Spain to meet demand, even as overall chicken meat output grew by 5.2%. By 2023, high inflation led consumers to seek better value, boosting the market share of private-label chicken products as trusted for quality. Throughout this period, companies like Frangus continued to launch new processed items, such as pre-cooked roasted chicken, reflecting ongoing innovation to capture consumer interest.

The sector also contended with rising input costs, particularly in 2024 when grain prices for animal feed increased due to disruptions in Ukrainian exports via the Black Sea, putting pressure on production expenses. These factors, alongside sustained investments in food safety certifications and cold-chain efficiency, shaped the market's evolution through 2024, balancing growth in domestic output and premium segments with external cost and regulatory challenges.

Production fresh or chilled whole chickens in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's production of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 421.4 million US dollars, representing a 1.0% year-over-year decrease. Between 2018 and 2020, production fell by 3.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2020, Portugal produced 235.4 thousand tons of fresh or chilled whole chickens, marking a slight decline of 2.6% compared to the previous year. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 241.7 thousand tons, which represented a 1.4% increase from 2018.

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

Exports fresh or chilled whole chickens from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 7 288 tons, after peaking in 2018, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2021, shipments of fresh or chilled whole chickens from Portugal amounted to 12 825 tons, showing a significant increase of 76.0% compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 42.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain remained the primary destination for fresh or chilled whole chickens exported from Portugal, accounting for 86.1% of total exports in volume. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. The highest export value was recorded in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2020 at 12 469 thousand US dollars, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.4 times. In 2021, Portugal's exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens stood at 23 610 thousand US dollars, which is 89.3% higher than the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when export value fell by 46.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens from Portugal in value terms were largely concentrated on Spain, which accounted for 86.3% of total flows. Other countries together formed the remaining share.

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 whole chickens to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 1 966 tons, which is 24.0% lower than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 45.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 18.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens to Portugal in volume were highly concentrated on Spain, which accounted for 96.0% of total flows.

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

Foreign supplies of fresh or chilled whole chickens to Portugal declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 4 241 thousand US dollars, down by 14.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 38.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, fresh or chilled whole chickens imported to Portugal were shipped mainly from Spain, which absorbed 94.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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