Fresh or chilled whole chickens market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market for fresh or chilled whole chickens in Spain showed volatility. Low-priced industrial chicken dominated, with major companies regularly adding fresh prepared products, supporting volume growth to 868 thousand tonnes in 2019. The market then contracted to 771 thousand tonnes in 2020. In 2021, the introduction of Royal Decree 637/2021, establishing basic rules for poultry farm organization including animal welfare training and regulation of organic farms, coincided with a recovery to 876 thousand tonnes.

The market volume surged to 1 217 thousand tonnes in 2022. This sharp expansion was driven by avian flu impacting European supply, which boosted Spanish fresh chicken exports, and the post-pandemic recovery of the Horeca channel. During this period, the sector consolidated with Vall Companys strengthening its leadership through the acquisition of Sada, while facing high production costs and investing in energy efficiency.

Market volume dropped sharply to 727 thousand tonnes in 2023 amid concerns that revised European animal welfare regulations, threatening to triple prices by reducing farm density and eliminating cages, would raise production costs. By 2024, the market rebounded to 940 thousand tonnes, supported by a 15.2% increase in household purchases of fresh chicken and a continuing consumer shift towards convenient, value-added products like fresh prepared and roasted chicken.

Production fresh or chilled whole chickens in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 276 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to the previous year. Production peaked in 2018 at 1 544 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 9.3% recorded that year. However, the following year saw the steepest decline of 16.4%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 9.7%, averaging an annual decline of 3.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of growth, Spain's production of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined. In 2020, output totaled 783.3 thousand tonnes, reflecting a significant decrease of 11.3% year-on-year. Production reached its highest level in 2019 at 883.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 5.4% recorded that same year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled whole chickens from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens from Spain declined. In 2020, exports totaled 19 903 tonnes, representing a substantial drop of 22.8% compared to the previous year. Exports peaked in 2019 at 25 796 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 27.6% recorded that year. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall increased by 8.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United Kingdom, and Portugal were the leading destinations for Spain's exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in volume terms. France accounted for 37.7% of exports, the United Kingdom for 32.1%, and Portugal for 20.8%. Together, these three countries represented 90.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, the value of fresh or chilled whole chickens exported from Spain declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 37 590 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a decrease of 19.0% year-on-year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 46 409 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 28.9% that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United Kingdom, and Portugal accounted for the largest share of Spain's exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in value terms. France represented 39.6% of exports, the United Kingdom 28.2%, and Portugal 20.6%. Combined, these three countries made up 88.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled whole chickens to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens into Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 7 722 tonnes, amounting to a drop of 26.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 59.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Germany, and Denmark were the main sources of fresh or chilled whole chickens imported into Spain in volume terms. Portugal accounted for 48.3% of imports, Germany for 17.3%, and Denmark for 11.0%. Together, these three countries represented 76.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of fresh or chilled whole chickens imported into Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 14 853 thousand US dollars, down by 11.2% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 56.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Germany, and France were the primary sources of fresh or chilled whole chickens imported into Spain in value terms. Portugal accounted for 42.8% of imports, Germany for 27.7%, and France for 10.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 81.2% of total import flows.

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

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