Fresh or chilled whole turkeys market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled whole turkeys in Hungary grew slightly in volume from 5 182 т in 2018 to 5 314 т in 2019, supported by state-owned slaughterhouses expanding their product ranges with value-added items like breaded preparations and cold cuts, which broadened consumer choice. At the same time, rising demand for lean, protein-rich meat aligned with modern health-conscious diets boosted turkey consumption, particularly in versatile formats such as burgers.

The COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions in 2020 directly hit the market, causing volume to drop to 4 704 т, as logistical constraints and heightened demand for chilled storage capacity affected availability. Tighter food safety regulations, which mandated a core temperature of 75°C for turkey and stuffing, further influenced processing practices and may have contributed to the continued slight decline to 4 467 т in 2021.

A strong recovery followed in 2022, with market volume jumping to 5 350 т, driven by regulatory and subsidy changes in Hungarian agriculture that extended support to small producers and organic farms, stimulating production. This rebound was reinforced by a sustained consumer shift toward healthy, sustainable, and locally sourced turkey products.

Production fresh or chilled whole turkeys in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Hungary's production of fresh or chilled whole turkeys showed a modest recovery. In 2021, the output was valued at 10 633 thousand US dollars, marking a slight year-over-year increase of 2.9%. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 17.7%, which translates to a compound annual growth rate of -6.3%. The lowest value during this timeframe was recorded in 2020 at 10 331 thousand US dollars, with the most significant decline of 15.5% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary's production of fresh or chilled whole turkeys continued to decline for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 4 696 tonnes, representing a 3.0% decrease compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 13%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 4.5%. The highest production volume was achieved in 2019 at 5 516 tonnes. The most substantial drop occurred in 2020 with a 12.3% decrease, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 2.2%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled whole turkeys from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary exported 229.6 tonnes of fresh or chilled whole turkeys in 2021, showing a modest increase of 1.1% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 10%, which corresponds to an annualized decline rate of 3.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 227.1 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 272.2 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 with a 16.6% drop, whereas the largest increase was in 2019 at 6.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania and Switzerland consistently served as the primary markets for Hungary's exports of fresh or chilled whole turkeys in volume terms. Together, these two countries accounted for 80.5% of total export flows, with the remaining share distributed among other trading partners.

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

Following a two-year decline, Hungary's exports of fresh or chilled whole turkeys in value terms experienced a rebound. In 2021, exports reached 698.1 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 2.8% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 14.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 679.2 thousand US dollars, and the most substantial decline of 12.0% also occurred that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Switzerland, and Slovakia formed the core group of markets for Hungary's exports in value terms. Romania accounted for 50.8% of exports, Switzerland for 25.8%, and Slovakia for 13.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 89.7% 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 turkeys to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

The import market for fresh or chilled whole turkeys in Hungary exhibited significant volatility during this period. Imports peaked in 2020 at 92.3 tonnes and reached their lowest point in 2021 at just 1.0 tonne, representing a dramatic 90-fold difference. In 2021, imports plummeted by 98.9% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a 74.4% rise.

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

Throughout the 2018–2021 period, Croatia and Austria were the principal sources for Hungary's imports of fresh or chilled whole turkeys in volume terms. Together, these two countries accounted for 82.7% of total import flows, while other partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

Hungary's import market for fresh or chilled whole turkeys in value terms showed considerable fluctuations. Imports reached their highest level in 2019 at 182.0 thousand US dollars and bottomed out in 2021 at 5.8 thousand US dollars, resulting in a 32-fold difference. In 2021, imports declined sharply by 95.0% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 10.3% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Croatia, Austria, and France emerged as the main markets for Hungary's imports in value terms. Croatia accounted for 37.2% of imports, Austria for 36.1%, and France for 22.4%. Together, these three countries represented 95.6% 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