Fresh or chilled whole turkeys market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled whole turkeys in Portugal expanded from 6 536 t in 2018 to 7 293 t in 2019, driven by growing retail sales of fresh products, retailers' increased focus on fresh offerings, and the entry of private-label brands that appealed to cost-conscious consumers seeking quality and value. Consumer preference for fresh, high-quality items strengthened during this period. In 2020, market volume contracted to 6 630 t, even as the COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer behavior toward fresh, convenient, and safe foods, accelerating adoption of technologies to ensure freshness and safety.

After 2020, detailed market-size data is not available, but import trends provide insight. Imports fell to 619 t in 2021, influenced by consumers' strong preference for domestically produced fresh turkeys and the growth of private labels as an economical choice. In 2022, imports rebounded to 958 t amid high inflation that pushed shoppers toward promotions and more affordable options, while the Russia-Ukraine conflict affected agricultural input costs. Imports continued to rise, reaching 1 825 t in 2024 before easing to 1 700 t in 2025, indicating sustained demand for fresh turkey in Portugal.

Production fresh or chilled whole turkeys in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2019, Portugal's output of fresh or chilled whole turkeys reached its peak value of 13,826 thousand US dollars. The following year, in 2020, production declined by 3.5% year-over-year to 13,337 thousand US dollars. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, when output grew by 3.8%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2019, Portugal produced 5,956 tonnes of fresh or chilled whole turkeys, marking the highest volume recorded during the period. The following year, in 2020, production fell by 2.8% year-over-year to 5,791 tonnes. Overall, from 2018 to 2020, production increased by 4.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 1.5%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 7.4%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled whole turkeys from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of fresh or chilled whole turkeys from Portugal showed significant volatility. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 14 tonnes, while the maximum occurred in 2018, creating a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2019, exports experienced their largest decline of 63.1%. However, in 2021, exports rebounded sharply to 39 tonnes, representing a dramatic 171.6% increase compared to 2020.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Portugal's exports of fresh or chilled whole turkeys were concentrated in three main markets: Spain accounted for 35.8% of export volumes, the United States for 25.0%, and Benin for 22.2%. Together, these three countries represented 82.9% of Portugal's total export flows in kind.

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

The export market for fresh or chilled whole turkeys from Portugal exhibited considerable volatility. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 38 thousand US dollars, while the maximum occurred in 2018, resulting in a 5.4-fold variation between these years. In 2019, exports saw their largest decline of 77.1%. However, in 2021, export values rebounded to 92 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial 140.2% increase compared to 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was Portugal's largest export market for fresh or chilled whole turkeys in value terms, accounting for 39.5% of total exports. Spain followed with 31.1%, and Benin with 12.9%. Collectively, these three markets represented 83.5% of Portugal's total export value.

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 turkeys to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of fresh or chilled whole turkeys peaked in 2019 at 1,353 tonnes. The following year, in 2020, imports experienced their largest decline of 36.9%. In 2021, imports continued to decrease for the second consecutive year, falling by 27.5% year-over-year to reach the latest available figure. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, imports declined by 40.3%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 15.8%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 30.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain dominated Portugal's imports of fresh or chilled whole turkeys in kind, accounting for 77.8% of total import volumes. The remaining imports were distributed across various other markets in smaller shares.

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

Portugal's imports of fresh or chilled whole turkeys in value terms reached their highest point in 2019 at 3,680 thousand US dollars. The following year, in 2020, imports saw their largest decline of 44.9%. In 2021, imports decreased for the second consecutive year, falling by 23.3% year-over-year to 1,555 thousand US dollars. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports declined by 39.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.3%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 43.7%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain was the dominant source for Portugal's imports of fresh or chilled whole turkeys in value terms, accounting for 76.8% of total import flows. Other markets contributed relatively modest shares to the import structure.

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

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