Frozen whole chickens market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Danish market for frozen whole chickens remained stable at around 2 500 t. This period coincided with the introduction of a national animal welfare label for chicken meat and consumers ranking chicken as a preferred source of protein, supporting steady demand. However, market volume contracted sharply in 2020 and 2021, falling to 908 t by the latter year.

A recovery began in 2022, with the market expanding to 2 023 t in 2023. This resurgence was primarily driven by shifting consumer habits, as chicken meat was increasingly viewed as a climate-friendly protein alternative to beef, and growing focus on animal welfare labels guided purchasing decisions. Concurrently, major producer Danpo expanded its production capacity to meet rising demand for convenient, ready-to-eat chicken products. Despite a general increase in chicken slaughter, the market volume declined to 1 695 t in 2024.

Regulatory and industry shifts shaped the market landscape throughout the period. The closure and integration of retailer COOP's private welfare scheme into the national labeling system in 2022 streamlined consumer choices. Furthermore, significant investments were made in marketing and sustainability-focused packaging, aligning production with broader environmental goals, even as output of organic chickens saw a pronounced decline.

Production frozen whole chickens in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Denmark's production of frozen whole chickens has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 3 945 thousand US dollars, marking a significant drop of 35.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 57.7%, with an average annual decline of 24.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Denmark's production volume of frozen whole chickens has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 1 708 tonnes, which represents a sharp decline of 37.6% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production dropped by 61.6%, with an average annual rate of decrease of 27.3%.

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

Exports frozen whole chickens from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Denmark's exports of frozen whole chickens have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country exported 2 563 tonnes, which is 7.6% lower than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 42.2%, with an average annual decline of 16.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Hong Kong, and Norway were the main destinations for Denmark's frozen whole chicken exports by volume. Sweden accounted for 52.9% of exports, Hong Kong for 8.7%, and Norway for 7.0%, together making up 68.6% of the total.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Denmark's exports of frozen whole chickens have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 6 189 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 6.4% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 39%, with an average annual rate of decline of 15.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Hong Kong, and Greenland were the largest contributors to Denmark's frozen whole chicken exports by value. Sweden accounted for 50.6% of exports, Hong Kong for 15.4%, and Greenland for 8.1%, together representing 74.0% of the total.

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

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports frozen whole chickens to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Denmark's imports of frozen whole chickens decreased in 2021, with a total of {value_last_year} tonnes, down 14.3% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 30.8%, with an average annual decline of 11.5%. The largest drop occurred in 2019, at 27.1%, while the biggest increase was in 2020, at 10.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden were the primary sources for Denmark's frozen whole chicken imports by volume. Germany accounted for 25.7% of imports, the Netherlands for 22.6%, and Sweden for 14.2%, together comprising 62.6% of the total.

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

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Denmark's imports of frozen whole chickens increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 4 002 thousand US dollars, a moderate rise of 7.2% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 23.1%, with an average annual decline of 8.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 538 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 32.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Lithuania were the main sources for Denmark's frozen whole chicken imports by value. Germany accounted for 28.2% of imports, the Netherlands for 24.5%, and Lithuania for 10.6%, together making up 63.3% of the total.

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

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