Frozen whole chickens market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen whole chicken market in Romania stood at 26 885 tons in 2018, supported by integrated poultry companies controlling costs and investing in technology and branding. Over the next two years, market volume contracted, falling to 19 604 tons in 2020. This decline was driven by a 20-25% increase in feed raw material prices during the COVID-19 pandemic, which raised production costs while companies could not fully pass these costs to consumers amid dramatic market changes.

Market volume recovered to 20 961 tons in 2021, aided by a shortening of the distribution chain between producers and consumers and a rise in online sales by Romanian producers. Growth continued in 2022, with the market reaching 25 048 tons. This expansion was fueled by the entry of a new player, Poultry Integration Farms, and increased demand for frozen products from the HoReCa sector seeking cost stability and efficiency, alongside a broader consumer shift toward frozen goods.

A sharp downturn followed in 2023, with the market falling to 17 449 tons, and a slight further decrease to 17 029 tons in 2024. During these years, overall chicken meat production and consumption in Romania continued to grow, but the specific segment of frozen whole chickens experienced a distinct contraction.

Production frozen whole chickens in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of frozen whole chickens declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 38 227 thousand US dollars, down 5.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 22.4%, with an annualized decline of 8.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 49 812 thousand US dollars, which saw a modest increase of 1.2%. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with an 18.5% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania's production of frozen whole chickens declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 19 600 tonnes, reflecting a gradual drop of 7.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 26.5%, with an annualized decline of 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports frozen whole chickens from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of frozen whole chickens increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 2 990 tonnes, representing a dramatic rise of 93.4% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 234.8%, with an annualized growth rate of 49.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Latvia, and Greece were the top buyers of frozen whole chickens from Romania. Bulgaria accounted for 46.0% of exports in kind, Latvia for 11.0%, and Greece for 10.0%. Together, these three countries represented 67.1% of Romania's total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Romania's exports of frozen whole chickens increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 2 807 thousand US dollars, up 40.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 99.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 25.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Greece, and Hungary were the largest markets for Romania's frozen whole chicken exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 72.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports frozen whole chickens to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's imports of frozen whole chickens amounted to 2 994 tonnes, rising 21.0% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 6.9%, with an annualized decline of 2.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 474 tonnes, which saw a significant drop of 23.4%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 3 231 tonnes.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Poland, and France were the leading sources of frozen whole chicken imports into Romania. Ukraine accounted for 36.3% of imports in kind, Poland for 17.2%, and France for 11.6%. Combined, these three countries represented 65.1% of total import flows in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's imports of frozen whole chickens were valued at 5 168 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gain of 7.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 10.8%, with an annualized decline of 3.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 803 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 21.0%. The highest value was in 2018 at 6 081 thousand US dollars.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, France, and Poland led the structure of Romania's frozen whole chicken imports in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 29.8% of imports, France for 24.8%, and Poland for 14.7%. Together, these three countries represented 69.3% of total import flows.

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

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