Poultry meat and offal market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The Irish poultry meat and offal market volume declined in 2019 but began a sustained recovery from 2020. This turnaround was initially driven by a shift in consumer demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, as lockdowns boosted retail sales for poultry products even as foodservice channels were disrupted. Processing plants maintained operations, supporting steady domestic supply.

Subsequent growth faced headwinds from disease outbreaks and rising costs. The first confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in late 2021 necessitated strict biosecurity measures, while inflation and Brexit-related challenges increased input expenses for producers. Concurrently, evolving retailer preferences toward higher welfare standards added pressure. Despite these constraints, which influenced production and trade patterns, the overall market volume expanded through the period.

Market growth continued through 2023 and 2024, underpinned by record production levels exceeding 115 million birds processed annually. The sector concurrently adapted to competitive pressure from imports, particularly for foodservice, and managed significantly higher labor costs. A new layer of regulatory oversight was introduced with the establishment of a national agri-food regulator, adding compliance requirements for large buyers in the supply chain.

Production poultry meat and offal in Ireland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

Poultry meat and offal production in Ireland has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Ireland produced 332 K t of poultry meat and offal, representing a 7.4% gain compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 16.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%.

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

Exports poultry meat and offal from Ireland

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Ireland exported 112.1 K t of poultry meat and offal, showing a modest reduction of 3.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 23.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.3%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 89.3 K t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 116.7 K t. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 30.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of poultry meat and offal from Ireland were the United Kingdom, accounting for 51.5% of exports in kind, South Africa with 28.2%, and Denmark at 8.9%. Together, these three countries formed 88.5% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of gains, poultry meat and offal exports from Ireland declined. In 2020, exports totaled 147.9 M $ US, marking a gradual decline of 4.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 29%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 154.8 M $ US, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 22.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom and South Africa were the core markets for exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 82.5% of total flows, while other destinations had comparatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports poultry meat and offal to Ireland

Imports in kind, K t

Imported poultry meat and offal volumes in Ireland declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Ireland imported 69.6 K t of poultry meat and offal, which is 10.3% lower compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 17%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 88.4 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for imports in kind of poultry meat and offal to Ireland were the Netherlands, with 38.7% of imports, the United Kingdom at 32.2%, and Germany with 10.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 81.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Ireland's poultry meat and offal import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 230.3 M $ US, marking a robust reduction of 22.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 26%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 360.1 M $ US, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 15.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the core group of markets for imports in value terms consisted of the Netherlands, accounting for 41.9% of imports, the United Kingdom at 28.2%, and Germany with 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 81.9% of total flows.

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

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