Poultry meat and offal market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The UK poultry meat and offal market volume remained stable at around 3 996 thousand tonnes in 2018, with a slight stabilization to 3 943 thousand tonnes in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 increased home cooking, boosting demand for fresh and frozen poultry products, which supported market volume at 3 950 thousand tonnes.

Market growth accelerated to 4 035 thousand tonnes in 2021 and 4 233 thousand tonnes in 2022. This was driven by a consumer shift towards protein-rich diets and convenience, leading major retailers like Tesco to expand their fresh and frozen poultry ranges. Advancements in cold-chain logistics and packaging technology improved frozen product quality and availability, further stimulating consumption.

By 2023, the market reached 4 273 thousand tonnes, with growth moderating as demand focused on organic and antibiotic-free poultry, alongside new ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat segments. Regulatory changes, such as stricter allergen labeling enforcement, influenced market practices. Subsequent industry investment in cold-chain infrastructure and digital traceability supported market development.

Production poultry meat and offal in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom maintained the 13th position globally in terms of poultry meat and offal production volume.

Top producers of poultry meat and offal, 2018-2021

World map of production of poultry meat and offal, 2018-2021

In 2021, the United Kingdom produced 3 979 K t of poultry meat and offal, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 864 K t, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 3 986 K t. The largest decline was observed in 2019 with a 0.4% decrease, whereas the most significant increase took place in 2020 with a 3.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports poultry meat and offal from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, the United Kingdom's poultry meat and offal exports declined in 2021. Exports stood at 352.3 K t, marking a substantial 22.1% decrease compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 5.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 452.4 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 15.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

During the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany were the key partners for the United Kingdom's poultry meat and offal exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 37.0% of exports, Belgium for 6.9%, and Germany for 6.8%. Together, these three countries represented 50.7% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Poultry meat and offal exports from the United Kingdom declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. Exports amounted to 313 M $ US, showing a significant 17.8% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports dropped by 21.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom's poultry meat and offal export market in value terms was diverse. Ireland accounted for 18.6% of exports, the Netherlands for 17.7%, and France for 9.8%. Together, these three countries contributed 46.1% of total export value, with many other countries holding smaller but notable shares.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports poultry meat and offal to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, K t

Poultry meat and offal imports to the United Kingdom declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. The country imported 408.0 K t, representing a 1.8% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018-2021, the Netherlands, Poland, and Ireland formed the core group of suppliers for the United Kingdom's poultry meat and offal imports in kind. The Netherlands contributed 35.0% of imports, Poland 25.4%, and Ireland 8.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 69.3% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, poultry meat and offal imports to the United Kingdom increased in 2021. Imports totaled 1 334 M $ US, indicating a 4.9% uptick from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 22%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.9%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2020 at 1 271 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 18.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany made the largest contributions to the United Kingdom's poultry meat and offal imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 38.2% of imports, Poland for 26.3%, and Germany for 8.1%. Together, these three countries represented 72.7% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021