Prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for prepared poultry meat in South Africa experienced significant volatility. Initial industry challenges included rising feed prices and an ongoing energy crisis, which constrained domestic production. However, in 2019, a shift in consumer preferences towards more affordable products fueled a surge in demand, leading to a sharp increase in market volume driven largely by higher imports. This expansion was abruptly reversed in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic and outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused severe supply chain disruptions and prompted stricter biosecurity measures, significantly reducing product availability and contracting the market.

The market began a recovery in 2021, although the entry of new producers remained limited due to stringent regulatory barriers and certification requirements. Growth continued into 2022, supported by investments in modernizing production infrastructure, such as upgrades to slaughterhouse facilities, which boosted domestic output. This trend was halted in 2023 as the energy crisis peaked, dramatically increasing production costs and squeezing producer profitability. The resulting pressure led to a contraction in both domestic production and imports, causing the overall market volume to fall.

Entering 2024, the market landscape was further shaped by a government ban on poultry imports from Brazil due to reported HPAI cases, altering supply dynamics. The industry concurrently adapted to reinforced biosecurity requirements and evolving consumer campaigns promoting local and sustainable products.

Production prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal, 2017-2020

In 2020, Africa produced 9 692 tonnes of prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal, marking a 12.5% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 36.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 10.9%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 24.4%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Africa exported 2 923 tonnes of prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal, representing a substantial year-over-year gain of 97.7%. The minimum export volume was 1 479 tonnes in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 39.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in kind was highly diversified. Kuwait accounted for 19.1% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 11.8%, and Saudi Arabia for 2.9%, together making up only 33.8% of total flows. The remaining 66.2% was distributed among a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Africa's exports of prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 12 982 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 3.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 10.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 13 394 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 8.8%.

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

An analysis of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across numerous markets. Kuwait contributed 27.3% of exports, the United Arab Emirates 12.9%, and Saudi Arabia 3.7%, together accounting for 44.0% of total flows. The remaining 56.0% was shared among a wide range of other trading partners.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was reached in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.2 times. In 2020, Africa imported 18 512 tonnes of prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal, equivalent to a steep decline of 51.0% from the previous year. The maximum volume was 37 783 tonnes in 2019, which also experienced the largest increase of 70.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Brazil, France, and the Netherlands remained the key partners for imports in kind. Brazil accounted for 44.8% of imports, France for 8.2%, and the Netherlands for 5.9%, together representing 58.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Africa imported prepared or preserved poultry meat or offal valued at 45 214 thousand US dollars, reflecting a drop of 22.4% compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 45 214 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 61 900 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 36.9%.

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

The country composition of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Brazil accounted for 27.7% of imports, France for 11.5%, and the Netherlands for 7.5%, together forming just 46.6% of total flows. The remaining 53.4% was split among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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