Turkey meat and offal market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for turkey meat and offal in Southern Europe expanded from 551.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 587.6 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was initially driven by rising consumer demand for frozen turkey meat in countries such as Italy, Greece, and France, where buyers favored less perishable and more convenient options over fresh meat.

Between 2021 and 2022, the market volume contracted to 545.7 thousand tons and then to 513.4 thousand tons. During this phase, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated sales of frozen and ready‑to‑eat turkey products, while urbanization and the spread of quick‑service restaurants increased demand for chilled and frozen meat. Innovations in smart and active packaging also aimed to extend shelf life. These developments, however, did not reverse the overall market decline.

In 2023, the market stabilized at 517.9 thousand tons, showing a modest recovery. This was supported by the growing popularity of frozen turkey meat due to convenience and lean‑protein trends, alongside investments in cold‑chain infrastructure and the introduction of more sustainable packaging, which improved distribution and product quality.

Production turkey meat and offal in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of turkey meat and offal, 2017-2020

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

Turkey meat and offal production in Southern Europe grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 596.8 thousand tons, up 5.3% from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 561.4 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 1.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of turkey meat and offal production in Southern Europe fell. In 2020, output was valued at 1 500 million US dollars, a significant drop of 15.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value still rose by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 1 776 million US dollars, which also recorded the largest increase of 13.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports turkey meat and offal from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Southern Europe's turkey meat and offal exports rebounded. In 2020, export volume reached 112.4 thousand tons, a moderate increase of 6.9% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 7.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.7%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 105.2 thousand tons, while the largest drop of 8.8% happened in 2018.

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

The export structure for turkey meat and offal in Southern Europe was diverse from 2017 to 2020. Germany accounted for 18.3% of exports, France for 11.5%, and Benin for 10.5%, together making up 40.3% of total flows. No single country held a dominant share, indicating a fragmented market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of turkey meat and offal exports from Southern Europe declined. In 2020, exports totaled 282.7 million US dollars, a sharp decrease of 14.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 5%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%. The highest value was in 2019 at 329.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 6.6%.

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

The export market for turkey meat and offal in value terms was broad from 2017 to 2020. Germany led with 23.2% of exports, followed by France at 13.1% and Benin at 5.9%, together accounting for 42.2% of total flows. The remaining 57.8% was distributed among many other countries, reflecting a wide market base.

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

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

Imports turkey meat and offal to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, the volume of turkey meat and offal imports into Southern Europe decreased. In 2020, imports stood at 103.2 thousand tons, a slight drop of 7.9% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import volume increased by 11.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 112.1 thousand tons, which also recorded the largest increase of 10.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland was the top source for turkey meat and offal imports into Southern Europe, accounting for 24.4% of imports in kind. France followed with 15.6%, and Germany with 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 52.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of increase, the value of turkey meat and offal imports into Southern Europe fell. In 2020, imports reached 332.1 million US dollars, a contraction of 18.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 7.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest value was in 2019 at 408.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 17.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Germany, and France were the key partners for turkey meat and offal imports into Southern Europe in value terms. Poland accounted for 28.7% of imports, Germany for 12.5%, and France for 9.3%, together making up 50.4% of total flows.

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

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