Global Chicken Market Trends & Summary: How Poultry Became the World’s Fastest-Growing Protein Source

The global chicken and poultry meat market has entered a transformative decade—one shaped by shifting consumer preferences, rapid urbanization, technological advances in farming, and changes in the global foodservice landscape. According to Renub Research, the Chicken/Poultry Meat Market is projected to surge from US$ 160.62 billion in 2024 to US$ 268.35 billion by 2033, reflecting a healthy CAGR of 5.87% between 2025 and 2033.

This remarkable expansion underscores chicken’s position not only as the world’s most consumed meat but also as an essential component of global food security. Accessible, affordable, nutrient-rich, and adaptable to virtually every cuisine, chicken has become the protein of choice for billions.

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Below is a comprehensive editorial-style analysis of the trends, drivers, challenges, regional insights, and key developments reshaping the global poultry landscape.

A Rapidly Expanding Poultry Industry

Chicken as the World’s Favorite Meat

Over the past century, chicken has overtaken both pork and beef to become the world’s most consumed meat. The reasons are clear: poultry is inexpensive to produce, high in protein, lower in fat, and highly versatile in cooking applications—from street food to fine dining.

In 2024, the United Nations estimated the world population at 8.2 billion, a number expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. As the global population grows, so does the demand for affordable protein. Chicken fills this need more efficiently than any other livestock product.

According to the latest OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook, the number of chickens slaughtered annually—currently around 74 billion birds—is forecast to rise to 85 billion by 2032, marking a 15% increase. This rapid escalation will have profound implications for the environment, economies, and global protein supply chains.

Production Trends

OECD and FAO data indicate that world poultry meat production exceeded 139 million metric tons in 2023, growing nearly 3% from 2022. This steady rise reflects not only increased consumption but also advancements in poultry breeding, disease management, and feed efficiency.

Countries like the United States, Brazil, China, the EU, Thailand, and Mexico continue to dominate production due to advanced farming systems and strong domestic markets. Meanwhile, developing countries, fueled by rising incomes and urban migration, are witnessing unprecedented growth in poultry demand.

What’s Driving Growth in the Global Poultry Market?

1. Rising Global Population & Protein Demand

A growing planet needs more protein—and chicken remains the most efficient solution. Poultry farming is resource-light compared to beef or pork, requiring less feed, land, and water. This makes chicken the preferred protein source for both developed and developing nations.

The affordability factor is especially crucial in middle-income and low-income regions where meat consumption has historically lagged due to cost constraints.

2. Shifting Toward Healthier Eating

Modern consumers are deeply aware of the impact of diet on long-term health. Chicken, with its high protein content, lower saturated fat levels, and reduced calorie count, has become the go-to alternative for those reducing red meat intake.

Younger consumers—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are driving the surge in demand for:

Leaner meats

High-protein ready-to-eat options

Clean-label poultry products

This shift is fueling exponential growth in processed and convenience chicken foods, including sausages, nuggets, deli slices, and marinated cuts.

3. Urbanization & Rising Disposable Incomes

As cities expand, dietary habits change. Urban consumers:

Eat out more frequently

Prefer processed or ready-to-cook foods

Value convenience above tradition

Fast-food chains, quick-service restaurants, and delivery platforms rely heavily on chicken products because they are inexpensive, easy to standardize, and universally popular.

Countries in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America are witnessing the fastest rise in poultry consumption thanks to growing incomes. For example, Asia alone is projected to drive half of global consumption growth over the next decade, according to Euromonitor.

4. Technological Advances in Poultry Farming

Modern poultry farming has evolved rapidly with innovations such as:

Automated climate-controlled housing

Advanced breeding programs

AI-powered monitoring of flock health

Precision feeding systems

These technologies result in:

✔ Higher yields

✔ Reduced mortality

✔ Improved biosecurity

✔ Lower production costs

Countries such as the U.S., Brazil, and China are global leaders in these advancements.

5. Government Investments in Poultry Infrastructure

Government intervention plays a significant role in boosting poultry capacity.

For instance, Ghana’s US$ 541 million investment in 2023 aims to restore domestic poultry production, cut import dependency, and improve food security. Similar initiatives are emerging across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

These investments help modernize production systems, enhance distribution efficiency, and improve disease management.

Global Consumption & Trends Across Regions

United States

The U.S. remains one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of chicken. Key drivers include:

High demand for affordable protein

Growth of fast-food chains

Expansion of processed chicken products

While the market is strong, challenges persist, including disease outbreaks, feed price volatility, and consumer concerns about antibiotic use and animal welfare.

United Kingdom

The UK poultry market is expanding steadily. Trends include:

Strong shift toward lean meats

Ethical consumerism (free-range, organic, welfare-certified poultry)

Rising demand for ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat chicken meals

Despite Brexit-related supply chain disruptions, the UK’s processed chicken sector remains strong.

Japan

Japan’s chicken market is booming due to:

High preference for poultry in local cuisine

Rising demand for convenience foods like karaage

Increased household spending powered by wage growth

Urban lifestyles that favor ready-made meals

With meat spending averaging ¥72,800 per household in 2023, Japan remains one of Asia’s most lucrative poultry markets.

Saudi Arabia

Chicken is deeply ingrained in Saudi culinary culture. Market growth is driven by:

A rising young population

Demand for halal-certified poultry

Increasing consumption of frozen and processed chicken

Expansion of retail and quick-service restaurants

However, reliance on imported feed and poultry remains a vulnerability.

India

India’s poultry sector has exploded in the past decade. Key data points include:

3.06 billion chickens slaughtered in 2021–22, supplying 51.44% of India’s total meat output

Egg production reaching 122 billion in 2020–21

Urban households spending 10.5% of grocery budgets on processed foods

Strong preference for protein-rich items (eggs, chicken, fish)

Fast food giants and homegrown delivery platforms have made chicken the most accessible meat protein in India.

Challenges Confronting the Poultry Industry

1. Volatile Feed Costs

Feed makes up 60–70% of poultry production expenses. Prices of corn, soybeans, and other grains are highly sensitive to:

Climate change

Trade wars and tariffs

Global supply chain disruptions

Any fluctuation directly affects poultry prices and market stability.

2. Disease Outbreaks

Avian influenza and other poultry diseases can devastate flocks, disrupt trade, and force mass culling. These outbreaks:

Reduce supply

Increase chicken prices

Shake consumer confidence

Trigger international trade restrictions

Maintaining robust biosecurity is now a major priority across all regions.

Key Developments Shaping the Market

Lab-Grown Meat Approval in the U.S.

In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved lab-grown chicken from Upside Foods and GOOD Meat. This represents a groundbreaking shift in how meat may be produced and consumed in the future. While still a niche product, cultivated poultry could reshape sustainability debates.

Major Corporate Moves

February 2023: Stampede Meat partnered with DL Lee & Sons to expand its Southeast U.S. production footprint.

August 2023: DCP Capital acquired Cargill’s Chinese poultry business, signaling growing investor confidence in Asia’s poultry market.

November 2023: Tyson Foods expanded operations in the Netherlands, China, and Thailand, adding capacity for 100,000 tons of fully cooked poultry and creating over 700,000 jobs across Asia.

March 2023: Kraft Heinz and BEES strengthened their B2B marketplace partnership to expand poultry product distribution in Latin America.

Final Thoughts

The global chicken/poultry meat market stands at a pivotal moment. With population growth rising, incomes climbing, and dietary patterns changing across continents, poultry is positioned to remain the world’s preferred protein source. Innovations in farming, strategic government investments, and the rise of processed and convenience chicken products will continue to propel the market forward through 2033.

However, challenges—including disease outbreaks, sustainability concerns, and fluctuating feed prices—must be carefully managed to ensure long-term resilience.

Still, the overall outlook remains undeniably strong. With a projected value of US$ 268.35 billion by 2033, the chicken market is not just thriving—it is evolving into one of the most dynamic, influential sectors in global food economics.