Qatar Poultry Meat Market Trends & Summary (2025–2033)

Introduction

The Qatar Poultry Meat Market is on a steady upward trajectory, expected to reach US$ 448.27 million by 2033, rising from US$ 408.53 million in 2024, according to Renub Research. The market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.04% from 2025 to 2033, reflecting a stable yet significant expansion driven by evolving consumer preferences, economic development, food security initiatives, and technological progress in livestock and farming systems.

Poultry remains a vital and preferred protein source in Qatar, with chicken dominating household consumption due to its affordability, versatility, and health appeal. As the country pushes toward greater self-sufficiency and reduced import reliance, the poultry industry has become a strategic priority, benefiting from strong governmental support, private sector investments, and improved supply chain efficiency.

This editorial-style summary explores market dynamics, evolving consumer trends, growth drivers, challenges, trade patterns, segment performance, and company analysis—offering a complete view of how Qatar’s poultry sector is positioning itself for the future.

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Qatar Poultry Meat Market Overview

Qatar’s poultry industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by rising demand for premium, fresh, and locally sourced meat products. As the population grows and lifestyles shift toward protein-rich diets, poultry has become essential in the national food basket. Higher disposable incomes and economic diversification have also enabled more households to access a variety of poultry options—from fresh cuts and frozen meats to processed products like nuggets, deli items, and marinated tenders.

A crucial force behind this expansion is Qatar’s push for domestic production, especially after supply disruptions experienced in previous years. The government has acted aggressively to strengthen food security by promoting local farming, modernizing production facilities, and improving supply chain infrastructure. These initiatives include investments in biosecurity, disease prevention programs, climate-controlled poultry sheds, and technological enhancements across the value chain.

Technology Reshapes the Industry

Digital transformation plays a pivotal role. With 99% internet penetration in 2023, Qatar boasts one of the region’s most digitally connected populations. As a result, online grocery platforms, mobile food delivery services, and e-commerce channels have ballooned. Between 2020 and 2021 alone, online meal delivery revenue surged by 41%, fundamentally reshaping how poultry products reach consumers.

Retailers and delivery apps now offer real-time tracking, faster fulfillment, and efficient cold chain management, strengthening consumer trust in fresh and frozen poultry deliveries.

Tourism Boosts Demand

The tourism sector’s resurgence is another key driver. In just January and February 2023, Qatar welcomed over 730,000 tourists, representing 347% year-over-year growth. Hotels, restaurants, and catering companies expanded their poultry offerings to meet diverse global tastes, boosting demand across both traditional and premium product categories.

Local Production Gains Ground

By 2022, Qatar’s top poultry producers included:

Qatar Meat Production Co. – 6,000 metric tons annually

Freshmeat Factory – 4,000 metric tons

Al Quisaimi Meat Co. – 3,000 metric tons

These producers are increasingly supported by government-backed research, international partnerships, and advanced breeding and farming techniques designed to enhance productivity and animal welfare.

With continued investments, Qatar’s poultry sector is set to strengthen its market presence, reduce import dependency, and compete more effectively with global suppliers.

Key Growth Drivers for the Qatar Poultry Meat Market

1. Rising Population and Urbanization

A continually growing population—including a significant expatriate community—has fueled demand for affordable, high-quality protein sources. Poultry’s price advantage over red meat, coupled with its nutritional value, makes it especially attractive. Urban lifestyles and dual-income households also favor poultry due to its quick cooking time and adaptability across cuisines, from Middle Eastern dishes to international fare.

2. Strong Government Support

Qatar’s drive for self-sufficiency underpins many of its poultry industry advancements. Government initiatives include:

Expanding local production capacity

Providing subsidies and incentives to farmers

Investing in modern farming systems and advanced feeding technologies

Enhancing the regulatory environment for food safety and animal welfare

Upgrading infrastructure such as hatcheries, feed mills, and cold chains

By reducing import dependence and strengthening domestic capabilities, Qatar is building a more resilient and secure poultry supply.

3. Shifting Consumer Preferences

Consumers in Qatar increasingly prefer poultry due to:

Its high protein, low fat composition

Versatility in meal preparation

Affordability

Growing availability of ready-to-cook and value-added products

Health awareness is rising, pushing consumers toward leaner protein choices and healthier processed poultry options.

Challenges Facing the Qatar Poultry Meat Market

Despite growth, several challenges remain:

1. Dependence on Imported Feed

Qatar imports most of its poultry feed ingredients—such as corn and soybeans—from global markets. This heavy reliance leaves producers vulnerable to:

Price fluctuations

Trade disruptions

Logistic issues

Geopolitical shifts

Higher feed prices directly increase production costs, reducing the price competitiveness of local poultry compared to imported options.

2. High Production Costs

Producing poultry in a desert climate demands significant investment in:

Climate-controlled housing

Energy-intensive cooling systems

Advanced biosecurity

High-quality feed

Skilled labor

These factors raise operational costs and challenge the profitability of domestic producers, even as the government works to offset these burdens through incentives and subsidies.

Latest Trends in Qatar’s Poultry Meat Market

Exports

In 2023, Qatar ranked 96th globally in poultry meat exports, valued at $292,000. Although the export volume remains modest, the market is gradually expanding.

Top export destinations:

Oman – $233k

Angola – $58k

Maldives – $921

Growth momentum from 2022–2023 suggests rising competitiveness, especially within neighboring markets.

Imports

Qatar remains the 35th largest global importer of poultry meat, bringing in $244 million worth in 2023. Poultry meat was the country's 27th most imported item, reflecting continued reliance on global suppliers.

Top import sources:

Brazil – $153M

United States – $18.8M

United Arab Emirates – $15M

Poland – $13.8M

Oman – $11.8M

Between 2022 and 2023, the fastest-growing import partners were:

UAE – +$8.78M

United States – +$7.97M

Poland – +$3.35M

While local production is rising, imports continue to play a crucial role in meeting Qatar’s demand.

Qatar Poultry Meat Market Segmentation

By Type

Chicken

Turkey

Duck

Other

Chicken remains the dominant category due to strong household consumption and broad use in foodservice channels.

By Form

Canned

Fresh / Chilled

Frozen

Processed:

Deli Meats

Marinated / Tenders

Meatballs

Nuggets

Sausages

Other

Processed poultry is gaining traction, especially among working professionals seeking convenience-focused meal solutions.

By Distribution Channel

Off-Trade

Convenience Stores

Online Channel

Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

Other Retailers

Supermarkets and online platforms remain the top channels, driven by Qatar’s digitally savvy population and demand for transparency and freshness.

On-Trade

Hotels

Restaurants

Catering Services

This segment is expanding rapidly due to tourism growth and increased dining-out trends.

Key Players Analysis

A'Saffa Food S.A.O.G

Americana Group

BRF S.A.

Hassad Food Company

JBS S.A.

Lulu International Group

Mazzraty

Sunbulah Group

Each company is assessed across four dimensions:

Overview

Key Persons

Recent Developments

Revenue

These players represent a mix of domestic champions and global giants that help shape Qatar’s poultry supply landscape.

Final Thoughts

The Qatar Poultry Meat Market is entering a new phase of resilient and sustainable growth. With a projected value of US$ 448.27 million by 2033, the market is set to strengthen through:

Government-backed food security efforts

Rising demand for healthy, affordable proteins

Digital transformation in retail and supply chain

Expanding tourism and foodservice activities

Increased local production and investment

However, challenges such as feed import dependency and high production costs must be addressed to ensure long-term competitiveness and stability.

With ongoing innovations, public–private partnerships, and a shift toward self-sufficiency, Qatar’s poultry industry is well-positioned to grow sustainably while meeting the dietary needs of an evolving population.