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Global Poultry/Chicken Meat Market to Surpass USD 438.37 Billion by 2033

Rising health awareness, affordability, and sustainable farming practices are driving steady growth in the global poultry industry, with chicken leading as the world’s most consumed meat.

By Renub ResearchPublished 4 months ago 4 min read

Chicken Market Overview

The global poultry meat market is entering a new era of growth, supported by increasing population, changing food preferences, and innovations in sustainable farming. According to Renub Research, the market is expected to rise from USD 324.94 billion in 2024 to USD 438.37 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 3.34% (2025–2033).

Poultry meat, especially chicken, has become a staple protein worldwide. Its affordability, nutritional value, and adaptability in diverse cuisines make it a preferred choice over beef, pork, or lamb. As food security becomes a critical issue, poultry continues to play a central role in meeting global protein demand.

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Why Poultry Meat is Gaining Global Momentum

Unlike red meat, poultry offers a healthier protein alternative with lower cholesterol and fat content. This makes it especially popular among health-conscious consumers. Moreover, it is widely available and adaptable to cultural diets across continents.

The growth is also driven by affordability. For many families, poultry is the most economical source of animal protein. Its short production cycle compared to cattle or sheep makes it more efficient and scalable, reducing costs for producers and consumers alike.

Global Consumption and Production Trends

The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2021–2030 highlights that poultry consumption is expected to grow faster than any other meat category. By 2030, poultry could account for 41% of all protein derived from meat sources, up from 35% in 2020.

Rapid population growth, especially in Asia and Africa, is pushing demand higher. At the same time, urbanization and rising disposable incomes are encouraging consumers to spend more on packaged, processed, and branded chicken products.

Production is also adapting to these needs. Countries are increasingly adopting intensive poultry farming, advanced breeding technologies, and modern feed solutions to enhance output.

Innovations and Recent Developments

The poultry industry is also witnessing significant innovations:

  1. Lab-Grown Chicken: The U.S. FDA has already cleared lab-grown chicken for public consumption. Companies like Good Meat are pushing forward, with Singapore leading global approval. This could transform the way meat is produced, making it more sustainable.
  2. Government Investments: In 2023, Ghana invested US$ 40 million to boost its poultry production, aiming to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen local food security.
  3. Technology in Poultry Farming: From automated feeding systems to AI-driven health monitoring, modern technologies are making poultry farming more efficient and sustainable.

Key Drivers Behind Market Growth

  1. Population Growth – With the world population crossing 8 billion, protein demand is rising, and poultry remains a critical contributor.
  2. Health & Wellness Trends – Consumers prefer leaner protein sources. Chicken is perceived as healthier compared to red meat.
  3. Affordability – Lower cost of production and faster breeding cycles make poultry cheaper than beef or lamb.
  4. Urbanization – Busy lifestyles are fueling demand for ready-to-eat and processed chicken meals.
  5. Global Food Security Needs – Poultry is central to tackling hunger in developing nations.

Challenges Facing the Poultry Industry

Despite its strong growth, the industry faces hurdles:

  • Feed Cost Fluctuations: Feed represents nearly 70% of poultry production costs. Rising grain prices directly affect market stability.
  • Disease Outbreaks: Avian influenza and Newcastle disease can devastate poultry populations, causing billions in losses.
  • Plant-Based Protein Competition: With the rise of veganism and plant-based meat alternatives, traditional poultry faces new competition.
  • Environmental Concerns: While less harmful than beef production, poultry farming still raises sustainability issues related to water use, emissions, and waste management.

Regional Market Insights

  • United States: One of the largest consumers and exporters of chicken. Demand is driven by processed foods, fast food chains, and growing interest in organic poultry.
  • United Kingdom: Poultry is the most consumed meat, with rising demand for free-range and antibiotic-free products.
  • Japan: Chicken is increasingly replacing pork in urban diets, supported by convenience food culture.
  • Saudi Arabia: Strong poultry consumption due to dietary preferences, with growing investments in domestic poultry farming.
  • India: Rapidly growing market, supported by rising incomes, urbanization, and cultural acceptance of chicken across communities.

Major Companies in the Market

The poultry industry is highly competitive, with global and regional players investing heavily in product innovation, processing facilities, and supply chains. Key companies include:

  • Tyson Foods Inc. (U.S.)
  • Kraft Heinz Co. (U.S.)
  • BRF S.A. (Brazil)
  • Grupo Bimbo (Mexico)
  • Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (U.S.)
  • Hormel Foods (U.S.)
  • General Mills (U.S.)
  • Nestlé (Switzerland)
  • Conagra Brands (U.S.)

These companies are focusing on processed poultry products, packaged meals, and sustainable practices to meet evolving consumer demands.

Future Outlook: 2025–2033

Looking ahead, the poultry meat market will be shaped by:

  • Sustainability: Growth in lab-grown and plant-integrated poultry solutions.
  • Consumer Behavior: Increasing demand for organic, antibiotic-free, and halal-certified products.
  • Global Trade: Emerging markets like India and Africa will dominate demand growth.
  • Technology: Smart farming, AI, and biotech will transform poultry production.

By 2033, poultry will not only remain the most consumed meat worldwide, but also a central player in food innovation and food security policies.

Conclusion

The global poultry meat market is on a steady growth path, balancing affordability, nutrition, and adaptability. Despite challenges from disease, feed costs, and competition from plant-based proteins, the sector’s resilience and innovation ensure its continued dominance.

As nations strive for food security and healthier diets, poultry meat—especially chicken—will remain a cornerstone of global nutrition.

Note: If you need details, data, or insights not covered in this report, we are glad to assist. Through our customization service, we will collect and deliver the information you require, tailored to your specific needs. Share your requirements with us, and we will update the report to align with your expectations.

About Renub Research

Renub Research is a Market Research and Consulting Company. We have more than 15 years of experience especially in international Business-to-Business Researches, Surveys and Consulting. We provide a wide range of business research solutions that helps companies in making better business decisions. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses. Our wide clientele comprises major players in Healthcare, Travel and Tourism, Food Beverages, Power Energy, Information Technology, Telecom Internet, Chemical, Logistics Automotive, Consumer Goods Retail, Building, and Construction, Agriculture. Our core team is comprised of experienced people holding graduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. degrees in Finance, Marketing, Human Resource, Bio-Technology, Medicine, Information Technology, Environmental Science, and many more.

Contact Us:

Company Name: Renub Research

Contact Person: Rajat Gupta

Phone No: (D) +91-120-421-9822

Email: [email protected]

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About the Creator

Renub Research

Renub Research is a Market Research and Consulting Company. We have more than 15 years of experience especially in international Business-to-Business Researches, Surveys and Consulting. Call Us : +1-478-202-3244

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