Global Chicken Market Report by Consuming Countries, Producing Countries, Importing Countries, Exporting Countries and Company Analysis 2026-2034

Global Chicken Market Size & Forecast 2026-2034

The global market for chicken is projected to expand from an amount of US$ 164.62 billion in 2025 to an amount of US$ 274.13 billion in 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.83% from 2026 to 2034. The growth in the global market is attributed to the increased consumption of protein, the growing population, and the affordability of chicken compared to other protein sources. The growth in the number of fast-food outlets, the changing tastes and preferences, and the improvement in poultry farming are also contributing to the growth in the global market.

Global Chicken Market Outlooks

Chicken is one of the most consumed forms of meat worldwide, and it is sourced from domesticated birds referred to as poultry birds. It is an important source of protein and contains low levels of fat when compared to red meat products. In addition, chicken can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, roasting, frying, boiling, and others. It is incorporated in various cuisines, and different body parts such as breast, thighs, wings, and drumsticks can be utilized for various meal preparations.

On a global level, chicken has managed to gain immense popularity due to its low costs and health benefits. Chicken is generally regarded as a healthier protein source than red meat and is therefore more popular among health-conscious consumers. The proliferation of fast food chains and quick service restaurants has helped boost the consumption of chicken on a global level, especially in the form of fried chicken and chicken sandwiches. Moreover, chicken faces fewer cultural and religious barriers than other protein sources and is therefore more popular among consumers on a global level.

Growth Driver in the Global Chicken Meat Market

Rising Global Demand for Affordable Protein Sources

Urbanization is one factor that is driving this demand, especially in Asia, since this region accounts for 54% of the global urban population, which is equivalent to 2.2 billion people, according to a UN-Habitat report. It is also projected that the urban population in Asia is expected to increase by 1.2 billion people by 2050, which is a 50% increase. The increasing population, especially in developing nations, is also driving the demand for chicken products, since this is a convenient and healthy form of protein for consumption. The increasing demand for chicken products is attributed to the need for a high-quality and cost-effective form of protein, especially for the increasing global population. Chicken is considered to be one of the cheapest sources of animal protein, and this is why people are increasingly turning to chicken products for consumption. Compared to other sources of meat, such as beef and lamb, chicken is considered to be cheaper to produce and purchase. Moreover, it has a shorter production cycle, enabling suppliers to meet demands in an efficient manner. Governments and organizations are encouraging people to consume protein-based meals for health benefits, thus fuelling market growth. In addition, with an increase in income levels in emerging markets, people are increasingly looking to consume more protein-based meals, with chicken being a leading choice. The trend is likely to persist, thus propelling market growth for chicken products globally.

Expansion of Quick-Service Restaurants and Fast-Food Chains

Now, McDonald's, Wendy's, and even Taco Bell are investing more in poultry products. The rapid expansion of quick service restaurants (QSRs) and fast food chains has been one major factor contributing to the growth of the global chicken market. Chicken-based products such as fried chicken, burgers, nuggets, and sandwiches form part of many global and regional food chains. The convenience, taste, and affordability of chicken products have made them extremely popular among urban consumers, especially among the young. The emergence of food delivery options has only added more convenience to accessing chicken-based products. The expansion of international brands in the global market, especially in emerging markets, has been aggressive. At the same time, local brands too have been strengthening their presence, thereby increasing the demand for processed and ready-to-cook chicken products. Moreover, innovation in flavors, products, and packaging has been instrumental in attracting more consumers. As urbanization and busy lifestyles contribute to increasing demand for convenient food options, the role of QSRs will remain one major factor supporting the growth of the chicken market globally. December 2023: McDonald's has come up with a new restaurant idea named CosMc's, which will operate in the same segment as Starbucks. The idea of CosMc's is McDonald's latest attempt to penetrate the coffee segment in the United States. With this idea, McDonald's aims to open ten new restaurants by the end of 2024.

Health Perception and Dietary Shifts Toward Lean Meat

The change in the pattern of consumption among consumers, favoring healthier and nutritious food products, is also contributing to the increasing demand for chicken products. Chicken is considered a healthier alternative to red meat products, owing to its low fat content and high protein value. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly opting for chicken products to meet the nutritional requirements for muscle building and fitness. Moreover, chicken is also included in different diet plans, such as low-fat, high-protein, and balanced nutrition diets. The increasing health concerns regarding the consumption of red and processed meat products are also favoring the consumption of chicken products. Poultry products are also included in different diet plans, such as fitness and medical nutrition diets. Moreover, the quality and safety of chicken products are also improving, owing to the advancement in poultry farming and processing. As health and nutrition awareness is increasing among consumers, the demand for chicken products is also increasing as a healthier alternative to other meat products. Nov 2025, Maple Leaf Foods Inc. announced its new and innovative product, Maple Leaf Mighty Protein, a range of chicken protein sticks made with simple, real ingredients that meet the growing demand for protein.

Challenge in Global Chicken Meat Market

Disease Outbreaks and Biosecurity Risks

One of the biggest problems faced by the international chicken market is related to the chances of a disease outbreak, such as avian flu and other chicken and poultry-related diseases. This can result in huge losses for the farmers due to the culling of large numbers of chickens and restrictions on the sale and purchase of poultry products. An outbreak of such diseases also affects the market from a consumer perspective, leading to a temporary dip in demand. Governments also implement strict regulations and even bans to control and contain such diseases, which can also affect exports and the overall market scenario. Smaller farmers might find it hard to comply with such regulations and requirements, thereby adding to their risks and problems. The international nature of the poultry and chicken trade also makes it hard to control and contain such diseases and prevent them from spreading. Therefore, ensuring proper disease prevention and management is a key aspect for maintaining and ensuring growth in the chicken market.

Fluctuating Feed Costs and Supply Chain Pressures

Another factor that is posing a challenge to the world chicken market is the fluctuating cost of feed. This is because one of the major contributors to the cost of production is feed. Therefore, when the cost of feed is high, it will have an impact on the price of the final product. One of the major contributors to the cost of feed is the price of corn and soybean meal. These two ingredients are known to fluctuate due to weather conditions and geopolitical tensions. Therefore, when the price of feed is high, it will have an impact on the price of the final product. This will have an impact on the profitability of the producers. Therefore, it is important to have an effective feed management strategy to address the issue. This will also help to address the issue of competition in the world chicken market.

United States Chicken Production Market

The United States chicken production market is considered one of the biggest and most efficient markets globally. It is fueled by highly developed farming techniques, large-scale farming, and high domestic consumption. It enjoys an efficient supply chain for chicken products, including breeding, feed formulation, and distribution. Advances in technology have been beneficial to the United States chicken production market. These advances have been seen in chicken farming, where technology has been incorporated in feeding systems and disease control. The United States chicken production market is not only efficient but also enjoys an efficient export market. It supplies chicken products to different countries globally. It enjoys high domestic consumption due to the affordability and popularity of chicken products. Moreover, it is fueled by large and prominent companies in chicken production. However, it faces some challenges, such as changes in feed prices and issues regarding animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Despite all this, the United States chicken production market continues to thrive and expand. It currently boasts over 514 million chickens on farms as of December 2024. In addition, chicken consumption rebounded in 2025. The United States is still considered a powerhouse for chicken products.

China Chicken Consumption Market

China is witnessing an increasing market for the consumption of chicken products. The market is increasing due to the rising population, urbanization, and changes in dietary habits. With an increase in economic status, people are trying to add more protein-based food to their diets. Chicken is one of the favorite proteins due to economic reasons. The market is also driven by the need to avoid other types of meat. This has led to an increase in the consumption of poultry-based products. Fast-food chains have also contributed to an increase in the consumption of chicken-based products. The rise of e-commerce has also contributed to an increase in the consumption of processed chicken products. The government is also supporting the poultry industry, thus increasing the market. Consumption levels were at 4 kilograms per person in 1962. However, in 2022, the consumption levels have risen almost 18 times to 70 kilograms.

European Union Chicken Consumption Market

The market for the consumption of chicken in the EU is marked by stable consumption levels. Chicken is considered to be one of the healthier meats compared to red meat. Therefore, the consumption of chicken is increasing in the EU. The market is also marked by high standards of food safety. The regulations are also quite strong in this regard. Moreover, the rise of organic and free-range chicken is also impacting the market. The rise of retail outlets is also impacting the market. Processed chicken products are also becoming more popular. However, the market is also marked by some limitations. One of the limitations is the high standards of environmental regulations. Moreover, animal welfare is also becoming an issue. Therefore, the EU market for the consumption of chicken is marked by an increase in the levels of consumption. The consumption of poultry meat in the EU is expected to rise to 24.6 kg per capita by the year 2030. This is an increase of 1.2 kg compared to the year 2020. Poultry is considered to be one of the cheap, healthy, and sustainable meats. Moreover, the demand is expected to rise in some of the export markets.

Saudi Arabia Chicken Import Market

In 2024, Saudi Arabia ranked as the 8th largest importer of Poultry Meat in the world. Saudi Arabia has a huge demand for chicken meat, and its import market for chicken plays a vital role in fulfilling its demand, as local production does not suffice to meet its consumption needs. Therefore, Saudi Arabia relies on imports from key countries known for exporting poultry meat to meet its local demand for chicken meat. An increase in population, growing income levels, and demand for meat, especially chicken, are key drivers for its import market. The food service industry also contributes to its demand, and its consumption pattern also helps to boost its demand for chicken meat. The government aims to improve its food security by maintaining a balance between its imports and local production. However, factors such as changes in global prices, trade policies, and supply chain disruptions may affect the level of imports. In spite of these challenges, Saudi Arabia is a significant importer of chicken products, and consistent demand is expected to ensure that the market continues to grow. The fastest growing origins for Poultry Meat imports into Saudi Arabia for the period 2023-2024 are: Russia, Argentina, and Ukraine.

Brazil Chicken Export Market

Brazil is one of the world's largest exporters of chicken products due to its strong agricultural sector and low-cost production and export capabilities. Chicken products are exported to various countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. This is due to the strong international demand for chicken products at relatively low prices. Moreover, the country's compliance with international food safety standards has helped the country gain a strong position in the international chicken export market despite the risks and challenges. However, the country continues to maintain a strong position in the international chicken export market despite the risks and challenges. The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) has recently announced the consolidated figures of chicken exports in 2024. According to the figures of chicken exports, there has been a 3% increase in the export of chicken products in 2024 compared to the previous year. Moreover, the country exported 5.294 million metric tons of chicken products last year compared to the 5.130 million metric tons of chicken products exported in 2023. This is the highest volume of chicken products exported by the country so far.

Chicken Market Market Segments

• Segments

Countries- Market breakup in 25 Countries:

North America

• United States
• Canada

Europe

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Turkey

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• New Zealand

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

All the Key players have been covered from 5 Viewpoints:

• Business overview
• Key Persons
• Recent Development & Strategies
• SWOT Analysis
• Revenue Analysis

Key Company Covered

1. Vertex Pharmaceuticals

2. Abbvie Inc.

3. Novartis Ag

4. Gilead Sciences

5. Viatris INC

6. Pfizer

7. Astrazeneca

8. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd