Global Chicken Market to Reach US$ 268.35 Billion by 2033 as Protein Demand Accelerates Worldwide

The global chicken and poultry meat industry is entering a dynamic growth phase, supported by demographic expansion, urbanization, and evolving consumer dietary preferences. The market is projected to rise from US$ 160.62 billion in 2024 to US$ 268.35 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 5.87% between 2025 and 2033.

This strong outlook reflects increasing disposable incomes, the affordability and versatility of poultry products, technological advancements in poultry farming, and the rapid growth of the foodservice industry. As consumers seek leaner protein alternatives and convenient meal options, chicken continues to outperform other meats across global markets.

Global Chicken/Poultry Meat Market Report 2025–2033

The comprehensive global report covers:

Production Analysis

United States, Brazil, China, European Union, Mexico, Thailand, United Kingdom, Japan, South Africa, Philippines, Canada, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Angola, Cuba, and others.

Consumption Market & Volume

United States, China, Brazil, European Union, Mexico, Japan, United Kingdom, Thailand, Philippines, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Canada, South Korea, Iraq, Cuba, Angola, and others.

Additional Insights

·        Import & Export Trends

·        Company Analysis

·        Regional and Country-Level Forecasts

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Global Chicken/Poultry Meat Industry Overview

Chicken is now firmly established as the world’s most consumed meat. Once overshadowed by beef and pork, poultry has steadily gained dominance due to its affordability, shorter production cycles, and perception as a healthier protein source.

Chicken’s lower fat content and high protein value make it especially appealing to health-conscious consumers. In addition, its culinary flexibility allows it to adapt across cuisines—from Western fast food and grilled dishes to Asian stir-fries and Middle Eastern preparations.

Rising urban populations and increasing disposable incomes are driving greater demand for processed poultry products such as nuggets, sausages, deli meats, and frozen ready-to-cook meals. The convenience factor has become a major market catalyst.

Technological improvements in breeding, feeding, and disease management have increased productivity and cost efficiency, ensuring poultry remains competitively priced compared to other animal proteins.

However, the sector also faces structural challenges, including fluctuating feed prices, animal welfare concerns, climate change pressures, and growing competition from plant-based alternatives. Despite these hurdles, poultry remains one of the most resilient and scalable sources of animal protein globally.

Recent Trends Reshaping the Global Chicken Market

Population Growth and Protein Demand

According to global population projections, the world population stands at approximately 8.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. By the mid-2080s, it may peak at 10.3 billion.

As population expands, protein demand intensifies. OECD and FAO projections indicate that the number of chickens raised annually, currently around 74 billion, could increase to 85 billion by 2032 — a 15% rise. Poultry meat production is forecast to exceed 139 million metric tons in 2023, reflecting a nearly 3% annual growth rate.

This growth positions poultry alongside pork and beef as a major global protein source, with increasing implications for climate sustainability and economic development.

Asia-Pacific as a Consumption Powerhouse

The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key driver of global consumption growth. Disposable incomes across Asia-Pacific are expected to more than double in real terms between 2021 and 2040. The IMF projects regional growth at 4.6%, positioning Asia as a dominant contributor to global economic expansion.

This rising income level translates into higher meat consumption, particularly poultry, which is affordable and widely accepted across cultures.

Rise of Cultivated Meat

In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the commercial sale of cultivated chicken developed by Upside Foods and GOOD Meat. This marks a historic development in alternative protein production, signaling the potential long-term transformation of traditional poultry markets.

While still in early stages, lab-grown meat introduces both competition and innovation pressure for conventional poultry producers.

Key Growth Drivers of the Chicken/Poultry Meat Market

1. Rising Global Population

Population growth directly influences protein demand. Chicken offers an efficient conversion ratio of feed to meat, making it a cost-effective solution for feeding expanding populations.

Compared to beef and pork, poultry production requires fewer resources and shorter production cycles, making it particularly suitable for developing economies.

2. Health-Conscious Consumer Preferences

Consumers are increasingly shifting toward leaner protein options. Chicken’s lower saturated fat content and high protein value make it attractive for weight management and heart health.

Younger demographics, fitness-focused consumers, and urban professionals are driving this shift toward lighter meat alternatives.

3. Urbanization and Rising Disposable Income

Urban consumers prioritize convenience. Pre-packaged, frozen, and ready-to-eat poultry products are increasingly popular in fast-paced urban lifestyles.

Fast food chains and quick-service restaurants heavily rely on chicken-based menu items, further strengthening market growth.

Major Challenges in the Chicken Market

Fluctuating Feed Costs

Feed accounts for 60–70% of poultry production costs. Corn and soybean price volatility—caused by weather events, geopolitical tensions, and trade disruptions—can significantly impact profitability.

Producers often face pricing pressure, particularly in competitive markets where retail prices are sensitive to consumer purchasing power.

Disease Outbreaks

Avian influenza and Newcastle disease remain serious threats. Outbreaks can result in mass culling, export bans, supply disruptions, and consumer confidence decline.

Beyond immediate financial losses, producers must invest heavily in biosecurity measures and compliance with regulatory standards.

Country-Level Market Insights

United States Chicken Market

The United States remains one of the largest poultry producers and consumers globally. Strong demand for affordable protein, growth in fast food chains, and advancements in production technologies support steady expansion.

Processed chicken products such as tenders and nuggets continue to gain popularity. However, feed cost volatility and biosecurity concerns remain ongoing challenges.

United Kingdom Chicken Market

In the United Kingdom, rising health awareness and preference for lean protein are fueling steady demand. Ethical sourcing and sustainability concerns are influencing purchasing decisions, with increasing demand for free-range and organic poultry.

The UK market also faces regulatory pressures and supply chain adjustments post-Brexit.

Japan Chicken Market

Japan’s poultry market is expanding due to rising demand for affordable protein and convenience foods. Dishes like karaage (Japanese fried chicken) remain extremely popular.

Urbanization, premium locally sourced poultry, and strict food safety standards shape the Japanese market landscape.

Saudi Arabia Chicken Market

Saudi Arabia’s poultry industry is growing rapidly due to population expansion, urbanization, and rising incomes. Poultry is central to Saudi cuisine and benefits from strong demand for halal-certified products.

However, reliance on feed imports and sustainability challenges require strategic long-term planning.

India Chicken Meat Market

India is witnessing robust growth in chicken consumption. Urbanization, dietary shifts, and rising middle-class incomes are driving demand.

Between 2021 and 2022, approximately 3.06 billion chickens were slaughtered, accounting for over 51% of total meat production in the country. Urban households are increasingly spending on processed protein products, reflecting changing dietary habits.

Improvements in poultry farming practices and supply chains continue to enhance availability and freshness across both urban and semi-urban areas.

Key Corporate Developments

·        February 2023: Stampede Meat partnered with DL Lee & Sons to expand production capacity in the southeastern United States.

·        March 2023: Kraft Heinz strengthened its partnership with BEES to expand B2B marketplace reach across Latin America.

·        August 2023: DCP Capital moved to acquire Cargill’s Chinese poultry business.

·        November 2023: Tyson Foods announced expansion plans in the Netherlands, China, and Thailand, increasing fully cooked poultry production capacity to approximately 100,000 tonnes.

These developments highlight aggressive expansion strategies and global consolidation efforts within the poultry sector.

Regional Outlook

North America

Strong domestic production, advanced processing technologies, and established export networks support stable growth.

Europe

Demand is driven by health trends and ethical sourcing standards, alongside regulatory oversight.

Asia Pacific

Fastest-growing region due to rising incomes, urbanization, and shifting dietary patterns.

Latin America

Brazil remains a leading exporter, benefiting from large-scale production and cost competitiveness.

Middle East & Africa

Government investments aim to reduce import dependency and strengthen domestic food security.

Final Thoughts

The global chicken market is poised for sustained expansion, projected to grow from US$ 160.62 billion in 2024 to US$ 268.35 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 5.87%.

Population growth, urbanization, rising incomes, and health-conscious dietary shifts are solidifying poultry’s dominance as the world’s preferred meat. While feed price volatility, disease risks, and sustainability concerns present ongoing challenges, innovation and investment continue to strengthen the industry’s resilience.

As global protein demand accelerates, chicken remains uniquely positioned—