Jan 31, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Poultry – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
The UK poultry market is forecast to grow to 2.7 million tons (CAGR +1.5%) and $6.2 billion (CAGR +2.8%) by 2035. In 2024, consumption reached 2.3M tons ($4.6B), dominated by chicken meat (92% of volume). Domestic production was 2M tons, supplemented by 529K tons of imports, primarily from Poland and the Netherlands. Exports, at 213K tons, are significantly lower than imports, creating a substantial trade deficit. The market is characterized by rising import reliance, stable domestic consumption growth, and declining export volumes.
Key Findings
UK poultry market is forecast to reach 2.7M tons and $6.2B by 2035, growing at CAGRs of +1.5% and +2.8% respectivelyChicken meat dominates consumption (92% share) and domestic production (93% share)The UK is a net importer, with 529K tons of imports vastly exceeding 213K tons of exports in 2024Poland and the Netherlands are the leading import sources, together supplying over 60% of imports by volumeExport volumes and values have shown a pronounced declining trend since 2013Market Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for poultry in the UK, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.5% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 2.7M tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.8% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $6.2B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Poultry
In 2024, consumption of poultry increased by 0.1% to 2.3M tons, rising for the fourth year in a row after two years of decline. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. Poultry consumption peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
The value of the poultry market in the UK expanded to $4.6B in 2024, with an increase of 2.2% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, the total consumption indicated a moderate expansion from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption increased by +59.3% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs in 2024 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.
Consumption By Type
Chicken meat (2.1M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of consumption, comprising approx. 92% of total volume. Moreover, chicken meat exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, turkey meat (140K tons), more than tenfold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of chicken meat consumption totaled +2.9%. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: turkey meat (-0.9% per year) and duck and goose meat (+1.3% per year).
In value terms, chicken meat ($4.2B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by turkey meat ($237M).
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of chicken meat market totaled +3.9%. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: turkey meat (-1.9% per year) and duck and goose meat (+0.4% per year).
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Poultry
Poultry production in the UK fell modestly to 2M tons in 2024, flattening at the year before. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 5.4%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak volume at 2M tons in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024. Poultry output in the UK indicated slight growth, which was largely conditioned by a slight expansion of the producing animals number and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.
In value terms, poultry production shrank to $2.4B in 2024 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Poultry production peaked at $2.5B in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production remained at a lower figure.
Production By Type
Chicken meat (1.8M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of production, accounting for 93% of total volume. Moreover, chicken meat exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, turkey meat (114K tons), more than tenfold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of chicken meat production amounted to +2.1%. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: turkey meat (-4.4% per year) and duck and goose meat (-3.7% per year).
In value terms, chicken meat ($2.2B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by turkey meat ($193M).
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of chicken meat production was relatively modest. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: turkey meat (-5.5% per year) and duck and goose meat (-0.6% per year).
Yield
The average yield of poultry in the UK amounted to 1.7 kg per head in 2024, standing approx. at the year before. Over the period under review, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the yield increased by 2.3% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of 1.7 kg per head; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024.
Producing Animals
In 2024, number of animals slaughtered for poultry production in the UK contracted modestly to 1.2B heads, approximately equating the previous year’s figure. This number increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the number of producing animals increased by 5.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, this number hit record highs at 1.2B heads in 2021; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Poultry
In 2024, purchases abroad of poultry increased by 2.7% to 529K tons, rising for the third year in a row after three years of decline. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 when imports increased by 23%. Imports peaked in 2024 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.
In value terms, poultry imports expanded markedly to $2.1B in 2024. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 when imports increased by 49%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2024 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.
Imports By Country
Poland (176K tons), the Netherlands (167K tons) and Belgium (34K tons) were the main suppliers of poultry imports to the UK, together comprising 71% of total imports. Ireland, Germany, France, Ukraine, Brazil, Romania, Spain and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 25%.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Ukraine (with a CAGR of +94.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the largest poultry suppliers to the UK were the Netherlands ($740M), Poland ($719M) and Ireland ($110M), together comprising 76% of total imports. Belgium, Germany, Romania, France, Brazil, Ukraine, Italy and Spain lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 20%.
Ukraine, with a CAGR of +106.8%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Imports By Type
In 2024, chicken meat (478K tons) constituted the largest type of poultry supplied to the UK, accounting for a 90% share of total imports. Moreover, chicken meat exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, turkey meat (34K tons), more than tenfold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of chicken meat imports stood at +2.7%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: turkey meat (+1.6% per year) and duck and goose meat (+4.4% per year).
In value terms, chicken meat ($1.9B) constituted the largest type of poultry supplied to the UK, comprising 89% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by turkey meat ($148M), with a 7% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of chicken meat imports stood at +2.9%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: turkey meat (+1.1% per year) and duck and goose meat (+3.4% per year).
Import Prices By Type
The average poultry import price stood at $3,915 per ton in 2024, growing by 2.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 an increase of 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $4,120 per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.
Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplied products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was turkey meat ($4,325 per ton), while the price for chicken meat ($3,914 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by chicken meat (+0.2%), while the prices for the other products experienced a decline.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average poultry import price amounted to $3,915 per ton, increasing by 2.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 an increase of 22%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $4,120 per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Romania ($4,501 per ton), while the price for Spain ($2,406 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ukraine (+6.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Poultry
In 2024, overseas shipments of poultry were finally on the rise to reach 213K tons for the first time since 2020, thus ending a three-year declining trend. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 15%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 437K tons. From 2021 to 2024, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, poultry exports rose slightly to $251M in 2024. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 11%. The exports peaked at $535M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
Exports By Country
The Netherlands (87K tons) was the main destination for poultry exports from the UK, accounting for a 41% share of total exports. Moreover, poultry exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Belgium (21K tons), fourfold. Ghana (13K tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 6% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the Netherlands was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Belgium (+3.3% per year) and Ghana (+14.7% per year).
In value terms, the Netherlands ($63M) remains the key foreign market for poultry exports from the UK, comprising 25% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ireland ($25M), with a 9.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Ghana, with a 7.7% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value to the Netherlands was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Ireland (-15.4% per year) and Ghana (+17.3% per year).
Exports By Type
Chicken meat (217K tons) was the largest type of poultry exported from the UK, accounting for a 96% share of total exports. Moreover, chicken meat exceeded the volume of the second product type, turkey meat (8.3K tons), more than tenfold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of chicken meat exports amounted to -2.1%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: turkey meat (-16.6% per year) and duck and goose meat (-27.8% per year).
In value terms, chicken meat ($258M) remains the largest type of poultry exported from the UK, comprising 95% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by turkey meat ($12M), with a 4.3% share of total exports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of chicken meat exports totaled -3.8%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: turkey meat (-19.2% per year) and duck and goose meat (-24.5% per year).
Export Prices By Type
In 2024, the average poultry export price amounted to $1,178 per ton, reducing by -2.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a noticeable decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 an increase of 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $1,556 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the export prices failed to regain momentum.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major types of exported product. In 2024, the product with the highest price was duck and goose meat ($3,948 per ton), while the average price for exports of chicken meat ($1,192 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: duck and goose meat (+4.5%), while the prices for the other products experienced a decline.
Export Prices By Country
The average poultry export price stood at $1,178 per ton in 2024, shrinking by -2.4% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a perceptible slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 when the average export price increased by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $1,556 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the export prices remained at a lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Hong Kong SAR ($4,343 per ton), while the average price for exports to Belgium ($384 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Hong Kong SAR (+11.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the poultry industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the poultry landscape in the United Kingdom.
Quick navigation
Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageFCL 1058 – Chicken meatFCL 1059 – Offals and liver of chickensFCL 1069 – Duck meatFCL 1073 – Goose meatFCL 1074 – Offals and liver of geeseFCL 1075 – Offals and liver of ducksFCL 1080 – Turkey meatFCL 1081 – Offals and liver of turkeyCountry coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links poultry demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of poultry dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the poultry market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.