In this article, we will discuss the 20 largest poultry producing countries in the world. If you want to skip our discussion on the poultry industry, you can go directly to the 5 Largest Poultry Producing Countries in the World.
The poultry sector has experienced tremendous growth in recent decades, driven by increasing consumer demand for both eggs and meat. According to a report by Research & Markets, the global poultry market is valued at $378.84 billion as of 2023, reflecting a 7.6% growth from 2022. The poultry market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% up to $487.39 billion in 2027. Asia Pacific was the largest poultry-producing region in the world in 2022, followed by Western Europe. Poultry includes chicken, ducks, turkeys, and any other domesticated birds that are used for the purpose of harvesting eggs, meat, and feathers. However, chicken is the most sought-after poultry option, contributing to 90% of the world's poultry meat production. After a slow phase in poultry consumption caused by a weak global economy and the onset of avian influenza in poultry, reports suggest that the industry might already be recovering. This is mainly because feed costs are lower, leading to reduced chicken prices. The market is still price-sensitive, but poultry has gained an advantage with its competitive pricing compared to beef, pork, and alternative proteins in many markets.
Global poultry production has seen an upward trend, mostly due to the low prices of soybeans and corn. By 2032, global poultry meat production is expected to rise to 156 million metric tons. This increase is expected to be led by a 20 million metric ton increase in Asia’s poultry meat production. Almost half of the chickens produced for meat distribution come from Asia. China, Brazil, and the USA are among the top 5 largest poultry producing countries in the world. They are also among the top 5 countries with the highest domestic consumption of poultry. In 2023, Brazil was expected to witness a 3% rise in the production of chicken meat. Brazil is also the top exporter of chicken meat in the world, at 5 million metric tons this year. Steady economic growth in both developed and developing countries is helping the poultry industry expand. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports a global GDP growth of 2.7% in 2023. Emerging markets are anticipated to grow slightly faster than developed ones. This stable economic outlook is likely to boost investments in the poultry market, promoting the growth of poultry manufacturing in the coming years.
Key Players in the Poultry Industry
The global poultry market is saturated with many well-settled and emerging players. Among these, the most notable are Tyson Foods Inc (NYSE: TSN), BRF S.A. (NYSE: BRFS), Sanderson Farms Inc, and JBS S.A. (JBSS3.SA). Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) is a Springdale, Arkansas-based food processing company that is expected to invest over $1.3 billion in factory automation within the next three years. It is among the top 10 poultry companies in the world. Operating across the US, the company exports products to over 130 countries and has 142,000 employees as of October. In 2022, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) slaughtered 1.9 billion broilers. In Q4 2023, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) focused on improving yield and capacity utilization, with CEO Donnie King expressing optimism about meeting steady consumer demand. Originally a chicken business, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) now offers breaded, fresh, grilled, and frozen products.
Sanderson Farms, Inc. is another leading poultry producer that merged with Wayne Farms to create Wayne-Sanderson Farms. On August 15, TARGAN, Inc. announced a partnership with Wayne-Sanderson Farms, providing innovative technologies for optimizing broiler hatcheries across the US. Wayne-Sanderson Farms, headquartered in Oakwood, Georgia, has 26,000 employees and operates 23 processing facilities in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas. As the third-largest poultry producer in the US, Wayne-Sanderson Farms strategically positioned its facilities in the southeastern region to process over 16 million chickens weekly. The company slaughtered 635 million broilers in 2022.
Similarly, BRF S.A. (NYSE:BRFS) is also a major global poultry exporter, offering fresh, marinated, and frozen whole and cut chicken. On August 2, the company announced a joint venture with Halal Products Development Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The goal is to provide chicken products to KSA, which imported 564,476 metric tons of Brazilian chicken products in 2022. Plans to establish a halal business headquarters in Saudi Arabia were also revealed. This joint venture aims to meet halal dietary requirements in the region through a halal meat industry.
Largest Poultry Producing Countries in the World
Our Methodology
To compile a list of the 20 largest poultry-producing countries in the world, we acquired the latest data from reputable sources such as the USDA Foreign Agricultural Services, Trading Economics, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. We have ranked the countries in ascending order of their annual poultry meat production in 1000 metric tons.
20 Largest Poultry Producing Countries in the World
20. Germany
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 1,543
As the world experiences a rise in poultry production following the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany remains within the top 20 countries with the highest poultry production. However, Germany has seen a decline in its poultry production since 2020, when it hit a record high of 1,613,000 metric tons.
19. Malaysia
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 1,625
Malaysia is not only one of the top poultry-producing countries in the world, but it was also among the top ten exporters of eggs in 2021. Malaysia’s poultry production is expected to reach 1.97 million metric tons by 2026.
18. Vietnam
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 1,703
Vietnam has become a significant player in poultry production, with an emphasis on broiler chicken and duck farming. The sector exhibits promising opportunities for growth and investment.
17. Peru
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 1,835
Peru has been a notable poultry producer, with chicken being a significant component of its agriculture sector. In recent years, the country has experienced growth in poultry production due to rising demand for chicken meat. The market is expected to reach 2.1 million metric tons by 2026.
16. South Africa
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 1,922
South Africa's chicken industry is expected to grow steadily in 2024, thanks to lower feed costs from good maize and soy production. Imports are decreasing due to anti-dumping duties, and chicken consumption is expected to rise by 1% despite high prices. The country is also set to export 3% more chicken to Southern African partners.
15. Columbia
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 1,940
In Colombia, poultry farming is a significant part of the economy, making up 36.5% of the livestock GDP, 14.3% of the agricultural GDP, and 0.7% of the overall national GDP. This shows how important the poultry sector is for the country's economic development.
14. Iran
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 1,993
The poultry sector is an important part of Iran's agricultural economy, contributing significantly with an annual output valued at $10 billion. The country is at the fourteenth position on our list of the largest poultry producing countries in the world.
13. United Kingdom
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 1,995
In 2021, the UK's poultry production was valued at over £2.9 billion, yielding an output of 1.93 million metric tons. Broiler chickens dominated slaughter numbers, followed by turkeys, while a smaller quantity of boiling fowl and ducks were also processed. By 2022, meat production from broilers alone surpassed 1.7 million metric tons.
12. Argentina
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 2,330
Argentina's poultry production has only slightly increased since 2022. However, exports increased by 4% in the following year. This has come after Argentina had to pause their poultry exports after an outbreak of Avian influenza.
11. Japan
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 2,436
Japan faced severe outbreaks of Avian Influenza in 2022. Recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) as of February 1, 2023, indicates a 2% increase in broiler population but a 6% decrease in layer population compared to the previous year.
10. Turkey
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 2,525
Turkey plays a major role in the production of turkey meat and eggs, leveraging its strategic geographical position to serve both domestic and international markets. In 2021, Turkey was the second-largest exporter of eggs in the world.
9. Poland
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 2,729
Poland anticipated a 1.5% increase in poultry meat production in 2023, following a notable improvement in market conditions. In 2022, the country produced nearly 3 million tons of poultry, marking an 8.2% rise from the previous year.
8. Thailand
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 3,425
Thailand's poultry sector has consistently expanded, driven by a competitive export market and modern production methods. The nation specializes in the production of broiler chickens.
7. India
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 3,714
India's poultry industry is thriving due to higher incomes and changing eating habits. The shift from traditional diets heavy in pulses to protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and dairy is a significant factor. Increased awareness of health benefits, higher incomes, urbanization, and improved distribution channels are all contributing to the industry's success.
6. Indonesia
Poultry Meat Production (1000 MT) = 3,889
Indonesia, with its sizable and expanding population, has a significant need for poultry items. The country's poultry industry specifically emphasizes the production of broiler chickens.
The expansion of the poultry industry can also be attributed to the operations of some of the most popular companies in the industry, such as Tyson Foods Inc (NYSE:TSN), BRF S.A. (NYSE:BRFS), Sanderson Farms Inc., and JBS S.A. (JBSS3.SA).
