Chicken consumption in Switzerland has risen sharply, with demand outstripping local supply

Demand for chicken meat in Switzerland continues to grow rapidly, reaching new highs, while domestic production struggles to keep up. In 2024, the average person consumed 15.9 kilograms of poultry, a sharp increase of more than 70 percent compared to 2000 levels.

This shift reflects a broader shift in dietary preferences. While pork consumption has declined and beef demand has remained relatively stable, chicken meat is becoming increasingly dominant. Production has expanded to meet this demand: in 2025, more than 82 million chickens were raised for meat—a record for the country. However, local supply is insufficient, and imports remain necessary, with about a third of the chicken consumed in Switzerland coming from abroad, particularly Brazil.

This rise in popularity is also evident in the restaurant industry, where chicken dishes are gaining popularity. Large fast-food chains have adapted to this trend, and the bird now occupies a significant share of their menus. Some international brands that previously struggled to establish themselves in the Swiss market have returned and achieved success, while new players and local concepts are also capitalizing on demand, expanding their presence and focusing on chicken dishes.

For Swiss farmers, growing demand is opening up new opportunities. Some producers have diversified into poultry farming, finding that it offers more predictable financial returns than traditional dairy farming. Unlike milk production, where price pressures can limit profitability, poultry farming often allows for pricing structures that better reflect production costs and include stable margins.

Despite these advantages, expansion is not without challenges. Farmers face obstacles such as obtaining building permits and managing rising costs for poultry farm construction, which could slow the pace of expanding production capacity. Even with these constraints, continued growth in consumption suggests that chicken will remain a central part of the Swiss food landscape for the foreseeable future.

Tags: chicken, Switzerland