Demand for poultry products in the EU remains high

Following significant growth in 2024, EU poultry production remained stable at the beginning of 2025, falling by just 0.3% between January and March compared to the same period last year, according to the European Commission’s latest short-term forecast.

Growth was led by Greece (+17%), Slovakia (+8%), Spain (+7%), Croatia (+7%), Bulgaria (+6%), Portugal (+6%), and Slovenia (+5%). However, production declined in Poland, Italy, and Hungary, where outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza disrupted production.

Poultry prices have risen sharply since the beginning of the year: in mid-June, the average broiler price was €306 per 100 kg, up 13% from the previous year, reflecting strong demand and limited supply.

The Commission forecasts that poultry production in the EU will grow by 1.8% in 2025, driven by robust consumer demand, falling feed costs, and rising prices for finished products. However, further production expansion will remain constrained by the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza and a shortage of hatching eggs.

Per capita poultry consumption in the EU is projected to increase by 0.5 kg in 2025, or approximately 2% year-on-year, as consumers increasingly view poultry as an environmentally friendly, healthy, and affordable source of protein.

Tags: EU