Popularity of chicken meat continues in the Philippines

It is reported that the growth in the demand for chicken in the country has been faster than other meats, one reason being the expansion of fast-food outlets. Per capita consumption of chicken rose from 11.6kg in 2009 to 15.6kg in 2018 with consumption averaging 13.4kg per person per year.

For the first quarter of 2022, chicken meat production increased by 13% year-on-year with large poultry farms still relatively unaffected from highly pathogenic avian influenza, reports the USDA. However, numerous local government units continue to impose restrictions that go above and beyond the Philippines’ national Avian Influenza Protection Program (see box). This has resulted in a restriction of the availability of live chicks.

In terms of trade, the EU remains the dominant poultry meat exporter to the Philippines followed by the US and then Brazil.

Demand for mechanically deboned meat remains particularly robust at present as it increasingly represents a key raw material for the processed meat industry and as the public seeks ways to save budgetary outlays on increasing food costs.