Europe Poultry Meat Market Size and Share

Europe Poultry Meat Market (2025 - 2030)
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Europe Poultry Meat Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The European poultry meat market size stands at USD 56.58 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 59.26 billion by 2030, reflecting a 0.93% CAGR that signals maturation rather than stagnation. As consumers increasingly demand convenient, welfare-certified, and protein-rich products, producers are shifting towards higher-margin processed formats. However, growth is constrained by ongoing disease-control costs and feed price volatility. The introduction of new flavors, marinated cuts, healthier processed options, and premium products is attracting a wide range of consumers. Health-conscious individuals are opting for poultry as a leaner protein alternative to red meat. Urban consumers, managing busier lifestyles, are relying on ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) processed poultry for quick meal solutions. Innovations in RTE and RTC products, along with stricter EU antibiotic policies, have driven the rapid growth of processed poultry. While on-trade channels accounted for 56.98% of the market value in 2024, off-trade channels, particularly e-commerce and organized retail, are expanding rapidly. The UK led the demand with 32.47% of 2024 sales, but Italy recorded the fastest growth with a 1.76% CAGR, supported by a recovery in foodservice and a shift towards premium offerings post-pandemic.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By product type, frozen offerings led with 39.26% Europe poultry meat market share in 2024, whereas processed items are projected to advance at a 1.71% CAGR through 2030. 
  • By distribution channel, on-trade accounted for 56.98% of the Europe poultry meat market size in 2024, while off-trade is forecast to log a 1.57% CAGR to 2030. 
  • By geography, the United Kingdom represented 32.47% of 2024 value, but Italy is set to grow the fastest at 1.76% CAGR through 2030. 

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Frozen Dominance Faces Processing Innovation

The frozen segment holds a significant 39.26% market share in 2024, driven by a robust cold chain infrastructure and the benefits of extended shelf life. Frozen poultry products provide longer storage options, enabling retailers and consumers to maintain quality over extended periods. Meanwhile, the processed category's anticipated 1.71% CAGR through 2030 highlights a shift towards convenience-focused solutions. Fresh chilled products continue to see stable demand in premium retail channels, particularly in Germany and France, where consumers value perceived quality and shorter supply chains. Canned variants address specific institutional and emergency preparedness needs, but their growth is limited by high packaging costs and a growing preference for fresh alternatives. The processed subcategory is experiencing rapid innovation, with deli meats and marinated products achieving premium pricing due to their artisanal qualities and clean-label formulations.

European producers are utilizing advanced processing technologies to differentiate through value-added manufacturing. This trend is especially evident as in-ovo sexing technology, a European market leader, expands to address welfare concerns in layer operations. AAT's Cheggy system, operational in 12 units across 7 European countries, highlights how processing innovations enhance competitiveness by ensuring welfare compliance and improving operational efficiency. Nuggets and sausages benefit from automated processing systems that lower labor costs while ensuring consistent quality. These advancements enable European producers to compete effectively with lower-cost imports by leveraging superior processing methods and stringent food safety standards.

Europe Poultry Meat Market: Market Share by Product Type
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By Distribution Channel: On-Trade Leadership Amid Off-Trade Acceleration

On-trade channels hold a 56.98% market share in 2024, underscoring the foodservice sector's rebound from pandemic setbacks and a sustained appetite for professional food preparation in venues like restaurants, hotels, and institutions. Yet, off-trade channels are outpacing with a 1.57% CAGR growth rate projected through 2030. This surge is largely attributed to the rise of e-commerce and retail consolidation, which tends to favor larger suppliers boasting extensive product ranges. Within the off-trade realm, supermarkets and hypermarkets assert their dominance, utilizing private label strategies and their bulk purchasing clout to negotiate advantageous terms with suppliers. Meanwhile, convenience stores are gradually increasing their market share, capitalizing on longer operating hours and prime urban locations. This is especially true for ready-to-eat items, catering to consumers pressed for time.

The distribution landscape is undergoing a technological renaissance, evident in cold chain optimizations and advanced inventory management systems. These innovations not only curtail spoilage but also broaden geographic outreach. Online retail is witnessing a surge, especially for premium and specialty items. Here, consumers are willing to pay a delivery premium, drawn by the allure of convenience and a wider product selection. As per the European Commission, in 2024, a notable 94% of households in the EU had internet access[3]Source: European Commission, "Digital economy and society statistics", www.ec.europe.eu . Additionally, other off-trade avenues, such as specialty retailers and direct-to-consumer models, are reaping rewards. Their emphasis on welfare-certified and organic products allows them to command price premiums, effectively counterbalancing the challenges of elevated distribution costs and the drawbacks of a smaller scale.

Europe Poultry Meat Market: Market Share by Distribution Channel
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Geography Analysis

As traditional production centers face increasing regulatory pressures, emerging markets are capitalizing on cost advantages and modernizing their operations. Despite Brexit-related challenges, the UK continues to lead the market with a 32.47% share in 2024. This leadership is driven by integrated supply chains and premium positioning strategies, which mitigate higher production costs through value-added processing. Germany demonstrates industrial efficiency and strong export capabilities, though its domestic growth is hindered by stricter environmental regulations and shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable sourcing.

Italy's culinary heritage and premium positioning drive a 1.76% CAGR through 2030, revealing growth potential despite elevated production costs. This growth aligns with the recovery of the foodservice sector from pandemic disruptions and its focus on quality differentiation. France is prioritizing organic production, supported by a 50% subsidy increase covering 2.8 million hectares of organic farming. This strategy aims to expand the premium segment while addressing environmental concerns through sustainable production practices. Spain benefits from its Mediterranean climate and cost-efficient operations but faces long-term sustainability challenges due to water scarcity and environmental regulations, necessitating technological advancements and efficiency improvements. Poland has emerged as Europe's largest producer, driven by modernization investments and labor cost advantages, enabling competitive positioning in European export markets while domestic consumption rises with urbanization and increasing incomes.

Eastern European markets are undergoing rapid modernization through foreign investments and technology adoption, supported by EU integration and advancements in cold chain infrastructure. The Netherlands and Belgium leverage advanced processing capabilities and logistical strengths to serve as key distribution hubs for premium products across Northern Europe. Sweden and other Nordic countries focus on welfare standards and environmental sustainability, creating niche opportunities for producers who invest in certification and compliance systems, which command premium pricing in environmentally conscious consumer segments.

Competitive Landscape

The European poultry meat market is fragmented, with rising regulatory compliance costs and the need for technological differentiation driving competitive dynamics. Vertically integrated operators, skilled in managing feed procurement, processing, and distribution across Europe, dominate the market. Leading players such as LDC Group, 2 Sisters Food Group, Plukon Food Group, PHW Group, and JBS SA utilize their scale to offset compliance costs. As consumer awareness of sustainability and food safety grows, market strategies are increasingly focused on welfare certification, antibiotic-free production, and innovative processing, particularly in premium retail and foodservice channels.

Adopting advanced technologies like AI-powered monitoring, automated processing, and optimized cold chains provides operators with a competitive edge by reducing costs and enhancing product quality and safety. BAADER's acquisition of EMYDEX Technology highlights this trend, demonstrating how equipment suppliers enable differentiation through integrated software solutions for traceability, quality control, and production management. New and smaller players can establish a foothold by targeting specialized segments and introducing innovative products. Developing niche offerings, such as organic or premium poultry products, and building a strong regional presence can pave the way for geographic expansion. Investments in efficient production facilities and strategic partnerships with established players further strengthen their competitive position.

Opportunities are increasingly emerging in the organic and welfare-certified segments, where smaller operators encounter significant challenges due to stringent regulatory barriers. However, established players with the ability to secure certifications are positioned to capitalize on these opportunities. They benefit from premium pricing and gain access to specialized distribution channels that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. To maintain their competitive edge and expand market share, these established players must emphasize continuous product innovation and operational efficiency. A critical component of their strategy will involve investing in research and development to create value-added products that align with shifting consumer preferences. These preferences are increasingly focused on convenience, health, and sustainability, making it essential for companies to adapt to these trends to remain relevant and competitive in the market.

Europe Poultry Meat Industry Leaders

  1. Lambert Dodard Chancereul (LDC) Group

  2. PHW Group

  3. 2 Sisters Food Group

  4. Plukon Food Group

  5. JBS SA

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments

  • November 2024: Cranswick, a U.K. company, has increased the processing capacity of its fresh poultry meat operations in eastern England. The company is also enhancing its ongoing investment program at two additional processing facilities in East Yorkshire.
  • October 2024: France's LDC Group has advanced its international expansion strategy by acquiring Germany's European Convenience Food (ECF Group), a prominent supplier in the retail and foodservice sectors. This acquisition enables LDC Group to enter the growing frozen poultry market.
  • October 2024: Lambert Dodard Chancereul (LDC) has acquired Cargill's Konspol brand and its plant in Nowy Sacz, Poland, as part of its international expansion strategy. This acquisition allows the Drosed Group, under LDC, to enter the ready meals segment, which includes breaded products, burgers, sandwiches, tortillas, and gyozas.
  • April 2024: Netherlands-based Plukon Food Group has acquired all shares of Sambau, a Spanish company engaged in processing and distributing poultry products. Sambau, a family-owned poultry business, is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

Table of Contents for Europe Poultry Meat Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Surge in convenience/processed poultry uptake
    • 4.2.2 Growing consumer preference for high-protein and lean diets
    • 4.2.3 Accelerated innovation and availability of ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) products
    • 4.2.4 Premiumisation via welfare-certified and ABF labels
    • 4.2.5 Government subsidies for antibiotic-free poultry
    • 4.2.6 Expansion of cold chain infrastructure
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Extensive antibiotic use in poultry
    • 4.3.2 Stringent EU animal-welfare legislation
    • 4.3.3 Environmental Impact Concerns
    • 4.3.4 Volatile feed-grain prices
  • 4.4 Consumer Behaviour Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 Product Type
    • 5.1.1 Canned
    • 5.1.2 Fresh Chilled
    • 5.1.3 Frozen
    • 5.1.4 Processed
    • 5.1.4.1 Deli Meats
    • 5.1.4.2 Marinated/ Tenders
    • 5.1.4.3 Meatbolls
    • 5.1.4.4 Nuggets
    • 5.1.4.5 Sausages
    • 5.1.4.6 Other Processed Meat
  • 5.2 Distribution Channel
    • 5.2.1 Off-Trade
    • 5.2.1.1 Supermarket/ Hypermarket
    • 5.2.1.2 Convenience Store
    • 5.2.1.3 Online Store
    • 5.2.1.4 Other Off-Trade Channels
    • 5.2.2 On-Trade
    • 5.2.2.1 Hotel
    • 5.2.2.2 Restaurants
    • 5.2.2.3 Cafes
    • 5.2.2.4 Other On-Trade Channels
  • 5.3 By Country
    • 5.3.1 United Kingdom
    • 5.3.2 Germany
    • 5.3.3 France
    • 5.3.4 Italy
    • 5.3.5 Spain
    • 5.3.6 Russia
    • 5.3.7 Sweden
    • 5.3.8 Belgium
    • 5.3.9 Poland
    • 5.3.10 Netherlands
    • 5.3.11 Rest of Europe

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 LDC Group
    • 6.4.2 2 Sisters Food Group
    • 6.4.3 MHP SE
    • 6.4.4 Plukon Food Group
    • 6.4.5 Gruppo Veronesi
    • 6.4.6 PHW Group
    • 6.4.7 Cherkizovo Group
    • 6.4.8 Pilgrim's Pride
    • 6.4.9 Amadori Group
    • 6.4.10 Tyson Foods
    • 6.4.11 BRF S.A.
    • 6.4.12 Cargill Inc
    • 6.4.13 JBS S.A.
    • 6.4.14 Vion Food Group
    • 6.4.15 Scandi Standard
    • 6.4.16 Danish Crown Vej
    • 6.4.17 Sainsbury�s PLC
    • 6.4.18 Schwarz Group
    • 6.4.19 Metro AG
    • 6.4.20 Coop Group
    • 6.4.21 Aldi Einkauf GmbH
    • 6.4.22 Groupe Auchan

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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Europe Poultry Meat Market Report Scope

Canned, Fresh / Chilled, Frozen, Processed are covered as segments by Form. Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom are covered as segments by Country.
Product Type
Canned
Fresh Chilled
Frozen
Processed Deli Meats
Marinated/ Tenders
Meatbolls
Nuggets
Sausages
Other Processed Meat
Distribution Channel
Off-Trade Supermarket/ Hypermarket
Convenience Store
Online Store
Other Off-Trade Channels
On-Trade Hotel
Restaurants
Cafes
Other On-Trade Channels
By Country
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Sweden
Belgium
Poland
Netherlands
Rest of Europe
Product Type Canned
Fresh Chilled
Frozen
Processed Deli Meats
Marinated/ Tenders
Meatbolls
Nuggets
Sausages
Other Processed Meat
Distribution Channel Off-Trade Supermarket/ Hypermarket
Convenience Store
Online Store
Other Off-Trade Channels
On-Trade Hotel
Restaurants
Cafes
Other On-Trade Channels
By Country United Kingdom
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Sweden
Belgium
Poland
Netherlands
Rest of Europe
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Market Definition

  • Meat - Meat is defined as the flesh or other edible parts of an animal used for food. The end use of the meat industry consists of only human consumption. Meat is generally purchased from retail outlets for home cooking and consumption. For the market studied, only uncooked meat has been considered. This could be processed in various forms, which have been covered under the “Processed” form. The other purchases of meat happen through the consumption of meat at foodservice outlets (restaurants, hotels, catering, etc.). ​
  • Other Meats - The other meat segment includes the meat of camel, horse, rabbit, etc. These are not so commonly consumed meat types but still, have a presence in distinct parts of the world. Regardless of it being part of red meat, we have considered these meat types separately for a better understanding of the market. ​
  • Poultry Meat - Poultry meat also called white meat, comes from birds raised commercially or domestically for human consumption. This includes chicken, turkey, ducks, and geese.​
  • Red Meat - Red meat typically has a red color when raw and a dark color when cooked. It includes any meat that comes from mammals, such as beef, lamb, pork, goat, veal, and mutton.​
Keyword Definition
A5 It is a Japanese grading system for beef. The 'A' means the carcass yield is the highest possible and the numeric rating relates to beef marbling, color and brightness of the flesh, its texture and color, luster, and fat quality. A5 is the highest mark wagyu beef can score.
Abbatoir It is another name for a slaughterhouse and refers to the premise used for or in connection with the slaughter of animals whose meat is intended for human consumption.
Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) It is a disease that affects shrimp and is characterized by high mortalities, in many cases reaching 100% within 30-35 days of stocking grow-out ponds.
African Swine Fever (ASF) It is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs caused by a double-stranded DNA virus in the Asfarviridae family.
Albacore Tuna It is one of the smallest species of tuna found in the six distinct stocks known globally in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
Angus beef It is beef derived from a specific breed of cattle indigenous to Scotland. It requires certification from the American Angus Association to receive the "Certified Angus Beef" quality mark
Bacon It is salted or smoked meat that comes from the back or sides of a pig
Black Angus It is beef derived from a black-hided breed of cows that don't have horns.
Bologna It is an Italian smoked sausage made of meat, typically large and made from pork, beef or veal.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) It is a progressive neurological disorder of cattle that results from infection by an unusual transmissible agent called a prion.
Bratwurst It refers to a type of German sausage made from pork, beef or veal.
BRC British Retail Consortium
Brisket It is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of beef or veal. The beef brisket is one of the nine beef primal cuts.
Broiler It refers to any chicken (Gallus domesticus) that is bred and raised specifically for meat production.
Bushel It is a unit of measurement for grains and pulses. 1 bushel = 27.216 kg
Carcass It refers to the dressed body of a meat animal from which butchers trim the meat
CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Chicken Tender It refers to chicken meat prepared from the pectoralis minor muscles of a chicken bird.
Chuck Steak It refers to a cut of beef that is part of the chuck primal, which is a large section of meat from the shoulder area of a cow
Corned Beef It refers to beef brisket cured in brine and boiled, typically served cold.
CWT Also known as a hundredweight, it is a unit of measurement used to define the quantity of meat. 1 CWT = 50.80 kg
Drumstick It refers to a chicken leg without the thigh.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority
ERS Economic Research Service of the USDA
Ewe It is an adult female sheep.
FDA Food and Drug Administration
Fillet Mignon It is a cut of meat taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin.
Flank Steak It is a cut of beef steak taken from the flank, which lies forward of the rear quarter of a cow.
Foodservice It refers to the part of the food industry which includes businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
Forage It refers to animal feed.
Foreshank It is the upper part of the foreleg of cattle
Franks Also known as frankfurter or Würstchen, it is a type of highly seasoned smoked sausage popular in Austria and Germany.
FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Gizzard It refers to an organ found in the digestive tract of birds. It is also called the mechanical stomach of a bird.
Gluten It is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley
Grain-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have been fed a diet supplemented with soy and corn and other additives. Grainfed cows can also be given antibiotics and growth hormones to fatten them up more quickly.
Grass-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have only been fed grass as feed.
Ham It refers to the pork meat taken from the leg of a pig.
HoReCa Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes
Jerky It is lean trimmed meat that has been cut into strips and dried (dehydrated) to prevent spoilage.
Kobe Beef It is Wagyu beef specifically from the Kuroge Washu breed of cows in Japan. To be classified as Kobe beef, the cow must have been born, raised, and slaughtered within the Hyōgo prefecture in the city of Kobe in Japan.
Liverwurst It is type of German sausage made from beef or pork liver.
Loin It refers to the sides between the lower ribs and pelvis, and the lower part of the back of a cow.
Mortadella It is a large Italian sausage or luncheon meat made of finely hashed or ground heat-cured pork, which incorporates at least 15% small cubes of pork fat.
Pastrami It refers to a highly seasoned smoked beef, typically served in thin slices.
Pepperoni It is an American variety of spicy salami made from cured meat.
Plate It refers to a forequarter cut from the belly of a cow, just below the rib cut.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) It is a disease occurring in swine causing late-term reproductive failure and severe pneumonia in neonatal pigs.
Primal cuts It refers to the major sections of the carcass.
Quorn It is a meat substitute product prepared using mycoprotein as an ingredient, in which the fungus culture is dried and mixed with egg albumen or potato protein, which acts as a binder, and then is adjusted in texture and pressed into various forms.
Ready-to-Cook (RTC) It refers to food products that include all of the ingredients, where some preparation or cooking is required through a process that is given on the package.
Ready-to-Eat (RTE) It refers to a food product prepared or cooked in advance, with no further cooking or preparation required before being eaten
Retort Packaging It is a process of aseptic packaging food in which food is filled into a pouch or metal can, sealed, and then heated to extremely high temperatures, rendering the product commercially sterile.
Round Steak It refers to a beef steak from the the rear leg of the cow.
Rump Steak It refers to a cut of beef derived from the division between the leg and the chine.
Salami It is a cured sausage consisting of fermented and air-dried meat.
Saturated fat It is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
Sausage It is a meat product made of finely chopped and seasoned meat, which may be fresh, smoked, or pickled and which is then usually stuffed into a casing.
Scallop It is an edible shellfish that is a mollusk with a ribbed shell in two parts.
Seitan It is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
Self-service kios It refers to a self-order point-of-sale (POS) system through which customers place and pay for their own orders at kiosks, enabling totally contactless and frictionless service.
Sirloin It is a cut of beef from the bottom and side parts of a cow's back.
Surimi It is a paste made from deboned fish
Tenderloin It refers to a cut of beef consisting of the entire tenderloin muscle of a cow
Tiger Shrimp It refers to a large shrimp variety from the Indian and Pacific oceans
Trans fat Also called trans-unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids, it is a type of unsaturated fat that naturally occurs in small amounts in meat.
Vannamei shrimp It refers to tropical prawns and shrimp that are farmed in areas near the equator, generally along the coast in artificial ponds.
Wagyu Bee It is beef derived from any of four strains of a breed of black or red Japanese cattle that are valued for their highly marbled meat.
Zoosanitary It refers to the cleanliness of animals or animal product
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.​
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.​
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.​
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms.
research-methodology
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