GITNUXREPORT 2025

Poultry Industry Statistics

Global poultry industry worth $375 billion, driven by China and automation.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The poultry industry's global water footprint is estimated at around 1.4 trillion liters annually

Statistic 2

The use of antibiotics in poultry farms has decreased by approximately 28% over the past decade due to stricter regulations

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The poultry industry's waste management practices generate approximately 12 million tons of manure annually worldwide

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Poultry meat has a carbon footprint roughly 6 times lower than beef per kilogram produced

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Poultry litter is increasingly used as organic fertilizer, contributing to sustainable agriculture practices

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The global poultry market is valued at approximately $375 billion as of 2023

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The global trade in live poultry is valued at over $15 billion annually

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The global market for poultry processing equipment is projected to reach $4.2 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 4.8%

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The US exports over $4 billion worth of poultry products annually, primarily to Mexico, China, and Canada

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Mexico is the largest importer of US poultry meat, accounting for nearly 35% of exports

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The global organic poultry market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12%

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Poultry feed additives market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% through 2027, driven by demand for better growth and productivity

Statistic 13

The global demand for plant-based poultry alternatives is projected to reach over $3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.4%

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The global market for frozen poultry products is expected to reach $20 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 4.2%

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The global poultry bedding market is projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2027, driven by demand for better waste management

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The annual global poultry exports are valued at approximately $22 billion, with the leading exporters being the US, Brazil, and the Netherlands

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The global market for chicken sausage is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2028, driven by consumer demand for convenience foods

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The estimated value of the global poultry vaccine market was over $2 billion as of 2023, indicating high growth potential

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China experienced a significant avian influenza outbreak in 2022, leading to the culling of over 50 million birds

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The most common poultry disease worldwide is avian salmonellosis, which affects millions of birds annually

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The use of probiotics in poultry feed enhances gut health and growth performance, with research showing improvements of up to 15%

Statistic 22

The poultry industry provides employment to over 25 million people globally

Statistic 23

The global poultry vaccine market is valued at over $2 billion and is expected to grow significantly

Statistic 24

Approximately 70% of the world's poultry meat is produced through intensive farming practices

Statistic 25

Egg production efficiency has increased by over 20% globally since 2010 due to selective breeding

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The average length of the poultry supply chain from farm to retail is approximately 14 days

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The average lifespan of a commercial broiler chicken is about 6 to 8 weeks before slaughter

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The majority of poultry farms in Europe are family-owned small to medium enterprises, accounting for over 80% of production

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The use of LED lighting in poultry houses can increase growth rates by up to 4% and improve feed conversion ratios

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The global poultry industry is investing heavily in automation technology, with investments exceeding $1.5 billion annually

Statistic 31

The adoption of precision poultry farming technologies is increasing at a CAGR of 9% globally, aimed at improving efficiency and health monitoring

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The average age of commercial laying hens at the time of first egg lay is about 18 weeks

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The average gross margin in poultry farming is approximately 30%, varying by region and scale

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The use of artificial intelligence in poultry farm management is projected to reduce operational costs by up to 20%

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China is the world's largest producer of poultry meat, accounting for over 22% of global production

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The United States produces around 9 billion broiler chickens annually

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The global egg production reached approximately 1.3 trillion eggs in 2022

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Poultry accounts for about 36% of all meat consumed worldwide

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The average global chicken meat consumption per capita is approximately 14 kg per year

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India is the second-largest producer of poultry meat, with a production volume exceeding 4 million metric tons annually

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Broiler chicken feed costs represent up to 70% of total production costs in the poultry industry

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The average feed conversion ratio (FCR) for broiler chickens is approximately 1.8, meaning 1.8 kg of feed produces 1 kg of meat

Statistic 43

The global demand for organic poultry products is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 44

Chicken is the most consumed meat in the United States, accounting for about 97 pounds per person annually

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Poultry production contributes approximately 1.7% to the global GDP

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The main poultry breed used worldwide for meat production is the Cornish Cross, known for its rapid growth rate

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The annual consumption of eggs per person in Japan exceeds 400 eggs, making it one of the highest in the world

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The production of cage-free eggs in the US increased by 20% in 2022 compared to the previous year

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In 2022, the Philippines increased its poultry meat production by 8% to meet domestic demand

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The poultry industry in Brazil is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% through 2027, driven by exports and domestic demand

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The majority of feed in poultry production is based on corn and soybeans, comprising about 75% of total feed ingredients globally

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The world’s largest egg producer, China, accounts for over 38% of total global egg output

Statistic 53

Poultry meat consumption per capita in Africa is increasing, reaching an average of 8 kg per year, up from 4 kg a decade ago

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Key Highlights

The global poultry market is valued at approximately $375 billion as of 2023
China is the world's largest producer of poultry meat, accounting for over 22% of global production
The United States produces around 9 billion broiler chickens annually
The global egg production reached approximately 1.3 trillion eggs in 2022
Poultry accounts for about 36% of all meat consumed worldwide
The average global chicken meat consumption per capita is approximately 14 kg per year
The poultry industry provides employment to over 25 million people globally
India is the second-largest producer of poultry meat, with a production volume exceeding 4 million metric tons annually
The global trade in live poultry is valued at over $15 billion annually
Broiler chicken feed costs represent up to 70% of total production costs in the poultry industry
The average feed conversion ratio (FCR) for broiler chickens is approximately 1.8, meaning 1.8 kg of feed produces 1 kg of meat
The global demand for organic poultry products is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2023 to 2030
Chicken is the most consumed meat in the United States, accounting for about 97 pounds per person annually

With a staggering valuation of $375 billion in 2023 and accounting for over 36% of all global meat consumption, the poultry industry is not only a cornerstone of worldwide food security but also a dynamic sector driving innovation, trade, and sustainability efforts across the globe.

Environmental and Sustainability Factors

The poultry industry's global water footprint is estimated at around 1.4 trillion liters annually
The use of antibiotics in poultry farms has decreased by approximately 28% over the past decade due to stricter regulations
The poultry industry's waste management practices generate approximately 12 million tons of manure annually worldwide
Poultry meat has a carbon footprint roughly 6 times lower than beef per kilogram produced
Poultry litter is increasingly used as organic fertilizer, contributing to sustainable agriculture practices

Environmental and Sustainability Factors Interpretation

While the poultry industry preserves its reputation with a 28% decline in antibiotic use and promotes sustainability through manure recycling, its staggering water footprint reminds us that even our feathered friends’ footprints leave a significant environmental mark.

Global Market and Trade Analyze

The global poultry market is valued at approximately $375 billion as of 2023
The global trade in live poultry is valued at over $15 billion annually
The global market for poultry processing equipment is projected to reach $4.2 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 4.8%
The US exports over $4 billion worth of poultry products annually, primarily to Mexico, China, and Canada
Mexico is the largest importer of US poultry meat, accounting for nearly 35% of exports
The global organic poultry market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12%
Poultry feed additives market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% through 2027, driven by demand for better growth and productivity
The global demand for plant-based poultry alternatives is projected to reach over $3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.4%
The global market for frozen poultry products is expected to reach $20 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 4.2%
The global poultry bedding market is projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2027, driven by demand for better waste management
The annual global poultry exports are valued at approximately $22 billion, with the leading exporters being the US, Brazil, and the Netherlands
The global market for chicken sausage is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2028, driven by consumer demand for convenience foods
The estimated value of the global poultry vaccine market was over $2 billion as of 2023, indicating high growth potential

Global Market and Trade Analyze Interpretation

With a global poultry industry valued at $375 billion and evolving markets—from organic and plant-based options to advanced processing and vaccines—it's clear that whether you prefer your chicken conventional, organic, or plant-based, this industry is not just laying eggs but also laying the groundwork for a complex, ever-expanding culinary and economic ecosystem.

Health, Disease, and Welfare

China experienced a significant avian influenza outbreak in 2022, leading to the culling of over 50 million birds
The most common poultry disease worldwide is avian salmonellosis, which affects millions of birds annually
The use of probiotics in poultry feed enhances gut health and growth performance, with research showing improvements of up to 15%

Health, Disease, and Welfare Interpretation

While China’s 2022 avian influenza decimated over 50 million birds and avian salmonellosis continues to plague millions globally, the rising adoption of probiotics offers a promising poultry industry upgrade—proof that sometimes, a healthier gut is the ultimate safeguard.

Industry Infrastructure and Technology

The poultry industry provides employment to over 25 million people globally
The global poultry vaccine market is valued at over $2 billion and is expected to grow significantly
Approximately 70% of the world's poultry meat is produced through intensive farming practices
Egg production efficiency has increased by over 20% globally since 2010 due to selective breeding
The average length of the poultry supply chain from farm to retail is approximately 14 days
The average lifespan of a commercial broiler chicken is about 6 to 8 weeks before slaughter
The majority of poultry farms in Europe are family-owned small to medium enterprises, accounting for over 80% of production
The use of LED lighting in poultry houses can increase growth rates by up to 4% and improve feed conversion ratios
The global poultry industry is investing heavily in automation technology, with investments exceeding $1.5 billion annually
The adoption of precision poultry farming technologies is increasing at a CAGR of 9% globally, aimed at improving efficiency and health monitoring
The average age of commercial laying hens at the time of first egg lay is about 18 weeks
The average gross margin in poultry farming is approximately 30%, varying by region and scale
The use of artificial intelligence in poultry farm management is projected to reduce operational costs by up to 20%

Industry Infrastructure and Technology Interpretation

With over 25 million jobs global, a burgeoning $2 billion vaccine market, and smart tech investments poised to cut costs by 20%, the poultry industry proves that even in a business fueled by feathers, innovation is what really takes flight.

Production and Consumption Trends

China is the world's largest producer of poultry meat, accounting for over 22% of global production
The United States produces around 9 billion broiler chickens annually
The global egg production reached approximately 1.3 trillion eggs in 2022
Poultry accounts for about 36% of all meat consumed worldwide
The average global chicken meat consumption per capita is approximately 14 kg per year
India is the second-largest producer of poultry meat, with a production volume exceeding 4 million metric tons annually
Broiler chicken feed costs represent up to 70% of total production costs in the poultry industry
The average feed conversion ratio (FCR) for broiler chickens is approximately 1.8, meaning 1.8 kg of feed produces 1 kg of meat
The global demand for organic poultry products is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2023 to 2030
Chicken is the most consumed meat in the United States, accounting for about 97 pounds per person annually
Poultry production contributes approximately 1.7% to the global GDP
The main poultry breed used worldwide for meat production is the Cornish Cross, known for its rapid growth rate
The annual consumption of eggs per person in Japan exceeds 400 eggs, making it one of the highest in the world
The production of cage-free eggs in the US increased by 20% in 2022 compared to the previous year
In 2022, the Philippines increased its poultry meat production by 8% to meet domestic demand
The poultry industry in Brazil is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% through 2027, driven by exports and domestic demand
The majority of feed in poultry production is based on corn and soybeans, comprising about 75% of total feed ingredients globally
The world’s largest egg producer, China, accounts for over 38% of total global egg output
Poultry meat consumption per capita in Africa is increasing, reaching an average of 8 kg per year, up from 4 kg a decade ago

Production and Consumption Trends Interpretation

With poultry accounting for over a third of global meat consumption and China laying claim to nearly 40% of all eggs, it's clear that chickens are not just poultry—they're the feathered backbone of our world's dietary economy, with even the most modest per capita consumption hiding a roost of industry growth and strategic importance.