The European Poultry Sector
the fourth largest producer in the world / A major player in global poultry production.
Recognised worldwide for its first-class quality standards and efficient use of resources
Committed to the best balance of sustainability between environmental, social and economic pillars
Key player in the development of a resilient and sustainable food system worldwide
In 2023, the total poultry production
in the European Union reached 13,328,000 tonnes
in product weight.
Total EU production 2023:
France
1.533
Germany
1.563
Poland
2.746
Spain
1.718
1000 tonnes product weight
EU Main Poultry produced species
Broiler 84,2%
Turkey 12,5%
Duck 2,8%
Other species 0,5%
What about Spain, France, Poland and Germany?
Poultry meat:
one of the world's favourite protein
Poultry meat is expected to account for 41% of protein consumption from all meat sources in 2032.
A sector committed to complying with strict EU regulations and the evolving consumer expectations.
Poultry meat is more affordable compared to other types of meat and contains a nutritious combination of protein and low fat
European origin serves as a guarantee of quality.
Poultry value chain: ensuring
quality and sustainability
from Farm to Fork
Ensuring food safety
European poultry supply chain stakeholders ensure high-quality products that meet top standards for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and food safety. Choosing European poultry guarantees you are selecting quality you can trust, no matter the country of origin. The EU enforces strict regulations throughout the production process, ensuring superior feed quality, animal health, hygiene practices, and responsible antibiotic use. These measures safeguard consumer health, providing safe, nutritious, and high-quality food.
Delivering safe, affordable and high-quality meat
As the global population approaches 9 billion by 2050, the demand for high-quality, affordable broiler meat will rise significantly. Ensuring sufficient production levels in Europe is crucial to meet this demand both within Europe and worldwide. European poultry meat is renowned for its exceptional quality and efficient resource use, making it a preferred choice among consumers. The affordability and superior standards of European poultry contribute to its growing consumption. The EU provides safe, nutritious, high-quality, and affordable food to its citizens, supporting global food security and sustainability.
From breeding to consumers
from farm to fork
Breeding
The first step in chicken production is the rearing ofchickens to produce fertilised eggs. Chickens used for meat production are better known as broilers. The hatching eggs of broiler chickens are collected several times a day and only high quality eggs are sent to the hatchery where they are hatched into broiler chicks.
Hatching
The eggs are collected and incubated in hatcheries where they are kept in a controlled environment until they hatch into chicks after 21 days. After inspection and vaccination, the chicks are transported to fattening farms under controlled conditions.
Broiler farms
After hatching, the chicks are taken to rearing farms, where they are raised to maturity in around 5-8 weeks. Chicken farms can vary in size, from small family farms to large industrial facilities. Broiler chickens are reared in spacious floor systems equipped with advanced ventilation and heating systems and are monitored using innovative technologies for optimal welfare and health conditions.
Processing
When the chickens have reached the ideal weight for meat sales, they are collected and transported to the processing plant. The processing plants are responsible for slaughtering, cutting and packing the chicken meat. The processing of chicken meat is a complex and regulated process that involves various controls to ensure food safety and quality. The processed chicken meat is packaged and labeled for distribution to wholesale and retail markets.
Distribution to market
The distribution stage of the chicken value chain comprises the transportation of chicken products from the placeof production to the place of consumption. Distributors ensure that the poultry meat remains refrigerated during transportation from the processing plant to the market so that the meat you buy arrives safely at local grocery stores, markets and restaurants across the country.
Meal time
Poultry meat is an affordable cornerstone
of a nutritious meal. Consumers can be confident that they are eating a safe
and high quality product from Europe. It is important that consumers understand the nutritional value of chicken meat and make informed choices about their consumption.
