EU broiler production could recover in 2023

These figures were driven by declines in major poultry producing countries such as France (-12%), Italy (-9%) and Germany (-3%). Poland , on the other hand, increased production by 6%.

Given developments in 2022, the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is expected to remain a threat throughout the year rather than being seasonal. On the other hand, its direct impact on poultry production is limited as production can recover quickly. However, the damage to EU exports caused by the imposition of relevant import bans by third countries is more serious.

Broiler prices in the EU have continued to rise, driven by both limited supply and strong demand, and have reached exceptionally high levels since April 2022. In part, this has helped shift high feed and energy costs down the supply chain.

Since 2023, producer prices have become more stable. As feed and energy costs continue to decline from the very high levels seen last year, there could be some recovery in production in 2023. Thus, poultry MEAT production in the EU is likely to grow by around 1.1%. Demand for poultry benefits from general inflation as consumers replace more expensive meats ( beef , pork) with cheaper poultry meat. This could support growth in EU poultry meat consumption in 2023 (+2.5%).