Poultry farming in Latin America: the pillar of world chicken production

The numbers speak volumes

Last year, Latin America and the Caribbean produced a combined 29.3 million tonnes of chicken MEAT. This impressive figure represented 56% of the continent’s total chicken production and contributed 28.6% to global chicken production. These figures highlight the region’s importance as a poultry hub.

Mexico and Brazil are the leaders 

Mexico stands out as a major player, processing 3.8 million tonnes of chicken meat in 2023, making it the second-largest regional processor. However, Brazil takes the top spot with an impressive 14.8 million tonnes produced in the same period. Brazil remains the only territory in the region with eight-figure production volumes.

Growth trajectory

Over the past decade, chicken production in Latin America has experienced significant growth, increasing by more than 20%. In 2010, the region produced 20.9 million tons of chicken meat, and its contribution has been steadily increasing since then. This growth directly impacts per capita consumption, which averages about 38 kilograms per year in Latin America. Notably, Trinidad and Tobago leads the way with 61 kilograms per person, while Mexico ranks twelfth with 34.8 kilograms.

Nutritional value and availability

Chicken meat has a balanced nutritional profile. It is low in fat and high in protein, providing up to 30 grams of protein per 100 grams of consumed volume. Moreover, chicken remains cost-effective compared to other types of meat, such as pork and beef , making it accessible to various segments of the population. The versatility of chicken meat allows it to be used in a wide variety of culinary recipes, which contributes to its popularity in Latin American families.