Demand for poultry products in the EU remains high

Following significant growth in 2024, EU poultry production remained stable at the beginning of 2025, falling by just 0.3% between January and March compared to the same period last year, according to the European Commission’s latest short-term forecast. Growth was led by Greece (+17%), Slovakia (+8%), Spain (+7%), Croatia (+7%), Bulgaria (+6%), Portugal (+6%), and Slovenia (+5%). However, production declined in Poland, Italy, and Hungary, where outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza disrupted production. Poultry prices have risen sharply since the beginning of the year: in mid-June, the average broiler price was €306 per 100 kg, up 13% from the previous year, reflecting strong demand and limited supply. The Commission forecasts that poultry production in the EU will grow by 1.8% in 2025, driven by robust consumer demand, falling feed costs, and rising prices for finished products. However, further production expansion will remain ...