Benelux: Fresh Whole Chicken Market 2025

Fresh Whole Chicken Market Size in Benelux

In 2021, the Benelux fresh whole chicken market decreased by -26.8% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after eight years of growth. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Fresh Whole Chicken Production in Benelux

In value terms, fresh whole chicken production fell sharply to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a deep downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then declined sharply in the following year.

The Netherlands (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of fresh whole chicken production, accounting for 71% of total volume. Moreover, fresh whole chicken production in the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Belgium (X tons), twofold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume in the Netherlands stood at +3.5%.

Fresh Whole Chicken Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, overseas shipments of fresh or chilled whole chickens decreased by -1.8% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 21%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, fresh whole chicken exports expanded slightly to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 21%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

In 2021, the Netherlands (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) represented the largest exporter of fresh or chilled whole chickens in Benelux, creating 100% of total export.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Belgium (with a CAGR of +4.1%).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) and Belgium ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Belgium, with a CAGR of +3.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 6.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 14%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Belgium totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (-0.4%).

Fresh Whole Chicken Imports

Imports in Benelux

In 2021, imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in Benelux skyrocketed to X tons, jumping by 35% on the previous year. Total imports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, fresh whole chicken imports soared to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Belgium represented the key importer of fresh or chilled whole chickens in Benelux, with the volume of imports accounting for X tons, which was approx. 64% of total imports in 2021. The Netherlands (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Luxembourg (X tons). All these countries together took near 36% share of total imports.

Belgium was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fresh or chilled whole chickens imports, with a CAGR of +10.7% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Luxembourg (+1.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, the Netherlands (-1.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Belgium (+24 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Luxembourg and the Netherlands saw its share reduced by -3.4% and -20.5% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Belgium ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported fresh or chilled whole chickens in Benelux, comprising 55% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with a 26% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Belgium stood at +4.0%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the Netherlands (-0.5% per year) and Luxembourg (+3.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, declining by -10.3% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the import price increased by 15% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Luxembourg ($X per ton), while Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Luxembourg (+1.4%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform