Poland's broiler production hits historic high, driven by export demand

Poland has achieved a new milestone in its broiler chicken production, reaching an unprecedented level in October. According to the latest data, the number of broiler chicks hatched in Poland exceeded 154 million, surpassing the previous record set a year ago by over 5.5 million. This surge in production reflects the robust demand for poultry meat on international markets.

Record Production and Imports

The increased demand for broiler chicks has not only led to record domestic production but also necessitated significant imports. In the first ten months of this year, Poland imported nearly 35.5 million chicks to meet the shortfall in domestic supply. Katarzyna Gawrońska, President of the National Chamber of Poultry and Feed Producers (KIPDiP), attributes these production records to favorable international market conditions, where poultry meat prices remained high for most of 2025.

Export Dynamics

Despite the increase in production, Poland's poultry meat exports present a mixed picture. While the value of exports rose by over 19%, reaching nearly EUR 3.9 billion (USD 4.6), the volume of exports actually decreased by 3%. This indicates that the growth in export value was primarily driven by rising prices rather than increased quantities. Gawrońska cautions that this trend is a warning sign for an industry heavily reliant on exports.

Market Implications

Poland is the largest producer of poultry meat in Europe and one of the largest globally, with more than half of its production being exported. This high dependency on exports is both a point of pride and a significant risk factor, especially given the current production levels. According to European Commission data, Poland accounts for 21% of the EU's total poultry production, with an annual output of 2.892 million tonnes. This production exceeds domestic consumption by over 50%, highlighting the country's critical role in the European poultry market.

Gawrońska emphasizes that while Poland's position as a leading poultry producer is commendable, the industry must remain vigilant to maintain its competitive edge in a volatile global market.

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