The Chilean poultry sector not only supplies the domestic market, but has also established itself as a global and regional leader. In 2024, Chile ranked as the world’s 11th largest exporter of poultry meat, shipping across Asia, the Americas, and Europe, supported by high standards of quality, safety, traceability, and sustainability. Chicken, the favorite protein of Chileans, stands out for its nutritional value, accessibility, and responsible production, solidifying its role as a reliable industry that creates jobs and promotes animal welfare within a framework of innovation and environmental commitment.
Every year on the first Friday of July—this year, July 4—Latin America celebrates Chicken Day, a day that highlights the poultry industry’s vital contribution to the continent’s nourishment and economy. Established in July 2021 by the General Assembly of the Latin American Poultry Farming Association (ALA), Chicken Day is organized by the Latin American Chicken Institute (ILP), its official promotional body. Poultry is Chile’s preferred protein, with a per capita consumption of 33.9 kilos in 2024—representing 41% of total meat consumption—, up 2% since 2023, according to figures from ChileCarne.
According to the ILP, Latin American and Caribbean nations have established themselves as leading global producers and exporters of chicken. In most countries, the poultry production chain drives formal employment as well as rural and urban development. It brings together small and medium-sized farmers, becoming a key economic driver and a pillar for food security. Furthermore, chicken consumption in Latin America far exceeds the global average, with countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Peru leading in production and consumption. Meanwhile, thanks to its high quality and safety standards, Chile is positioned as a competitive and reliable benchmark within the continent.
“Chicken has become Chileans’ protein of choice, and that leadership comes with a commitment: ensuring safe, nutritious, and responsibly produced food. Every day, our industry operates under high standards of safety, sustainability, and animal welfare to help feed the greatest number of families and support national food security,” says Carolina Larraín, ChileCarne’s Head of Poultry Health.
Chicken is a nutritious choice for people of all ages, providing high biological value proteins, B vitamins, iron, phosphorus, and essential minerals such as selenium. Additionally, its low saturated fat content and easy digestibility make it a healthy and versatile option suitable for the entire family’s lifestyle.
Chile cements its position as a reliable exporter
Poultry production is not only a key pillar of the country’s economy—providing more than 33,000 direct and indirect jobs that benefit both rural and urban communities across Chile—but has also established itself as a reliable exporter in international markets. This position is built on rigorous compliance with high standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.
“Chile has established itself as a reliable exporter of poultry products, supported by high standards of quality, safety, and sustainability. Our challenge is to continue promoting innovation, animal welfare, poultry health, and production efficiency to address climate change and meet growing global demand, while ensuring nutritious and affordable food for all Chileans,” Larraín emphasizes.
Food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability
The Chilean poultry sector operates under an internationally recognized safety framework, implementing 11 health management programs, full traceability, electronic certifications, and farm-to-table control systems, ensuring a safe product for both domestic and international markets. The processing plants are HACCP certified—a key standard that identifies and controls risks at every stage of production to ensure food safety. These certifications, along with other standards required by the most demanding markets, reinforce global confidence in Chilean poultry.
Furthermore, the industry has strengthened animal welfare, a key pillar of its sustainability. In line with SAG regulations and WOAH standards, ChileCarne and SAG implement the Handbook of Best Practices in Animal Welfare, which includes audits, training, and protocols to ensure the comfort and health of birds.
On the environmental front, the industry has adopted technologies to optimize water and energy efficiency, reduce waste, minimize its environmental footprint, and ensure animal welfare. Thanks to this integrated management, Chilean poultry production stands as a modern and responsible solution to current and future food challenges.
Check out the ILP’s 2025 Latin American Chicken Day Cookbook (in Spanish): COOKBOOK
