20The European Union (EU) Agricultural Outlook Report 2024-2035 analyzes meat market trends in the region, highlighting changes in pork production and a moderate growth in the poultry sector. While poultry continues to gain market share, the pork industry will adapt to new regulation and sustainability requirements, maintaining its significance in the production chain. These changes will present both challenges and opportunities for Chilean pork and poultry exporters.
The European meat market is undergoing structural changes due to a combination of environmental, regulatory, and consumption factors. Trends toward more sustainable eating habits and stricter regulations are impacting the production and trade of animal proteins in the region. Against this backdrop, the European Commission’s report on the 2024-2035 agricultural outlook analyzes how these variables will influence the pig and poultry sectors’ growth in the coming years.
Pork
According to the report, pork production in the EU is likely to drop 0.5% annually until 2035, while per capita consumption would fall 0.4% annually, reaching 30 kg per capita. An increasing focus on sustainability, environmental regulation, and the questioning of intensive production systems has pushed demand down. However, the European pork industry is adapting to this new context by improving production efficiency and product traceability in order to meet consumer expectations and ensure competitiveness in the global market.
The report also notes that, despite the expected drop in domestic consumption, exports will stay a key pillar for the European pork industry. As markets like China, the Philippines, and Vietnam recover their production capacity, the United Kingdom emerges as a strategic destination for EU exports. Furthermore, the development of new pork-based products with animal welfare and sustainable production certifications could open new opportunities in specialized markets.
Another key finding of the study is the pressure on production costs. Rising input prices, especially for protein-rich feed will impact the pork sector’s profitability. This could lead to the industry’s consolidation, with a drop in the number of small-scale producers and an increased presence of large agricultural companies. However, the adoption of innovative technologies and increasingly sustainable practices will allow European producers to stay competitive in the long term.
Poultry
Poultry production in the EU is expected to grow 0.5% annually until 2035, driven by its lower environmental impact and the perception of poultry as healthy and affordable. Exports are also expected to grow 0.8% annually, with the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa, and some Asian countries as key markets. Demand for poultry in the EU will remain stable with a continuing shift to products with animal welfare and sustainability certifications.
Still, according to the report, the poultry industry will face significant challenges. The spread of avian influenza could evolve from a seasonal phenomenon to a year-round one, which would particularly affect free-range farming systems. Furthermore, restrictions on antibiotics and animal welfare requirements could push production costs further up and limit the sector’s growth. In this scenario, producers will need to invest in more efficient biosecurity systems and management practices that minimize the impact of disease and stricter regulations.
The report highlights that the poultry sector’s growth will not only be driven by domestic consumption, but also by the consolidation of chicken as one of the main proteins in the European consumer’s diet. The diversification of poultry-based products, including organic and sustainably sourced options, will play a key role in this market’s expansion over the next decade.
