Poultry meat and eggs conquer the market: a supply chain worth 10 billion

An increasingly larger chicken: according to Unaitalia, national poultry meat production increased by 1,73% compared with 2024. Per capita consumption reached an all-time high, at 22,47 kg (+1,91%).

This essentially confirms the product’s central role in our fellow citizens’ eating habits. Beef and cured meats, on the other hand, are struggling.

Poultry at 44% in meat

Nine out of ten Italians consume these foods, and the sector accounts for 44% of families’ total meat purchases.

The growth in demand is accompanied by a high level of production self-sufficiency, at 105,1%, enabling the supply chain to make a significant contribution to the stability of our food supplies.

An egg feast: +7,4% by volume

The trend is even more positive for the egg sector which, according to Ismea, recorded growth of 15% in value and 7,4% in volume, meaning that, despite its strong affordability, this food saw prices rise by 7,6%. Since average inflation in the shopping basket stood at 2,4% in 2025, an increase of more than 5 points can be calculated.

The demand, driven by the search for high-quality proteins that are easily accessible to everyone, pushed eggs to a per-capita consumption of 234 units, up 7,3% compared with 2024.

Antonio Forlini, president of Unaitalia, adds: “The Italian sector’s results are in line with the main international trends. OECD/FAO estimates indicate, in fact, that more than half of the growth in global meat consumption expected by 2030 will be accounted for by poultry production, confirming its ever-increasing importance in global food systems.”

Poultry meat grew by almost 2% in volume, compared with +7,4% for eggs

Antibiotics down by 96%

In short, with around 64.000 employees and a turnover of 9,7 billion euros in 2025, this supply chain represents one of the most significant sectors of our agrifood industry.

The total value consists of 6,2 billion euros generated by meat and 3,73 billion euros attributable to eggs.

Moreover, the supply chain has improved in terms of sustainability, ensuring higher-quality and safer products, as demonstrated by the decrease of 96% in the use of antibiotics on farms over the past decade, and by a share of 35% of national production that meets animal welfare standards above the minimum requirements laid down by law.

However, the sector’s results come in an international context marked by significant uncertainty. Political tensions in the Middle East and difficulties along the world’s main trade routes are fuelling volatility in the energy, fertiliser and agricultural raw materials markets, with inevitable repercussions also for livestock production costs.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.