Poultry consumption

IBISWorld expects that per capita poultry consumption will rise by 0.9% during 2025-26, to total 24.91 kilograms per capita. Poultry production is expected to increase during the year, placing downward pressure on prices and encouraging increased consumption. However, rising instances of vegetarianism and veganism, coupled with the persistence of high inflation in New Zealand, are forecast to constrain overall meat consumption, limiting growth in poultry consumption over the year. A farm in Otago witnessed a bird flu outbreak in December 2024. Although the spread was contained within the farm, future outbreaks of avian flu can impact poultry production, and hence consumption.

According to the OECD and the FAO's Agricultural Outlook report, poultry is the most consumed meat in New Zealand, followed by seafood, pig meat, beef and veal, and sheep meat. Poultry has grown significantly in popularity since 1989-90, due to its relatively low-fat content when compared to red meats such as beef and lamb. In addition, the production of poultry meat has increased significantly over the same time period. Poultry production is easier to expand in scale than other forms of livestock, as it is relatively cheaper to do so and requires less space. Poultry production is also less affected by external factors like rainfall, which makes it an attractive prospect for farmers. Rising poultry production has limited growth in poultry prices, boosting poultry consumption over the past two decades.

Over the past five years, poultry consumption has moderately increased. Poultry production has increased over the period, placing downward pressure on poultry prices. Poultry's low price when compared with red meats like beef and lamb has supported its consumption growth. In addition, rising health consciousness has boosted demand for poultry, as chicken and other poultry meats are seen as a lean source of protein when compared to red meats. However, the rising uptake of vegetarianism and veganism has subdued this growth. Overall, IBISWorld forecasts poultry consumption to grow at a compound annual rate of 0.1% over the five years through 2025-26.