Fleischkonsum in Deutschland: Geflügel im Trend - Fleisch kommt zunehmend aus dem Ausland

In Germany, poultry and chicken meat consumed by consumers in 2025 was nine out of ten, according to the Central Association of the German Poultry Industry (ZDG). However, this percentage is expected to drop significantly in the coming years, a prediction made in a joint analysis by the ZDG and the consultancy firm Roland Berger.

The consumption of poultry is forecasted to continue rising despite this decline. Between 2022 and 2025, per capita poultry consumption in Germany increased by more than two kilograms to 14.7 kilograms, reported the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Chicken meat accounted for the growth, with the consumption rising by 30 percent from 2010 to 2025, reaching nearly 1.9 million tons per year.

The ZDG expects a 3.4 percent annual growth in consumption until 2040, equivalent to 50 percent more market volume by that time. Chicken meat is the main driver of this growth, with per capita consumption increasing by 65 percent from 2010 to 2025, while consumption of turkey meat fell by nearly a quarter. Production capacity has grown, but not as quickly.

In 2025, Germany produced nearly 10 percent more poultry meat than in 2010, leaving the domestic production covering consumption only 91 percent. Although the industry plans to expand its capacities, the domestic production capacity is growing slower than it could be. This is due to "the extremely restrictive conditions in Germany", including lengthy approval processes for poultry houses, rising animal welfare and environmental standards, and extensive reporting requirements.

Threatening the expansion are external challenges, especially animal diseases such as the Newcastle disease or atypical avian influenza discovered in Brandenburg and Bayern in the spring of this year. To increase production capacity in Germany, the ZDG primarily calls for a rapid reduction of bureaucracy. "Planning, construction, environmental, and noise protection procedures should become simpler, digital, and reliable," the association stated.

"Moreover, the conversion of empty barns should be faster, and clear policy guidelines can provide additional decision-making certainty to municipalities and authorities."