India Poultry Meat Market

India Poultry Meat Market Overview

• The India Poultry Meat Market is valued at USD 6.5 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for protein-rich diets, urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the expanding presence of quick-service restaurants and food delivery platforms. The market has seen a significant shift towards poultry as a preferred source of meat due to its affordability, consistent quality, and health benefits compared to red meat.
• Key players in this market include Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, which dominate due to their extensive poultry farming infrastructure, favorable climatic conditions, and high consumption rates. These regions have established themselves as hubs for poultry production, supported by a robust supply chain and processing facilities that cater to both domestic and export markets.
• In 2023, the Indian government implemented the National Livestock Mission, which aims to enhance livestock productivity and promote sustainable practices in poultry farming. This initiative includes financial support for farmers, training programs, and the establishment of veterinary services to ensure the health and welfare of poultry, thereby boosting the overall market.

India Poultry Meat Market Segmentation

By Product Type:The product type segmentation includes Chicken Meat, Turkey Meat, Duck Meat, and Others (Geese, Quail, Guinea Fowl). Chicken meat is the most consumed and preferred type due to its versatility, affordability, and health benefits. Turkey and duck meat are niche categories, with limited but growing demand in urban centers, while other poultry types cater to specific regional and gourmet preferences.

By End-Use Application:The end-use application segmentation includes Food Processing Industry, Foodservice Sector, and Retail/Household Consumption. The foodservice sector is the largest segment, driven by the proliferation of restaurants, cafes, and quick-service outlets, as well as the rising popularity of online food delivery platforms. The food processing industry is also significant, supported by the demand for processed meat products such as nuggets and sausages. Retail and household consumption continues to grow as urban consumers seek convenient and hygienic meal options.

India Poultry Meat Market Competitive Landscape

The India Poultry Meat Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Venky's India Ltd., Suguna Foods Pvt. Ltd., Godrej Agrovet Ltd., Skylark Hatcheries Pvt. Ltd., Sneha Farms Pvt. Ltd., IB Group, Srinivasa Farms, Mulpuri Group, RM Hatcheries (RM Group), Simran Farms Ltd., Bharati Poultry Pvt. Ltd., Indbro Research and Breeding Pvt. Ltd., National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC), Hester Biosciences Ltd., CP Group (Charoen Pokphand Foods) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

India Poultry Meat Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Protein-Rich Diets:The per capita consumption of poultry meat in India has risen significantly, reaching approximately 4.5–5 kg in future, driven by a growing population and rising incomes. The World Bank projects India's GDP growth at 6.3% in future, which is expected to further enhance consumer purchasing power. This trend is leading to a higher demand for protein-rich diets, with poultry meat being a preferred choice due to its affordability and nutritional value.
• Urbanization and Changing Consumer Preferences:Urbanization in India is accelerating, with the urban population projected to reach nearly 500 million in future. This demographic shift is influencing dietary habits, as urban consumers increasingly prefer convenient and ready-to-cook poultry products. The rise in disposable incomes, estimated to grow by 8% annually, is also driving demand for diverse poultry offerings, aligning with modern lifestyles and health-conscious choices among urban dwellers.
• Expansion of Fast Food Chains:The fast food industry in India is expected to grow to $25 billion in future, with major chains expanding their menus to include more poultry options. This growth is fueled by changing consumer lifestyles and preferences for quick-service meals. The increasing number of fast food outlets, projected to reach over 50,000 in future, is significantly boosting the demand for chicken and other poultry products, further solidifying their market presence.

Market Challenges

• Disease Outbreaks Affecting Poultry:The poultry industry in India faces significant challenges from disease outbreaks, such as avian influenza, which can lead to substantial production losses. In future, outbreaks resulted in the culling of hundreds of thousands to over 1 million birds, severely impacting supply chains. The economic cost of these outbreaks is estimated at over ?1,000 crores annually, highlighting the vulnerability of the sector to health crises and the need for robust biosecurity measures.
• Price Volatility of Feed Ingredients:The poultry sector is heavily reliant on feed ingredients, with maize and soybean meal constituting about 60–70% of production costs. In future, maize prices surged to ?1,800 per quintal, driven by supply chain disruptions and climatic factors. This volatility poses a significant challenge for poultry farmers, as fluctuating feed costs can erode profit margins and impact overall production sustainability, necessitating strategic sourcing and cost management.

India Poultry Meat Market Future Outlook

The future of the India poultry meat market appears promising, driven by increasing health consciousness and a shift towards sustainable practices. As consumers become more aware of nutrition, the demand for organic and free-range poultry products is expected to rise. Additionally, technological advancements in farming and processing are likely to enhance productivity and efficiency, positioning the industry for growth. The integration of e-commerce platforms will further facilitate access to poultry products, catering to evolving consumer preferences.

Market Opportunities

• Export Potential to International Markets:India has significant potential to expand its poultry exports, with the global poultry market valued at over $300 billion. In future, India exported poultry products worth over ?1,000 crores, indicating a growing interest in Indian poultry in international markets. By enhancing quality standards and meeting international regulations, India can tap into lucrative markets, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
• Growth in Organic and Free-Range Poultry Products:The organic poultry segment is gaining traction, with a market size projected to reach ?2,000 crores in future. Increasing consumer awareness about health and sustainability is driving this trend. Producers who invest in organic farming practices can cater to this niche market, capitalizing on the willingness of consumers to pay a premium for ethically sourced and healthier poultry options.