Chicken becomes the most popular meat in France

In 2024, poultry meat became the most popular meat in France, with per capita consumption surpassing pork for the first time at 31.6 kgs. This marks a 10% annual increase and a 15% rise since 2019. Despite this success, France's poultry industry faces challenges as it cannot fulfill the growing demand, leading to a reliance on imports, primarily from countries that may not meet French production standards. To address this issue, Anvol, the French poultry industry interprofessional organization, is advocating for increased national production and stricter import controls. The organization seeks support from various stakeholders, including the government and the public, to reduce reliance on imports and promote the consumption of locally produced poultry. The government is also urged to enforce European regulations and to clearly label the origin of chicken products to better inform consumers about the source of the meat they consume.

In 2024, for the first time, poultry meat – mainly chicken – became become the most popular meat in France. The French ate 31.6 kgs of chicken, duck or turkey, compared to 31 kgs of pork and charcuterie. Poultry meat consumption grew by 10% year-on-year and by some 15% since 2019. Encouraging news for the national poultry industry, says Anvol, the French interprofessional organisation for the poultry industry. “We have been able to regain some territory, but national production is still far from sufficient to meet ever-growing demand.” France still needs to import ever larger quantities of chicken, which, according to Anvol, often comes from countries that do not respect the high standards that French producers must adhere to. “Chicken is still affordable, easy to cook or otherwise prepare, and is volatile,” Anvol vice-president Patrick Pageard said. “The success is a story with 2 sides, however. Thanks to the vaccination campaign we’ve had in France, the sector have been able ...