Chicken Ranks Ahead of Pork as Most Preferred Source of Protein in Philippines.

According to the Philippine Statistics Agency, production of dressed chicken in the Philippines has jumped 40% over the decade, from 1 million tonnes in 2009 to 1.4 million tonnes in 2018. Key drivers of this growth include the creation of a new commercial farm and salad dressings, the transition from some commercial farms to tunnel ventilated housing, expansion of farm storage capacity, adequate supply of day-old chicks, increasing use of contractual farming, and increasing demand for chicken meat.

Source: Backyard Poultry- Countryside

Demand for chicken has grown faster than other meats due to its affordable price, low-fat content and lack of cultural and religious barriers. In addition, chicken is a fast-food favorite, a sector that is enjoying fast expansion across the country. Over the past decade, restaurant consumption has increased and restaurants have developed new chicken dishes to meet this increased demand. Consumption per capita increased by 4% per year, from 11.6 kg in 2009 to 15.6 kg in 2018, while consumption averaged 13.4 kg per person per year.

Imports represented on average 12% or 167,500 MT of gross supply annually. Its share has increased from just 6% in 2009 (61,000 MT) to 15% (257,100 MT) in 2018. The main imported product was mechanically cut meat - used for processed meat products - representing 67% (192 900 MT) of the total quantity in 2018. More than 60% come from the Netherlands, Brazil and the United States. Meanwhile, imports of leg quarter accounted for about 26% (73,500 MT), of which more than 90% came from the United States, and chicken pieces (mostly chicken wings), 18,100 tons, Products imported in smaller quantities include fat (1,700 MT) ), bark/skin (1,400 MT), organic meats (481 MT) and whole chicken (17 MT).

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, demand for meat, including chicken, is expected to increase by 1.3% annually between 2018 and 2027 compared to 1.9% annually from 2008 to 2017. Revenue and population growth will continue to be the engine of growth. The total demand for chicken is expected to increase from about 1.4 million metric tons in 2017 to 1.6 million metric tons in 2020 to approximately 1.8 million metric tons by 2023.  A combination of income and population growth will be the driver of growth.