Colombian poultry production grew 2.8% during 2024

The performance of the poultry sector this year showed signs of good production in both chicken and eggs, Just like the projections for 2025, they are estimated with positive results for this agricultural sector..

(See: December, key month for the chicken industry in the country)

According to estimates by the National Federation of Poultry Farmers of Colombia (Fenavi), total production for this year was recorded at 2.9 million tons. representing a growth of 2.8%, compared to the previous year.

According to the data, projections for next year indicate that total poultry production is likely to close with 3 million tons of chicken meat and eggs, with an increase of 3%.

(Read more: In seven years, Cargill’s protein business has invested $350,000 million in the country)

In the breakdown of this year’s balance, Fenavi confirmed that there were 1.83 million tons of chicken, increasing by 0.5%, while the figure for eggs amounted to 18,019 million, that is, a growth of 6.8% compared to the 2023 figure.

Regarding the perspective for 2025, Gónzalo Moreno, executive president of the union, confirmed that chicken production is projected to reach 1.87 million tons, meaning an increase of 1.7%, while in eggs it was estimated that it would grow to 18,727 million copies, with an increase of 5.9%.

(See also: Cargill makes chicken donations contributing to the country’s food security)

Another point of importance that was mentioned was the per capita consumption of these proteins. Regarding the chicken, This year 36.8 kilograms of protein were consumed per person and it is expected that during 2025 this indicator will increase to 36.9 kilograms.

(Read: Colombian poultry farmers are preparing an export proposal to reach the Chinese market)

Regarding eggs, they indicated that this year it closed at 342 units per person, and it is expected that in 2025 this will reach 356 units. In this regard, Moreno explained that Colombia is one of the countries that consumes the most eggs, being surpassed only by Mexico, which consumes 380 units per capita..

“In a year of challenges, these results demonstrate the leadership of the poultry sector as an engine of economic and social development, as well as the commitment of poultry farmers to the nutrition of Colombian families.“said the president of the union.

(See more: ‘Colombia can be a great exporter of chicken to the world’: Cargill)

Reviewing exports, the union highlighted that Colombia is at a time where the opportunities to open new markets, taking into account the safety of the products, as well as international consolidation, where until now the country is positioned as the fourth largest producer of chicken meat in Latin America and the 10th in the worldeither.

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Likewise, the conquest would be directed to a greater extent to the egg market taking into account that until now there are three open countries: Cuba, Mexico and Peru, but others such as Aruba, Curacao, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Martinique, Saint Martin, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuelaare in the process of opening.

(Read more: Concern about the supply of eggs, chicken and rice due to the truck strike)

Only in 2024, 60 containers of eggs were sent to Cuba, which represented 15.3 million copies, where the average price was $450. “There is opportunity in the Chinese market, especially chicken. We have confirmed the visit of the country’s health offices in March 2025, where the farms and animals will be reviewed in order to export to that territory,” Gonzalez said.

On the other hand, in the countrythere are 100 processing plants and 6,032 certified poultry farms, which guarantee high standards of quality and sustainability in production. Of these, 2,475 are fattening farms, 2,565 are laying farms and the remaining correspond to avian genetic material.

(See: Is it true that chicken is not washed before cooking? Experts respond)

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Economic outlook

Now, regarding the economic perspectives, Fernando Avila, economic director of Fenavi, mentioned that during 2024, The chicken sector has had lower dynamics due to supply problems, while the egg has accelerated demand due to the inflationary shock and monetary transfers.

(Read more: Production of the poultry sector grew 3.8% in the first semester)

He highlighted that for this year, Preliminary data calculate the value of production at $29.4 billion, while by 2025 this figure would rise to $31.9 billion.. Thus, in the national accounts in 2024 the production value for eggs is estimated at $9.7 billion and that of chicken at $10.7 billion.

“Among the positives, we can highlight the reduction in raw material prices. As well as the revaluation, since costs fell and were extended to consumers and also, the growth in the industry and demand“said Ávila.

(See more: Chicken production in Latin America grew more than 20% in 10 years)

Likewise, he explained that among the negative the slow reduction of interest rates was positioned and the decrease in confidence in investment due to the political context that the country is experiencing.

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Christmas season

The Christmas season is consolidated as one of the most important dates for Colombian homes. In this context, Chicken emerges as one of the most demanded ingredients, being essential in typical dishes such as ajiaco, tamales and sancocho.

(Read more: Avian flu: can you get the virus from eating chicken or eggs?)

According to Cargill, the month of December represents a key period for the protein industry in Colombia, with an approximate 8% increase in chicken demand compared to other peak months of the year.

“In December, we not only face the challenge of increasing production, but also of ensuring effective distribution. Pre-planned inventories are essential to ensure supply”says Carolina Hernández, planning manager of the company in Colombia.

(See: Poultry sector urges the US to accelerate the sanitary admissibility of chicken wings)

During the Christmas season, regions such as the center of the country, with Bogotá as the epicenter, and the west, where Cali stands out, register the highest rates of chicken consumption. In these areas, the link between traditional products and Family customs strengthen the connection between consumers and food, making chicken a protagonist on Colombian tables..