EN 
PT_BR 
Celebrated worldwide on May 10th, the Brazilian poultry sector arrives at this date with positive prospects for 2026, according to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), driven by increased domestic consumption, growth in exports, and a strengthened presence of Brazil in the global protein supply.
Brazil, the world's largest exporter and third-largest producer of chicken meat, is expected to increase its figures again this year. After ending 2025 with a production of 15.289 million tons and record exports of 5.324 million tons, ABPA projections indicate further growth in the production chain in 2026.
Photo: Disclosure/Freepik
According to the survey, production could reach up to 15.6 million tons, a movement sustained by strong domestic demand and the expansion of Brazilian exports. Shipments from the sector are expected to reach up to 5.5 million tons this year.
According to ABPA, this scenario reflects the capacity of the Brazilian production chain to expand supply while maintaining competitiveness, regularity of supply, and high sanitary standards.
Beyond its economic importance, poultry farming has a strong social impact in Brazil. In the sector's agro-industries alone, approximately 350,000 direct jobs are generated in meat processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills, logistics, and processing. Considering the entire production chain, millions of direct and indirect jobs are distributed across various regions of the country.
While leading the international trade in the product, Brazil also maintains one of the highest rates of chicken meat consumption in the world. In 2025, national per capita consumption reached 46.7 kilograms per inhabitant, reflecting the role of the protein as one of the main foods on the Brazilian table. By 2026, the rate could reach 47.3 kilograms per inhabitant per year.
President of the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), Ricardo Santin: “Chicken meat brings together fundamental characteristics for the current food scenario: accessibility, nutritional quality, productive efficiency and supply capacity” – Photo: Press Release/Alimenta
According to the president of ABPA, Ricardo Santin, the sector's performance demonstrates the strategic importance of poultry farming for food security and the national economy. “Chicken meat combines fundamental characteristics for the current food scenario: accessibility, nutritional quality, productive efficiency, and supply capacity. The growth in consumption and exports reflects the confidence of the domestic and international markets in a production chain that generates jobs, drives the economy, and contributes directly to the food security of millions of people,” Santin assesses.
The leader also highlights that Brazilian poultry farming has consolidated a production model recognized internationally for its biosecurity, sustainability, and ability to respond to global demand. “Brazil has built one of the most efficient poultry supply chains in the world, combining technology, health, production integration, and a commitment to supply. On this World Chicken Day, we celebrate not just a product, but an activity essential to the country and the world,” he emphasizes.
