Page 26 - AA 2025 Year Book Summary

Kuwait

Kuwait Poultry Meat Market Analysis

The Kuwait Poultry Meat Market size is estimated at
520.1 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 546.8
million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.01% during
the forecast period (2025-2030).
Kuwait’s poultry meat industry is experiencing signifi-
cant transformation driven by changing consumer de-
mographics and modernizing retail infrastructure. The
country’s unique population composition, with expatri-
ates comprising 70% of residents in 2022, has created a
diverse culinary landscape demanding various poultry
products and preparation styles. This demographic di-
versity has led to the emergence of international cuisine products in the Middle East.
offerings and fusion food concepts across foodservice Kuwait Poultry Meat Market Trends
establishments. The government has implemented vari- Increased domestic poultry production is driving the
ous initiatives to boost domestic production capabilities, market growth
with local commercial poultry production reaching 64,604 • Poultry production accounted for the highest share of
metric tons in 2022, demonstrating the country’s commit- 54% by volume of total meat production in the country.
ment to reducing import dependency and ensuring food However, in order to meet consumer demand, the coun-
security.
try still depends more on imports, due to which around
The retail landscape for poultry meat products is evolv- 0.13 million tons of poultry meat was imported in 2022.
ing rapidly with the expansion of modern retail formats Due to high import prices and increasing demand for
and digital platforms. Supermarkets and hypermarkets fresh/chilled poultry meat, the government is investing in
have emerged as crucial distribution channels, with ma- increasing domestic production. The government is also
jor players like LuLu Group, Carrefour, and The Sultan taking initiatives to increase domestic poultry production,
Center investing in dedicated meat products counters as the rate of domestic consumption has expanded and is
and temperature-controlled storage facilities. The sector expected to grow gradually in the upcoming years, thus
has witnessed significant technological integration, with creating an opportunity for international poultry produc-
Kuwait’s internet penetration reaching 99% of the popula- ers to enter the market.
tion by early 2023, facilitating the growth of e-commerce • In 2022, there were 25 poultry production companies
platforms and digital payment solutions for poultry pur- in Kuwait, including six major companies in this field.
chases.
Collectively, they produced 35,000 metric tons of frozen,
Consumer behavior patterns in Kuwait reflect a strong fresh, and live chicken annually, covering 30% of the lo-
preference for convenience and ready-to-cook poultry cal market’s needs. The poultry crisis is looming on the
products, particularly among the working population. The horizon after the rise in feed prices globally. The govern-
female labor participation rate reached 50.2% by the end ment is expected to either offer subsidies to poultry and
of 2022, contributing to increased demand for processed meat producers to face those conditions or allow them to
and easy-to-prepare meat products. The fast-food sector raise prices to cover their losses and preserve the local
has become particularly influential, with approximately production of poultry.
81.4% of Kuwaitis consuming fast food more than twice
per week in 2022, driving innovation in poultry product • Kuwait imports poultry meat primarily from Brazil, Sau-
development and preparation methods. di Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Overall, the Kuwait poultry meat market is driven by in-
The tourism sector has emerged as a significant driver creasing demand for poultry meat and eggs, and the gov-
of poultry meat consumption patterns in Kuwait. With tour- ernment’s support for domestic production through sub-
ist arrivals averaging 6.32 million in 2022, the foodservice sidies and other initiatives. However, the market is also
industry has expanded its poultry offerings to cater to di- facing challenges such as rising feed prices and competi-
verse international tastes. This has led to the introduction tion from imports.
of various ethnic-inspired poultry dishes and preparation
methods, enriching the local culinary landscape. The Rising production costs are impacting poultry prices
hospitality sector’s growth has prompted poultry suppli- • Poultry meat prices in Kuwait are primarily driven by
ers to develop specialized products meeting internation- increasing poultry production and imports. The country’s
al quality standards while maintaining halal compliance, climate also plays a major part in affecting the poultry
establishing Kuwait as a sophisticated market for poultry meat prices in the country. Chicken meat is popular in Ku-
24 Arab Agriculture 2025