UTRECHT, The Netherlands – During the past decade, Argentina’s poultry industry has shown impressive growth rates, according to a study titled “Argentina: A new player in the poultry sector” from Rabobank. In 2000, the country’s poultry industry was producing 900,000 tonnes of poultry meat plus was a net importer of 18,000 tonnes of poultry meat. In 2010, production totaled 1.5 million tonnes and the country has become a net exporter of poultry, bringing in just under $500 million.

Domestic consumption has increased by 30 percent during the same time period, reaching 34.4 kg (75.7 lbs.) per capita in 2010.


Argentina’s poultry industry evolution was the result of concerted strategic planning and investments by the industry, reduced feed costs due to export taxes, plus strong domestic and global demand in a context of economic growth.

In the future, the industry has the capability to continue growing domestically but most opportunities will come from trying to meet international demand and countries looking for alternative supply sources.

Poultry consumption has grown at an average annual rate of 8.7 percent a year since 2002 and currently stands at 34 kg (74.8 lbs.) per person per year in comparison to 18 kg (39.6 lbs.) in 2002. However, this is still lower than Brazil’s 45 kg (99 lbs.) but higher than Uruguay’s 19 kg (41.8 lbs.).