New Zealand consumer demand for chicken has reached high levels as global appetite outpaced both pork and beef, with poultry now accounting for roughly half of all meat consumed in the country, according to the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ). According to Stats NZ Food Price Index data for July 2026, chicken breast sits at $14.80 per kilogram, as one of the most affordable protein options available while beef mince prices skyrocketed to a record-high of more than $24.40 per kilogram.
Affordability Drives New Zealand Chicken Consumption Trends
Kiwis now consume between 41kg and 42kg of chicken per person annually, translating to roughly 20 birds each year, according to PIANZ executive director Fiona MacMillan. When the organization began tracking consumption metrics in 2008, the annual figure sat at approximately 35kg per person. MacMillan explained during a BNZ Business Breakfast that reliability, affordability, and versatility have turned poultry into a household staple.
“Chicken is the most popular meat here in New Zealand,” MacMillan said. “Actually, about half the meat that Kiwis eat is chicken, and we’re certainly seeing that go up over time.” While other protein sources experience sharp price increases, chicken remains an accessible option for shoppers managing tighter household budgets. Beef mince prices, by comparison, sit more than 30% higher than they were just two and a half years ago.
Did you know? According to United States Department of Agriculture data, Americans have eaten more chicken than beef for the past 16 years, driven by similar health concerns tied to red meat consumption and rising beef prices.
Global Industry Growth and Fast-Food Integration
International markets mirror the domestic shift as global demand for affordable protein surges past both pork and beef. During a corporate conference, representatives from McDonald’s outlined aggressive plans to expand their poultry portfolio, setting a target to capture another full point of chicken market share by the end of 2026.
Poultry farms across Aotearoa are reaping the economic benefits of this sustained boom, though producers face mounting external challenges.
Biosecurity Threats to Local Poultry Farms
Despite strong financial performance, local producers face significant operational risks, chief among them the potential arrival of the H5N1 variety of bird flu. MacMillan noted that the strain has already heavily impacted poultry farming operations across the globe.
“I think one of the big things we’re anticipating, and concerned about, understandably, is the arrival of the H5N1 variety of bird flu,” MacMillan said. New Zealand has worked diligently to keep the virus out of domestic farms, giving producers ample time to upgrade farm biosecurity protocols. “Farms here have had a long time to prepare, so they’ve really upped their biosecurity. There’s been a huge focus on that,” she added, emphasizing the need to protect both commercial livelihoods and the national food supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much chicken does the average New Zealander eat each year?
According to PIANZ, New Zealanders consume between 41kg and 42kg of chicken per person annually, which is equivalent to roughly 20 birds.
Why are chicken sales increasing relative to other meats?
What is the primary biosecurity concern facing New Zealand poultry farms?
Industry leaders have identified the potential arrival of the H5N1 variety of bird flu as a major concern, prompting farms across Aotearoa to significantly strengthen their biosecurity measures.
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