Şenpiliç: Türkiye's Chicken Meat Consumption Reaches 28 Kilograms Per Capita

Şenpiliç Deputy General Manager of Sales Faik Üçer evaluated Türkiye's current standing in the chicken meat sector, opportunities in global markets, and changing consumer habits at the 5th Food Innovation Summit and Awards Ceremony (GIFT 2026), held on 8 October 2026 at Boğaziçi University. Üçer stated that as of the end of 2025, per capita poultry meat consumption in Türkiye reached 28 kilograms, surpassing the European Union average.

Speaking at the case study session titled "Rising Star in the Global and Local Market: Chicken Meat," Faik Üçer shared data on the sector's domestic market volume, export potential, and the impact of changing household structures on consumption habits. Basing his assessments on USDA, Eurostat and TurkStat (TÜİK) data, Üçer pointed out that Türkiye has significant opportunities in global markets thanks to its current production capacity and raw material advantages.

EU average surpassed in per capita consumption

According to the data shared by Üçer, per capita poultry meat consumption in Türkiye reached 28 kilograms by the end of 2025. This figure surpassed the European Union average, stated as 27.7 kilograms.

Noting that despite strong domestic demand, Türkiye's export potential has not yet been fully realized, Üçer emphasized that the sector's production capacity and raw material advantages present growth opportunities in international markets.

Also touching on Türkiye's potential to become a regional protein supplier, Üçer stated that the value chain extending from breeding stock production to rearing, slaughtering, sales and distribution directly and indirectly supports an ecosystem of approximately 2.5-3 million people.

Changing household structure is transforming consumer preferences

Evaluating the socio-demographic change in Türkiye based on TurkStat (TÜİK) data, Üçer stated that over the past 10 years, the number of households increased by 24.5 percent, while population growth remained at 9.2 percent. Noting that average household size declined from 3.64 to 3.19, Üçer reported that the proportion of single-person households rose from 14.4 percent to 20.5 percent, while the proportion of households consisting of couples with children fell from 44.8 percent to 37.5 percent.

Stating that this change has also affected food consumption habits, Üçer pointed out that there is increasing demand particularly for boneless, portioned products ready for cooking and consumption. He noted that Şenpiliç shapes its R&D and product development efforts in line with consumers' expectations for convenience.

Chicken meat stands out as an accessible protein source

Also addressing the nutritional value and accessibility of chicken meat, Üçer stated that chicken meat is a protein source containing essential amino acids, and that with its price advantage, it supports broad consumer segments' access to quality protein.

Stating that the poultry sector's efficiency in converting plant-based proteins into animal protein is important in terms of resource use and sustainability, Üçer said that the integrated production model is also among the key elements of the sector.

Emphasizing that the integrated structure extending from breeding stock production to feed and hatchery processes, from rearing to slaughtering and distribution, plays a decisive role in food safety and product quality, Üçer noted that the chicken meat sector will continue to maintain its strategic importance for Türkiye's food production and export targets.