The future of chicken: Poultry beyond 2050

This article summarises the predictions of Aviagen CEO, Jan Henriksen. on “the future of chicken” and its role in providing food security to the world. Henriksen presented his ideas as a keynote speaker at the Nordic Poultry Conference, held 8-10 November in Denmark.

A popular protein

Global demand for poultry is climbing at a fast pace. Between 1960 and 2020, worldwide production skyrocketed with Asia leading the way. The reason: chicken is becoming more and more popular. Major economies from Brazil to China are shifting to poultry from traditionally favoured meats. In fact, over the decades, poultry has become the most-consumed livestock commodity in the world, especially in developing and emerging markets.

In 1960 total chicken consumption was less than 10 million tonnes, and by 2021 it had climbed to more than 120 million tonnes. By 2050, it is predicted to reach 180 million tonnes. That will have been a 1,200% increase from 1960 to 2050! That’s more than 3 times the growth rate of pork and 10 times that of beef, according to US government data. Chicken is on track to account for 41% of all meat eaten by 2030. The human race will, for the first time ever, consume far more chicken than any other kind of protein. Read more