Chicken consumption in the Philippines is forecast to reach 2,704 thousand tonnes (ready-to-cook basis) in 2027, up 8.6 per cent from the 2026 estimate of 2,491 thousand tonnes, according to a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service report on the country.

The report points to population growth, chicken's affordability compared with other meats and its versatility. The US Census Bureau projects the Philippine population at 114.6 million in 2027, up 0.7 per cent.

Chicken remains the cheapest major animal protein: from January to August 2026 it sold for about 35 to 40 per cent less than pork, a gap that still reflects the damage African swine fever did to the domestic hog sector.

It is also easy to buy at many price points. Poultry integrators are expanding meat-shop franchises, with one multinational offering franchises from PhP860,000; one integrator's rotisserie chain opened at least 45 stores in July and August 2026, and a multinational fast-food chicken brand has more than 1,200 branches. Euromonitor International forecasts limited-service chicken restaurants to grow 7 per cent in 2027 to more than 8,500 outlets, while online delivery is widening access in the main cities.

Economic recovery should add to demand: the government projects growth of 5.0 to 6.0 per cent in 2027, up from 3.5 to 4.5 per cent projected for 2026, with inflation easing.

Photo: FBenjr123 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Source: The Poultry Site