Poultry and eggs

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The poultry and egg production market in Poland is one of the most important sectors of national agriculture and the food industry. For years, Poland has ranked among the top poultry producers in the European Union, and poultry exports constitute a significant part of the industry's revenue. In recent years, this market has developed dynamically, although not without challenges. Poland is the largest producer of poultry meat in the European Union. The main production regions are the Masovian, Greater Poland, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, and Podlaskie voivodeships.

Poultry Exports and Competitiveness

Approximately 50% of poultry meat production is exported. The main export markets include Germany, France, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, as well as non-EU countries such as Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, and China. Poland’s competitiveness stems from relatively low production costs, high product quality, and a well-developed logistics infrastructure.

Poultry includes various species of domesticated birds raised for meat, eggs, or other food products. In Poland (and generally in Europe), the term "poultry" typically refers to the following species:

1. Chicken (most popular)

• Broiler chickens – raised mainly for meat.

• Laying hens – raised for egg production; after their laying period ends, they may also be used for meat (so-called soup hens).

• Roosters – less commonly raised separately, sometimes used in poultry meat production.

2. Turkeys

• Valued for their lean meat; the second most important poultry species in Polish production after chickens.

3. Ducks

• Domestic ducks – fattier meat, popular in traditional and regional cuisine (e.g., Poznań-style duck).

4. Geese

• Domestic geese – raised for meat (valued in traditional diets), as well as fat and feathers. Poland is a leading exporter of goose meat, especially to Germany.

5. Pigeons (for meat production)

• A delicacy meat, mainly found in restaurant or regional cuisine.

6. Guinea fowl

• Less common, but appreciated in gourmet cuisine for their unique meat flavor.

Egg Production – A Stable Market Segment

The egg market in Poland also remains stable. Annual production of table eggs exceeds 10 billion units. Caged systems dominate the structure of hen farming, although the share of alternative farming methods (barn, free-range, organic) is steadily growing—mainly due to consumer pressure and EU regulations.

Egg exports and processed egg products are increasing, mainly to EU countries. Domestic demand for eggs from alternative farming systems is also rising.

Types of Eggs by Hen Housing System

(The first digit of the egg code printed on the shell indicates the production method)

• Code 0 – Organic: Hens are fed with organic feed and have access to outdoor areas and natural living conditions. The most expensive and environmentally friendly.

• Code 1 – Free-range: Hens have outdoor access, but the feed is not necessarily organic.

• Code 2 – Barn: Hens are kept indoors on litter (e.g., straw), without cages or outdoor access.

• Code 3 – Caged: Hens are kept in cages – the cheapest and most common method, increasingly criticized and phased out in many EU countries.

Egg Size Categories (Weight Classes)

• Class XL – Very Large: Over 73 g

• Class L – Large: 63–73 g

• Class M – Medium: 53–63 g

• Class S – Small: Under 53 g

Other Types of Eggs by Use and Processing

• Quail eggs – smaller, more delicate, often used in gourmet cuisine and special diets.

• Guinea fowl, duck, goose, ostrich eggs – less common, but available on niche markets.

• Pasteurized (liquid) eggs – sold in cartons or bottles, used in gastronomy and food processing.

• Dried (powdered) eggs – with long shelf life, used in baking and confectionery industries.

• Boiled eggs (e.g., in brine) – ready-to-eat, commonly used in catering.

• Enriched eggs – e.g., with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D – from specially fed hens.

Industry Challenges

Despite its successes, the industry faces several challenges:

• Avian diseases (e.g., avian flu) – causing losses and export restrictions.

• EU regulatory changes – pressure to eliminate caged systems and improve animal welfare.

• Production costs – including feed, energy, and labor, affecting farm profitability.

• Environmental and climate pressures – the need to reduce emissions and improve sustainability.

Development Prospects

The future of the poultry and egg industry in Poland depends on its ability to adapt to changing market, regulatory, and societal conditions. Growing consumer expectations regarding quality, ecology, and animal welfare will shape the industry's development path. At the same time, technological innovations, production digitalization, and expansion into non-European markets may open new opportunities.