In 2021, New Zealanders consumed 43 kg of chicken per capita, and for the still uncompleted 2022 calendar year the figure is 41 kg per capita.
Total chicken meat production in 2021 was just over 220,000 metric tonnes, a slight increase compared to 2020.
Although most poultry and meat chicken production is consumed in New Zealand, the industry also has a growing export sector that made earnings of $27 million in 2017.
“Kiwis love their chicken,” says PIANZ Executive Director, Michael Brooks. “The steady growth in meat chicken and poultry consumption and production over the last ten years reflects both its affordability compared to other meats, and its quality and versatility as a meal solution.”
- Poultry Meat Consumption from June 2008 to June 2022
- NZ Meat Chicken Production from June 2008 to June 2022