Mexico chicken meat consumption is forecast to increase on competitive prices compared to other meats and increased household incomes, according to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report.

Mexico is the fifth largest chicken meat consumer globally, and demand for chicken meat continues to rise. Chicken meat is Mexico’s most consumed animal protein, and in 2024 consumption is forecast 3%higher than 2023 at 4.9 MMT. In 2023, consumption is estimated 2% higher than 2022 at 4.8 MMT. The rate of per capita consumption growth is forecast stronger in 2024 compared to 2023, driven by increased chicken meat demand for processed products such as cold cuts and frozen breaded chicken meat.

When the price gap between chicken and pork narrowed in May 2023, consumers continued to purchase chicken meat at relatively higher levels than pork.

Between 2018-2023, the minimum wage increased by double digits, rising to $10.40 per day from $4.40 per day. Remittances have also climbed to the strongest levels in 10 years.

In 2023 and 2024, population growth, combined with less elevated inflation, increased household incomes, and remittances, are forecast to support increased chicken meat consumption.