Chicken demand holds firm as Ukraine’s economy steadies
Poultry stays affordable as incomes rise despite inflation
29 October 2025
1 minute read
By: Ukraine’s appetite for chicken meat continues to grow, with consumption forecast to rise slightly in 2026 as more consumers switch from other animal proteins. According to the latest USDA-FAS outlook, the trend is being driven by both price advantages and consumer perceptions of poultry as a healthier option.
Despite the challenges of war and ongoing population outflows, domestic chicken meat consumption continued to expand in 2024 and is expected to do so again in 2025. Chicken remains Ukraine’s most affordable source of protein, accessible to both higher-income consumers and internally displaced people who rely on social assistance or humanitarian support.
The report notes that macroeconomic stability, modest currency devaluation, and rising household incomes have all supported this growth. The National Bank of Ukraine reported that per capita incomes in 2024 exceeded pre-war levels, even with overall inflation at 12% and food inflation at 13.2%.
Although income growth is expected to slow somewhat in 2025 and 2026, steady demand and affordability are likely to sustain poultry consumption gains. With consumers continuing to prioritise cost and nutrition, chicken is set to remain Ukraine’s dominant protein choice well into 2026.
