Mexico's chicken demand set to rise 3% as World Cup fever hits
FIFA tournament, tourism boom drive unprecedented demand
6 May 2026
1 minute read
By: Chicken meat consumption in Mexico is forecast to reach 5.3 million metric tonnes in 2026, a 3% increase on the previous year, according to a recent poultry market report from the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. As the country's most affordable and versatile protein, chicken remains the primary staple for households and a key growth driver in the food service sector.
The Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional (HRI) sector is expanding rapidly, fuelled by both tourism and the upcoming FIFA World Cup. As Mexico prepares to co-host the tournament, demand for consistent, high-volume poultry supply in host cities — Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey — is forecast to rise significantly.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to attract roughly 5.5 million international visitors, pushing total arrivals past the previous baseline of 45 million annual visitors reported by UN Tourism. Many travellers are expected to combine match attendance with leisure stays in the Mexican Caribbean, Cancún and Tulum, or Los Cabos.
The growth of fast-food chains and rotisserie outlets, known locally as pollerías, reflects an increasingly urbanised population seeking convenient, ready-to-eat protein. Major producers including Bachoco and Pilgrim's Mexico are investing in regional distribution centres and cold-chain logistics along the Bajío and Northeast corridors to ensure supplies reach host cities without spoilage. Both companies are prioritising further processed products, marinated, portion-controlled, and breaded items, specifically designed for the food service industry to reduce preparation time and labour costs during peak tourism periods.
