French chicken output rises as domestic demand holds firm
French chicken meat production is increasing gradually, supported by domestic demand, according to a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service report on the EU. More than half of the chicken meat consumed in France is imported, mostly from other EU countries such as Poland and Germany, while extra-EU exports have stagnated. LDC secured approval in February 2026 to acquire France Poultry and plans to phase out long-distance export chicken operations from 2027, with a new specialized slaughterhouse expected to begin operating in early 2028.
A USDA Foreign Agricultural Service EU report says French chicken output is rising modestly, supported by domestic demand. Retail sales remain firm, with households favoring chicken raised in France, while extra-EU exports have stalled amid higher costs.
Imports supply more than half of French chicken consumption, mostly from EU nations such as Poland and Germany. Hotels, restaurants and institutions rely especially on imported meat. LDC, the largest poultry firm in France and the EU, won approval in February 2026 to acquire France Poultry, previously owned by Saudi Almunajem. LDC will phase out long-distance export chicken from 2027 and expects a specialized slaughterhouse to open in early 2028.
French shoppers could benefit from steady domestic chicken supplies, while farmers and processors may gain from LDC’s planned slaughterhouse and consolidation. Food-service operators reliant on imports may remain exposed to price or supply shifts from Poland, Germany, and other EU suppliers. Workers and smaller competitors around France Poultry’s export business could face transition pressures as long-distance operations wind down. Overall, the changes may shape competition, regional employment, and the balance between local production and imported chicken, though effects will depend on demand and trade conditions.