The UK is importing more chicken as demand continues to grow faster than domestic production.
Recent figures reported by the Financial Times show that the value of UK chicken imports has more than doubled in five years, rising from £823.7m in 2020 to £1.78bn in 2025. This increase reflects a combination of factors, including higher demand, greater reliance on imported supply, and general food price inflation over the period. At the same time, demand for chicken is estimated to be growing by around 4.5–5% a year, while UK production growth was 1.5% in 2025.
Chicken remains one of the country’s most popular proteins, but domestic production has not expanded at the same pace as demand. This means imported chicken is likely to remain an important part of the UK supply chain for some time to come, helping to maintain availability across retail, wholesale, foodservice, and catering.
UK producers have faced challenges expanding capacity, including planning delays, higher costs, and changing welfare requirements. Some welfare initiatives, such as the Better Chicken Commitment, also require lower stocking densities and slower-growing breeds, which can reduce output and affect supply availability.
Imported chicken is therefore an important part of the overall supply mix. It helps the market respond to rising demand and provides access to a wider range of products, formats, and price points.
For buyers, the key is choosing products that are traceable, compliant, and suitable for their needs. Product origin, shelf life, and reliable supply remain important considerations.
Sources:
CEO Today: Britain’s Chicken Boom Is Increasing Reliance on Foreign Supply
