Per capita poultry consumption

Per capita poultry consumption in Canada in 2025 is increasing modestly in response to new openings by popular restaurant chains and the rising popularity of chicken-centric establishments. Ongoing expansion by Popeye's, alongside market entries from companies such as Raising Cane's and Jollibee, is supporting steady gains by appealing to evolving generational habits and a growing preference for chicken-based foods over alternatives. However, Canadian poultry prices remain elevated, influenced by retaliatory tariffs between the United States and Canada. These trade challenges are restricting price declines and shifting demand to domestic and non-US sources, limiting the extent of consumption growth. The relatively stable affordability of poultry, compared to other proteins, and its accessibility during persistent inflationary pressures, continues to encourage its consumption amid consumer economic uncertainty.

From 2020 through 2025, the sector has seen considerable turbulence. During the pandemic in 2020, a notable 2.6% drop in per capita consumption occurred as lockdowns closed food service venues, and uncertainty about employment curbed household spending. As restrictions eased, social and family gatherings, along with gradually rising incomes, prompted partial recovery in poultry consumption. Despite this rebound, inflation sustained pressure on both consumers and producers, constraining consumption gains as Canadians shifted spending away from higher-priced foods, or alternated towards perceived affordable proteins. Simultaneously, dietary guidelines and ongoing health research further influenced a preference for poultry over red meat, as health consciousness became more prominent in purchasing decisions. The competitive landscape shifted as plant-based meat substitutes grew in availability and consumer adoption, providing further alternatives and restraining the upward momentum of traditional poultry demand. Urbanization and the increase in single-person households favored poultry, given its adaptability and convenience, while population shifts due to immigration and migration diversified preferences, supporting overall sector resilience.

Additional macro trends during this period include changing household structures favoring easy-preparation foods, continued urbanization facilitating demand for convenient proteins, and consumer health awareness strengthening poultry's competitive position relative to other meats and protein alternatives. Over this five-year period, these trends limited overall growth to a compound annual rate of 0.7%.