Producer Price Index: Poultry meat

The price index for poultry meat rose to 341.8 in 2026, representing a 0.8% climb from the previous year, signaling high price stabilization after exceptional surges during the pandemic recovery period. Energy costs, which filter through to feed and fertilizer prices, remain a major pricing factor, continuing to influence pricing volatility in the sector.

From 2021 to 2026, the price of poultry meat has been highly volatile. In 2021, farmers faced supply shortages as post-pandemic fear of meat faded and vaccines were administered. Consumers quickly returned to eating poultry, especially specific cuts (breasts and wings) as restaurant chains made wings and sandwiches staples their menus. This demand jump met constrained supply as a devastating avian flu outbreak beginning in 2022 forced the culling of roughly 58.8 million birds through spring 2023, according to the USDA. As a result, prices of poultry meat increased by 38.5% and 42.3% in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Since 2023, prices have begun to normalize as the worst of the avian flu wave passed, supply chains stabilized and demand patterns returned to more predictable levels. The index fell by 11.2% in 2023 to 340.88 before continuing its descent in 2024 and 2025. Improved logistics networks have helped alleviate some pricing pressures, though the index remains well above pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, higher demand for premium products such as organic and free-range chicken has been more appealing to people who are concerned about animal welfare. Greater availability of "healthier" poultry has contributed to rising per capita expenditure on poultry over the past five years.