Manila, 27 February 2026 – The Philippines are increasing imports of poultry meat from the European Union. According to data from the European Commission (DG AGRI), EU shipments reached approximately 67.3 thousand tonnes in 2025, compared with around 41.3 thousand tonnes in 2024, up nearly 63%. This trend reflects the rapid growth of the Philippines’ poultry import market in Southeast Asia, especially in modern retail and the HoReCa sector.

Rising demand and the growing importance of the Philippine market

Figures released by the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry show that total poultry meat imports (chicken, duck, and turkey) reached approximately 473.8 thousand tonnes in 2024 and 541.4 thousand tonnes in 2025, confirming strong, sustained demand in the Philippine market. 

USDA forecasts suggest imports could rise to 560 thousand tonnes in 2026 if consumption keeps growing and trade liberalisation continues.

The role of imports is strengthened by the expansion of the HoReCa sector, ongoing urbanisation and the need for international trade to ensure stable supplies of animal protein. This shift is also visible in supplies from Europe, including Poland—the EU’s largest poultry meat producer—which exported more than 45 thousand tonnes of poultry meat and offal to the Philippines in 2025.

The first year of the EU POULTRY campaign – practical action in the market

In March 2025, the EU co-financed three-year information and promotion campaign “European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Tables” launched in the Philippines. In its first year, activities focused on raising awareness of European poultry among importers, distributors and the HoReCa sector, while strengthening the campaign’s presence in the media. 

This involved PR and digital outreach, partnerships with industry influencers and the media, and trade-focused meetings with business partners.

WOFEX 2025 – European poultry in the industry spotlight

A standout moment in the first year was the campaign’s presence at World Food Expo (WOFEX) 2025 in Manila, one of the region’s biggest food industry trade fairs, which brought together 724 exhibitors and over 72,000 visitors. The EU POULTRY stand hosted dozens of B2B meetings on trade cooperation, distribution and HoReCa supply, while also showcasing EU poultry production standards and engaging with media and opinion leaders during an accompanying press event.

Campaign goals – quality, safety and EU standards

The campaign “European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Tables” aims to raise awareness of European poultry production, built on strict standards for food safety, animal welfare, full traceability and care for the environment. The campaign also supports the long-term growth of trade between the EU and the Philippines.

“The first year of the campaign showed rising interest in European poultry in the Philippine market—especially around production standards, safety and reliable supply. It’s a strong starting point for further growth in trade cooperation,” says Dariusz Goszczyński, President of the National Poultry Council – Chamber of Commerce in Poland.

In the second year, activities will focus on deepening business cooperation with Philippine importers and distributors and strengthening dialogue within the HoReCa sector. A key element will be a study visit to Poland for Philippine partners, featuring meetings with European poultry industry representatives and a first-hand presentation of EU production, control and traceability standards.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES