Qatar Poultry Meat Market Trends and Summary

The Qatar Poultry Meat Market is projected to reach US$ 448.27 million by 2033, increasing from US$ 408.53 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.04% from 2025 to 2033. The market’s steady growth is attributed to changing consumer preferences, supportive government initiatives for food self-sufficiency, rising disposable incomes, advanced farming techniques, and the growing demand for affordable, high-protein, and locally sourced food products. Enhanced supply chain infrastructure and improvements in poultry farming technology are also fueling this sector’s expansion.

Qatar Poultry Meat Industry Overview

The poultry meat industry in Qatar has experienced noticeable growth in recent years, largely driven by rising demand for fresh and high-quality meat products. Poultry, especially chicken, has become a staple in Qatari cuisine due to its affordability, versatility, and nutritional benefits. As Qatar’s population continues to grow—comprising both citizens and expatriates—the consumption of poultry meat has risen proportionally, positioning it as a vital component of the country’s food economy.

Economic expansion and increased disposable incomes have further boosted domestic demand for poultry. To reduce dependency on imports and enhance food security, Qatar has made significant efforts to increase local production capacity through government-backed initiatives and infrastructure investments. These efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes self-sufficiency in food production and sustainability in agriculture.

Technological advancements, such as automated farming systems, climate-controlled poultry houses, and improved breeding techniques, have helped improve productivity, animal welfare, and product quality. These improvements, coupled with a shift toward ethical and sustainable farming, are driving Qatar’s poultry sector toward a more competitive and resilient future.

Digital Transformation and Consumer Behavior

The digital revolution in Qatar has significantly influenced how poultry products are marketed and consumed. With 99% internet penetration in 2023, online platforms and food delivery services have become essential to modern consumer lifestyles. Between 2020 and 2021, online meal delivery revenue surged by 41%, showing a remarkable shift toward e-commerce in food retail.

Consumers increasingly prefer purchasing poultry online due to ease of access, better tracking systems, and enhanced customer support. This digital transformation has streamlined logistics, strengthened cold chain management, and improved consumer satisfaction. Retailers and producers are leveraging data analytics and digital tools to optimize operations, forecast demand, and deliver better service experiences.

The revival of Qatar’s tourism sector has also stimulated the poultry meat market. In January and February 2023, Qatar welcomed around 730,000 tourists, a 347% increase from the previous year. This surge boosted demand across foodservice channels, particularly hotels, restaurants, and catering services, which have diversified their poultry offerings to meet varied international culinary tastes.

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Market Structure and Production

As of 2022, Qatar Meat Production Co., Freshmeat Factory, and Al Quisaimi Meat Co. were the leading producers, with annual production volumes of approximately 6,000, 4,000, and 3,000 metric tons, respectively. The Qatari government continues to invest in R&D for poultry farming, focusing on disease prevention, productivity enhancement, and animal welfare. Collaborations with international agricultural institutions and universities support innovation and knowledge exchange, strengthening Qatar’s agricultural expertise and resilience.

Growth Drivers for the Qatar Poultry Meat Market

Rising Population

Qatar’s growing population, fueled by both nationals and expatriates, is increasing demand for affordable protein sources. Poultry meat, particularly chicken, remains a top choice due to its cost-effectiveness and convenience compared to beef or lamb. Urbanization and modern lifestyles have driven the demand for ready-to-cook and processed poultry products, reinforcing poultry’s role as an everyday staple in Qatari households.

Government Support

The Qatari government plays a central role in advancing the poultry sector through strategic investments and policy support. By focusing on food security and self-sufficiency, the government has introduced initiatives that modernize local poultry farms, enhance production capacity, and improve the efficiency of the national food supply chain. Subsidies for farm infrastructure, incentives for adopting new technologies, and training programs for local farmers have all contributed to a more robust domestic poultry industry.

Shifting Consumer Preferences

Consumers in Qatar are increasingly shifting toward healthier, protein-rich diets, making poultry meat the preferred option due to its high protein and low fat content. The versatility of poultry across various cuisines and cooking styles also contributes to its appeal. With the rising awareness of nutrition and wellness, poultry products—especially fresh, organic, and locally produced meat—are expected to continue dominating the market.

Challenges in the Qatar Poultry Meat Market

Dependence on Feed Imports

One of the main challenges facing the industry is Qatar’s dependence on imported feed ingredients, such as soy and corn, which are essential for poultry production. This reliance exposes the market to price volatility, trade restrictions, and global supply disruptions. Rising feed costs directly impact local farmers’ profitability and make domestic poultry less competitive against imported alternatives. While Qatar is exploring options to increase domestic feed production, full independence remains a long-term goal.

High Production Costs

The high cost of energy, feed, technology, and climate control systems makes poultry farming in Qatar expensive. Given Qatar’s hot and humid climate, maintaining optimal environmental conditions for poultry requires advanced cooling systems and substantial energy use. These operational costs, combined with imported raw materials, elevate the overall cost of local production. Consequently, price competition with imported poultry remains a persistent challenge.

Latest Trends in the Qatar Poultry Meat Market

Poultry Exports

In 2023, Qatar ranked 96th globally in poultry meat exports, totaling US$ 292,000. Poultry meat was Qatar’s 347th most exported product. The leading export destinations were Angola (US$ 58,000), Oman (US$ 233,000), and the Maldives (US$ 921). Despite the modest scale, export activity highlights growing international interest in Qatari poultry and the potential for niche market expansion.

Poultry Imports

Conversely, Qatar was the 35th largest importer of poultry meat in 2023, with total imports valued at US$ 244 million, making poultry the country’s 27th most imported product. Major import partners included Brazil (US$ 153M), the United States (US$ 18.8M), the United Arab Emirates (US$ 15M), Poland (US$ 13.8M), and Oman (US$ 11.8M).

Between 2022 and 2023, Qatar significantly increased poultry imports from the United States (+US$ 7.97M), Poland (+US$ 3.35M), and the UAE (+US$ 8.78M). These figures underline Qatar’s reliance on international suppliers and the ongoing need for domestic capacity building to ensure food security and price stability.

Qatar Poultry Meat Industry Segmentation

By Type

·        Chicken

·        Turkey

·        Duck

·        Other

By Form

·        Canned

·        Fresh / Chilled

·        Frozen

·        Processed

1.     Deli Meats

2.     Marinated / Tenders

3.     Meatballs

4.     Nuggets

5.     Sausages

6.     Other Processed Poultry

By Distribution Channel

Off-Trade:

1.     Convenience Stores

2.     Online Channels

3.     Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

4.     Others

On-Trade:
Includes hotels, restaurants, cafés, and catering services.

Key Players Analysis

All major companies in the Qatar poultry market are analyzed based on:

·        Overview

·        Key Persons

·        Recent Developments

·        Revenue

Key Players Include:

1.     A’Saffa Food S.A.O.G

2.     Americana Group

3.     BRF S.A.

4.     Hassad Food Company

5.     JBS S.A.

6.     Lulu International Group

7.     Mazzraty

8.     Sunbulah Group

Conclusion

The Qatar Poultry Meat Market is poised for consistent, sustainable growth through 2033, driven by favorable demographic trends, government initiatives, and technological advancement in farming. As consumers continue to prioritize fresh, healthy, and locally produced food, domestic producers have significant opportunities to strengthen their market position.

However, challenges such as high production costs and dependence on imported feed remain. Continued investment in local feed production, automation, and sustainable practices will be essential to improving competitiveness and self-sufficiency.

With rising demand from the foodservice sector, expanding e-commerce channels, and ongoing government support, Qatar’s poultry meat industry is well-positioned to achieve its goals of food security, quality enhancement, and steady market growth.