Poultry Association President Says Chicken Market Is Improving

SANTO DOMINGO. The president of the Dominican Poultry Association (ADA), José Luis Polanco, announced this Wednesday that the chicken market is improving in terms of supply, with a projected supply of 21.8 million units of chicken for September.

He said that despite the high temperatures that persist in the country, local production is gradually advancing to meet the growth in demand.

Polanco explained that local chicken production continues to offer more competitive prices to consumers compared to international prices and that per capita demand has reached 46.8 kilograms, one of the highest levels in the region.

He added that per capita consumption of chicken, including imports, has increased by more than 20%. In this context, chicken remains the most economical alternative protein for Dominicans.

Polanco also pointed out that international chicken prices are between 30% and 40% above local prices. This means that local production remains much cheaper and more competitive.

“Importing a chicken today would cost around US$1.15 per pound, equivalent to RD$70. Although international prices might seem like good news, they exert unprecedented pressure on local demand,” he said.

He explained that several current factors have contributed to the reduction in the real supply of chicken, including high temperatures, quality problems with raw materials and high international prices for the product. A significant decrease in high temperatures is expected in the last quarter of the year.

In this regard, Polanco anticipates that, as temperatures in the country normalize, supply will adjust to meet demand. “The effects of the heat should be overcome in the last quarter of the year. Record temperatures have reduced supply by more than one pound per chicken, but this should be resolved starting in October,” he said.

Finally, Polanco said that, regardless of imports, the sector will be able to meet the growth in demand gradually. He clarified that Dominican producers are looking for stability in the market rather than high prices.

On the quality of inputs

Polanco also mentioned that during the months of June and July 2024, some countries supplying basic raw materials for food production suffered quality problems. This situation affected production for two months and, when combined with the previously mentioned factors, contributed to the reduction in real supply.