Rising Demand for Poultry During Ramadan: A Global Perspective

Chicken kebab, Musakhan, Biryani – just to name a few popular dishes that are often part of an “Iftar” meal, when breaking the fast at sunset during Ramadan. Countries like Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are seeing an increased consumption of chicken as families prepare iftar and suhoor (the last meal before sunrise) meals, with poultry emerging as the preferred protein choice. This growing trend is influenced by a combination of dietary habits, affordability, and cultural traditions, placing additional pressure on the poultry industry to meet consumer needs efficiently.

Up to more than 66 Percent Higher Demand

In Jordan, daily poultry production rises to approximately 800,000 chickens during Ramadan — a 25 percent increase compared to the rest of the year. Compared to previous years, this increase is relatively high according to the Poultry Investors Association due to lower retail prices of chicken compared with other types of meat. Egypt sees an even greater spike, with chicken consumption increasing by 66.5 percent during the holy month. Saudi Arabia, where per capita poultry consumption is already among the highest at 40 kg annually, witnesses a further surge in demand as families favor poultry over other meats for home-cooked meals. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, poultry imports from Brazil jumped 27.7 percent in the months leading up to Ramadan, reflecting proactive efforts to ensure sufficient supply.

Why Poultry is the Preferred Choice During Ramadan

The reasons for this heightened demand are multifaceted. Culturally, poultry is a staple ingredient in traditional Ramadan dishes, from grilled and roasted chicken to stews and rice-based meals like biryani. Poultry’s affordability compared to red meats makes it an attractive choice for families preparing daily iftar feasts, while its nutritional value — high in protein, iron, and essential vitamins — makes it ideal for replenishing energy after long fasting hours. Additionally, poultry is lighter on digestion than red meat, making it a preferred option for those breaking their fast.

Economic and Supply Chain Challenges

Despite this, the sharp rise in demand presents challenges, including potential price increases and supply shortages. Some countries authorize imports to stabilize prices and prevent market disruptions. 

Additionally, logistical and supply chain bottlenecks may affect poultry distribution, particularly in markets with limited processing capacity. This puts increased pressure on poultry producers to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and maintain a steady supply of fresh and frozen poultry products.

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How our Poultry Processing Solutions can help

To address the need for efficiency and high production volumes, advanced poultry processing technology plays a crucial role. At BAADER, we provide state-of-the-art poultry processing solutions that enable producers to scale operations and meet surging demand during peak consumption periods. 

BAADER’s advanced poultry processing technology plays a crucial role in meeting the heightened demand during Ramadan by optimizing efficiency, ensuring food safety, and improving distribution. Through automation, BAADER streamlines key processes such as slaughtering, deboning, and portioning, allowing poultry producers to handle large volumes while maintaining consistency in quality. 

At the same time, the company’s cutting-edge technology upholds strict hygiene and food safety standards, minimizing the risk of contamination and ensuring that consumers receive fresh and safe poultry products. Additionally, BAADER’s intelligent processing and sorting systems enable poultry producers to allocate different cuts of meat effectively based on market demand, reducing waste and maximizing profitability. 

With this, BAADER helps the poultry industry navigate the seasonal surge in consumption, ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality poultry products throughout Ramadan.

Ensuring a Steady Poultry Supply for Ramadan and Beyond

As poultry remains central to Ramadan meals worldwide, the industry's ability to adapt to seasonal spikes in demand is critical. With innovative processing solutions from BAADER and proactive supply chain strategies, poultry producers can ensure that millions enjoy high-quality, safe, and nutritious poultry meals throughout the holy month.

By investing in efficient processing technologies and strategic planning, the poultry industry can not only meet the increased demand during Ramadan but also build resilience for future market fluctuations.

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