Canadian poultry sector sees mixed results amid supply and demand shifts

Maple Leaf Foods reported a 4.8% increase in second-quarter adjusted EBITDA to C$137 million (US$100 million), driven primarily by a 7.1% rise in poultry revenue. While the company saw growth in poultry due to higher sales volumes and pricing changes, its prepared foods division experienced a 2.0% decline in sales due to weaker demand and increased promotional costs.

Separately, food economist Sylvain Charlebois warned that Canadian chicken prices could rise sharply by September. Despite a 5.6% increase in production during the first four months of 2026 compared to the previous year, supply is currently failing to meet demand. Charlebois noted that factors such as avian influenza, labor constraints, and processing capacity issues are hindering the ability to meet consumer needs. He suggested that the federal government authorize temporary chicken imports to stabilize the market and prevent price spikes as families return to school routines.