Spain poultry sector expands amid EU welfare reform debates

Spain's poultry production is projected to expand in 2027, driven by positive margins, stable domestic demand, and competitive pricing within the EU. According to a USDA report, poultry meat prices in Spain have risen faster than feed costs, benefiting industry margins. The sector is undergoing significant horizontal consolidation, with international players expanding their footprint through acquisitions. The Ukrainian group MHP, which holds a majority stake in Uvesa, recently agreed to acquire Granada-based Payán Hermanos, while the Dutch group Plukon acquired the integrated Spanish company Avimosa.

Simultaneously, the European Commission is expected to propose a revision of broiler chicken welfare regulations before the end of 2026. However, animal protection organizations, including Eurogroup for Animals, have raised concerns regarding a potential ‘double standard.’ They argue that unless new welfare requirements are applied to imports, European producers will face stricter standards for rearing and transport while 25% of EU chicken breast—largely sourced from Brazil, Thailand, the UK, and Ukraine—continues to be produced under different regulations. Surveys indicate that 73% of citizens in 18 EU member states support applying the same welfare standards to imported products.