Turkey sees sharp drop in chicken meat output, egg production climbs as prices rise

Turkey's statistical office reported that in May 2026 chicken meat production fell 16.3% year‑on‑year to 202,336 tonnes and the number of slaughtered birds declined 16.8% to 108.065 million. In contrast, egg production rose 21.6% to 1.857 billion units. Over the January‑May period, chicken meat output was down 2.2% and slaughtered birds down 1.1%, while egg output increased 18.1% to 9.345 billion.

The same data showed growth in the dairy sector: commercial milk collection rose 2.3% to just over 1 million tonnes, drinking‑milk production jumped 19.7%, and cheese output increased 2.4%. Other dairy products showed mixed changes.

Separately, the Competition Authority’s investigation of the white‑meat sector has heightened market uncertainty. Restaurant buyers report chicken prices climbing from 200‑250 TL per kilogram to over 300 TL, with forecasts of 400‑500 TL per kilogram if the trend continues. Industry representatives say the probe is delaying investment decisions, which could affect production capacity, employment and consumer prices.