Summary based on the article published in Fenaviquín – Special Edition – January 15, 2025, by the National Federation of Poultry Farmers of Colombia(FENAVI – Federación Nacional de Avicultores de Colombia).
During 2024, the Colombian poultry sector faced significant challenges, such as high input costs, weakened domestic demand, and adverse weather conditions. Despite these factors, the sector maintained substantial production levels and managed to contain inflation in poultry products, thanks to more moderate international prices for raw materials and improved production efficiency.
Per capita consumption of chicken and eggs remained stable, which is notable given the economic context. Poultry companies also made progress in biosecurity and sustainability, highlighting their commitment to international standards. However, profitability was affected by high cost volatility and the slow recovery of household purchasing power.
Macroindicators
Production and Key Supplies:
Sector statistics show a 2.8% increase in volume
Animal protein production (chicken and eggs) rose from 2.8 to 2.9 million tons between 2023–2024.
To sustain this supply, ensuring the availability of raw materials was essential:
- Corn: 5.3 million tons imported
- Soybean meal: 1.3 million tons
- Soybeans: 380,000 tons
Cost and Production Trends:
Production costs saw a significant decrease of 25.7% according to IFABA-DIAN (as of October 2024), ultimately benefiting consumers.
Poultry Production:
Chicken:
- 2024 Production: 1.8 million tons (+0.7%)
- Represents 42% compared to beef production and 36.1% compared to pork
- Per capita consumption: 35.4 kg per year
Eggs:
- Record production: 18.02 billion units (+6.9%)
- Per capita consumption: 346 units/year (+1.2%)
- Price reduction: CPI showed a drop of 9.85%
Macroeconomic Context:
There is concern about the notable decline in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), which reached its lowest ratio to GDP in the last decade. However, the agricultural sector showed outstanding performance:
- 5.5% growth in the first quarter
- Over 10% in subsequent quarters
- Represented approximately 6% of GDP
Determining Factors:
External:
- More favorable average exchange rate (COP 4,071 TRM)
- Drop in input prices (fertilizers -5.5%)
- Low international grain prices
- Favorable weather conditions
Demand:
- Lower inflationary pressure
- Impact of direct cash transfers
The growth in production did not necessarily translate into higher incomes for producers. The poultry sector is a particular case, where despite increased output and falling prices, profitability was maintained—demonstrating the sector’s resilience in the face of external variables.
Financial analysis of the sector
The poultry sector stands out as one of the most transparent and well-structured sectors in the Colombian economy, particularly in the agricultural sector. This operational clarity generates confidence in both the financial system and the supply chain, consolidating a mature business with traditional companies that have perfected the art of poultry production.
Following an initial summary based on DIAN data, we examined more detailed information reported to the Superintendency of Companies and chambers of commerce, revealing that in 2023:
Total operating revenues: COP 20.1 trillion (a lower figure than that reported by DIAN)
Segment participation:
- Genetic producers: 100%
- Chicken producers: 79%
- Egg producers: 48.6%
Considering producers not required to report, we estimate more realistic values:
- Chicken production: COP 17.6 trillion
- Egg production: COP 10.6 trillion
- Total poultry sector: COP 29.3 trillion (18.9% more than reported operating revenues)
Overall Economic Impact:
The poultry production ecosystem moves over COP 40 trillion when including inputs such as balanced feed and genetics. Supplying 52.7 million Colombians (77% in urban areas) requires:
- Complex logistics systems
- Strict compliance with food safety regulations
- Significant economies of scale (especially in eggs, where 54.2% of the market is concentrated)
Calculation of Poultry GDP
Alternative Methodologies Confirm the Strength of the Data:
- Estimated 2023 production: COP 29.3 trillion
- Sectoral GDP calculation: COP 27.6 trillion (only a 6.1% variation)
Sectoral Participation:
- 0.3% of national GDP
- 3.5% of agricultural GDP
- 16.6% of livestock GDP
2024–2025 Projections:
Based on assumptions of:
- Economic growth > 2.5%
- CPI < 5.0%
- Average devaluation < 4%
- Grain price variation (0–5%)
- Reduced impacts from public order/climate events
Chicken:
- 2024: COP 19.7 trillion (+8.8%)
- 2025: COP 21.2 trillion (+7.6%)
Eggs:
- 2024: COP 9.7 trillion (margin of error 11%)
- 2025: +10% growth
This overview confirms the dynamism of the poultry sector as a driver of the national economy, with sustained medium-term growth prospects.
Structural Challenges
The sector faces structural challenges that require urgent attention: poor infrastructure, high logistics costs, rural insecurity, and technological gaps. Additionally, limited access to financing and the need for technical training are obstacles for many small and medium-sized poultry businesses.
It is also essential to advance a public-private agenda that improves the regulatory environment, modernizes the health system, and promotes applied research. Coordination among the government, industry associations, and academia will be key to consolidating a more resilient, productive, and sustainable sector.
Sustainability Strategies
Sustainability remains a priority for the poultry sector. In 2024, progress was made on initiatives related to energy efficiency, proper waste management, and animal welfare. These actions not only respond to the demands of the modern consumer but also represent an opportunity to improve productivity and reduce operating costs.
In 2025, greater investment is projected in clean technologies, automation, and training of human talent in good environmental practices. Stronger alignment with the circular economy is also expected, promoting the reuse of by-products and the recovery of organic waste.
Innovation and Technology
Innovation will be a key pillar in addressing the sector’s challenges. Growth is expected in the use of monitoring technologies, artificial intelligence, poultry genetics, and process automation. These tools will help improve traceability, reduce losses, and optimize decision-making. Furthermore, digitalization of administrative and logistics processes will enhance competitiveness, especially in a more demanding commercial environment. Training human resources in new technologies will be crucial to maximize the impact of these innovations.
Market Outlook and International Trade
Although the Colombian poultry market has mainly focused on domestic demand, there are growing opportunities in international trade. Neighboring countries and some Caribbean markets show potential for the export of eggs and poultry meat—especially if international sanitary and quality standards are met.
The sector is working with authorities to open new markets, strengthen the reputation of Colombian products, and improve export capacity. In this context, free trade agreements and sanitary diplomacy will play a key role.
Source: Federación Nacional de Avicultores de Colombia (Fenavi), in Fenaviquín – Special Edition – January 15, 2025, titled: “Poultry Farming: Results and Expectations”
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