Introduction – Turkey’s Frozen Chicken Market in Statistical Focus
Turkey has steadily carved out a significant role in the global poultry market, especially in the frozen chicken segment. With a robust agricultural infrastructure and access to key trade corridors, Turkey has become a preferred export hub for chicken meat across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
In recent years, the country has consistently produced over 2 million metric tons (MMT) of chicken meat annually. Despite temporary setbacks such as export restrictions and rising feed costs, Turkey’s poultry industry has shown resilience. The forecast for 2025 is especially optimistic, with production expected to hit a record 2.6 MMT.
For buyers and importers worldwide, especially B2B sourcing professionals, identifying top-performing Turkish frozen chicken suppliers isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. Data-driven decision-making has never been more critical. Platforms like Freshdi are helping streamline this process by offering verified supplier data, recent RFQ trends, and performance analytics.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s break down the numbers to understand where Turkey stands now and where it’s going.
Production Trends: Growth Despite Hurdles
- 2023: Turkey produced 2.3 MMT of chicken meat, a 2% increase compared to 2022.
- 2024: Production edged up to 2.4 MMT, despite challenges like drought and soaring feed prices.
- 2025 Forecast: The USDA projects a record 2.6 MMT, thanks to strong domestic and export demand.
The Turkish poultry industry is clearly on an upward curve, fueled by both local consumption and international interest.
Export Performance: A Tale of Decline and Opportunity
- 2022: 351,537 MT of frozen whole chickens exported, valued at $562.6 million.
- 2023: Exports dropped 27.1% in volume and 24% in value.
- 2024: Further decline to 193,000 MT, worth $341 million.
This downward trend in exports can be linked to several factors, including government-imposed export quotas and avian influenza outbreaks. However, the anticipated production surge in 2025 hints at a potential rebound.
Where Is Turkish Chicken Going?
Iraq remains Turkey’s biggest customer, absorbing a lion’s share of its frozen chicken exports:
- 2022: $379 million (67% of total exports)
- 2023: $306 million (72%)
- 2024: $229 million (67%)
Other growing markets include the Republic of Congo, Libya, Mauritania, and Iran.
Demand Signals: What Freshdi Data Tells Us
Freshdi’s RFQ data (Requests for Quotation) show a noticeable uptick in demand from African and Middle Eastern buyers in Q2 2025. This aligns with the forecasted production boom, suggesting that global buyers are preparing to re-engage with Turkish suppliers. It also highlights the importance of using digital sourcing platforms like Freshdi to stay ahead of market shifts.
Top 3 Verified Frozen Chicken Suppliers in Turkey – Proven Export Performers
Here are the top 3 frozen chicken suppliers in Turkey for Q2 of 2025, verified and vetted via Freshdi for their quality, export consistency, and buyer satisfaction.
1. Akın Global Food
- Specialty: Frozen chicken breast, wings, whole chickens.
- Certifications: ISO 22000, Halal, HACCP.
- Export Reach: Iraq, Libya, UAE, Congo.
- What Makes Them Stand Out: High consistency in product quality, responsive logistics, and excellent buyer ratings on Freshdi.
2. Banvit Food
- Specialty: Whole frozen chicken, drumsticks, chicken thighs.
- Certifications: BRC, Halal, ISO 9001.
- Export Reach: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania.
- Unique Strength: One of the oldest players in Turkey’s poultry scene, with a vertically integrated supply chain.
3. Erpiliç Poultry
- Specialty: Frozen chicken cuts, marinated chicken, chicken liver.
- Certifications: ISO 14001, Halal, FSSC 22000.
- Export Reach: Middle East, Africa, Central Asia.
- Why They Rank: Strong export performance in Q2 2025, noted for timely deliveries and superior packaging.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Freshdi regularly updates its supplier rankings based on real-time RFQ activity, buyer feedback, and fulfillment metrics. Suppliers who top the chart in one quarter may be different in the next, so keeping an eye on Freshdi’s “Suppliers of the Month” list is a smart move for buyers seeking agility in sourcing.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Understanding the broader market dynamics can help businesses make smarter sourcing decisions.
Variant-Based Demand
Different regions prefer different chicken cuts. For example:
- Middle East: Prefers whole chickens and chicken breast.
- Africa: Shows higher demand for chicken legs, thighs, and wings.
- Asia: Increasing interest in processed and marinated chicken cuts.
Freshdi data shows a 12% increase in RFQ requests for frozen chicken wings in Q2 2025, especially from African buyers—reflecting consumer preference shifts.
Seasonal Price Shifts
Chicken meat prices in Turkey tend to be lower between April and August due to higher production and lower domestic demand. Exporters typically offer better deals during this window, making Q2 an optimal time for bulk purchases.
Using historical price data from Freshdi, savvy buyers can forecast the best times to submit RFQs and lock in lower prices.
Export Dynamics: Timing Is Everything
With the Turkish government having imposed export quotas in 2024 (max 10,000 MT/month from May to December), buyers are now watching government announcements closely. While the quota system helped stabilize domestic prices, it limited export capacity. There’s optimism that 2025 will see relaxed restrictions due to increased production.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Turkey’s frozen chicken export market may have faced temporary setbacks, but the overall trajectory remains positive. With production slated to reach an all-time high in 2025, the country is poised to reassert its dominance as a major poultry exporter.
For businesses looking to source frozen chicken from Turkey, the key lies in leveraging data:
- Monitor production and export trends.
- Choose suppliers with proven export credentials.
- Use digital platforms like Freshdi to access RFQ insights, supplier reviews, and live pricing.
By adopting a data-first approach and staying adaptive, buyers can build efficient, cost-effective, and future-proof frozen chicken supply chains.
Key Takeaways
- Turkey is expected to produce 2.6 MMT of chicken in 2025—a record high.
- Exports have declined recently but are positioned for recovery.
- Iraq remains the biggest market for Turkish frozen chicken.
- Verified suppliers like Akın Global Food, Banvit, and Erpiliç lead the export game in Q2 2025.
- Freshdi is a valuable resource for live market data, supplier verification, and seasonal trends.
Frozen Chicken Buyer’s Checklist (Turkey Edition)
✅ Check supplier certifications (Halal, ISO, HACCP)
✅ Look up RFQ trends on Freshdi for demand insights
✅ Match product variants to your target market
✅ Time your purchases to seasonal price dips (Q2 is ideal)
✅ Confirm supplier export history and logistics capabilities
✅ Stay updated on Turkish export policy changes
Future Outlook – What’s Next for Turkey’s Frozen Chicken Sector?
As Turkey ramps up production and global demand rebounds, the frozen chicken industry is set for a strong comeback. Initiatives like poultry vaccination against bird flu, better feed management, and trade policy reforms will play a key role.
The next few quarters will test the resilience and adaptability of Turkish exporters. For buyers, this means more competitive pricing, better quality, and access to a broader supply network—especially when sourcing through platforms like Freshdi.
How Freshdi Empowers Frozen Chicken Buyers
- Verified Supplier Listings: Know who you’re dealing with.
- Live RFQ Trends: Understand what’s in demand and where.
- Performance Rankings: Choose exporters based on real metrics.
- Market Intelligence Reports: Stay ahead of the curve.
- Secure Transactions: Buy with confidence.
Ready to take your sourcing strategy to the next level? Let Freshdi guide the way.
References
- USDA – Turkey Poultry and Products Annual
- Feed Planet Magazine – Turkey Chicken Production
- World Bank – Turkey Frozen Chicken Exports
- IndexBox – Turkey Export Trends 2023
- IndexBox – Turkey Export Trends 2024
- Reuters – USDA Poultry Vaccine Plan
FAQs
1. Why did Turkey’s frozen chicken exports decline in 2023 and 2024?
Due to government-imposed export quotas, rising feed costs, and avian flu outbreaks which limited production and export capabilities.
2. When is the best time to source frozen chicken from Turkey?
Q2 (April–June) is generally optimal due to higher production levels and lower domestic demand, leading to better prices.
3. How can I verify a Turkish frozen chicken supplier?
Use platforms like Freshdi to check certifications, buyer reviews, and export history.
4. What chicken cuts are most in demand from Turkish suppliers?
Whole chickens, chicken breasts, wings, and thighs are the most popular, with demand varying by region.
5. Are Turkish frozen chicken products Halal-certified?
Yes, most leading suppliers hold Halal certifications and comply with international food safety standards.
