Introduction – India’s Frozen Chicken Market: A Quantitative Overview
India’s frozen chicken market is on a steady rise, carving out its space in a highly competitive global trade landscape. While India may not yet stand shoulder-to-shoulder with poultry giants like Brazil or the U.S., it’s quickly becoming a serious contender in Asia, especially when it comes to supplying nearby countries.
In 2024, India produced around 394,000 tons of frozen whole chickens. That’s 13.6% of Asia’s total production, placing India second only to China in the region. Exports in 2023 reached a value of $5.55 million, with nearly 3 million kilograms shipped out — mostly to neighboring nations like Bhutan, Maldives, and Bahrain.
Although India’s share in the global frozen chicken trade is modest compared to Brazil’s 324,776 shipments or the U.S.’s 202,090, the country’s 43% year-over-year growth in exports between Oct 2023 and Sept 2024 signals emerging global interest in Indian poultry products.
To navigate this growing market, buyers and importers must take a data-driven approach to supplier selection. That’s where platforms like Freshdi step in — offering real-time market insights, verified supplier profiles, RFQ trends, and performance data to help businesses make smarter sourcing decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
India’s poultry sector has seen explosive growth in recent decades. Poultry meat production skyrocketed to 4.34 million tons in 2020-21, contributing to more than 50% of India’s total meat output. With a projected CAGR of 10.5%, the industry is far from slowing down.
When it comes to frozen chicken, urban demand is booming. More people are choosing frozen products for their convenience, hygiene, and shelf life. The Indian frozen food market — worth ₹124.06 billion in 2021 — is expected to hit ₹309.07 billion by 2027, growing at over 16% annually.
Export Highlights – 2023
India exported:
- 1.7 million kg of frozen chicken cuts/offal (excluding livers)
- Worth $2.23 million
Top destinations:
- Bhutan: 524,325 kg | $1.19 million
- Malaysia: 745,759 kg | $575,980
- Vietnam: 261,700 kg | $198,260
- Maldives: 38,553 kg | $101,670
- Thailand: 50,440 kg | $49,720
The Middle East is also emerging as a major buyer. Countries like UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait are showing strong demand, driven by the need for quality poultry and processed foods.
But here’s the kicker: while demand is high, India still faces hurdles — like outdated refrigeration infrastructure, complex certification processes, and pricing pressures. That’s why exporters who invest in modern facilities and align with global standards are leading the charge.
Freshdi’s RFQ trends show consistent interest from buyers in Oman, UAE, and Maldives, aligning with the export data. Verified suppliers with a strong international track record are gaining traction on the platform.
Top 5 Verified Frozen Chicken Suppliers in India – July 2025
Based on export performance, certifications, and user feedback from platforms like Freshdi, these five suppliers are making waves in the Indian frozen chicken export scene:
1. Uqaab International
- Known for consistent export volumes and quality.
- Strong presence in Gulf and South Asian markets.
- Offers whole frozen chickens and cuts.
- APEDA-certified and adheres to Halal standards.
2. BR Global Trade
- Specializes in frozen chicken parts and bulk shipments.
- Excellent ratings from Freshdi buyers for punctual delivery.
- Competitive pricing structure suited for large-scale importers.
3. Al Habib International
- Focuses on premium-grade chicken wings and boneless cuts.
- Strong compliance with UAE and Saudi food safety standards.
- Known for fast-response RFQ handling and reliable logistics.
4. Devkar Imports
- Specializes in chicken paws, a hot commodity in Asian culinary markets.
- Maintains strong relationships with repeat buyers in Vietnam and Malaysia.
- Integrated cold chain logistics for freshness retention.
5. SOL RADINAT LUNA ENTERPRISES
- Offers a wide range of frozen poultry products.
- High export volume to Maldives and Bhutan.
- ISO and HACCP certified, ensuring global standard compliance.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind — supplier rankings are dynamic. Platforms like Freshdi update their “Top Suppliers of the Month” and “Quarterly Performers” based on real-time shipment data, RFQ success rates, and buyer feedback. So, make sure to check Freshdi regularly for the most current top performers.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Let’s break down the market behavior, because frozen chicken isn’t a one-size-fits-all product.
Popular Product Variants
- Whole frozen chickens and boneless cuts are in high demand in the Middle East.
- Chicken paws and feet are popular in Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam and Malaysia.
- Wings and drumsticks are trending in Maldives due to food service and tourism sectors.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Frozen chicken prices tend to spike during the Ramadan and Eid seasons, especially in Islamic countries. Similarly, Q4 sees a surge due to holiday demand in hospitality.
Using historical pricing data and trend analysis tools on Freshdi, savvy buyers can time their RFQs for off-peak seasons to lock in better rates.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
India’s frozen chicken industry is growing fast and smart — but it’s still finding its rhythm in the global arena. For buyers, success lies in one thing: data-backed decisions.
Don’t just go by price. Look at:
- Export volumes
- Certification levels
- Buyer feedback
- Market presence
Platforms like Freshdi are goldmines of real-time data. From supplier verification to analyzing RFQ trends, Freshdi empowers buyers with everything they need to source smarter, safer, and faster.
Key Takeaways
- India is the 2nd largest frozen chicken producer in Asia, after China.
- Export volume is modest globally but growing fast, especially in Bhutan, Maldives, and the Middle East.
- Verified suppliers like Uqaab International and BR Global Trade are leading the pack.
- Product choice and timing matter — know what’s trending and when to buy.
- Tools like Freshdi make supplier vetting and market analysis easier than ever.
Checklist for Frozen Chicken Buyers
- ✅ Check supplier export performance (monthly/yearly).
- ✅ Review certifications (Halal, ISO, HACCP).
- ✅ Analyze buyer reviews and ratings on Freshdi.
- ✅ Time your RFQs based on seasonal demand trends.
- ✅ Align product type with regional preferences.
Future Outlook
India’s frozen chicken export potential is undeniable. As the industry modernizes and aligns with global standards, expect:
- Wider product ranges (organic, antibiotic-free, etc.)
- Better logistics and cold chain networks
- Increased participation in global tenders
- More digital integration through platforms like Freshdi
If you’re planning to enter or expand in this market, now’s the perfect time to get your sourcing game strong.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is India’s frozen chicken export volume relatively low globally?
India is still improving its cold storage infrastructure and aligning with international food safety standards, which limits its global competitiveness for now — but that’s changing rapidly.
2. What types of frozen chicken are most commonly exported from India?
Whole frozen chickens, boneless cuts, chicken wings, and chicken paws are the most frequently exported items, depending on the target market.
3. How can I verify a supplier’s export credibility?
Platforms like Freshdi offer verified supplier profiles, export histories, certifications, and buyer ratings to ensure trust and transparency.
4. Which countries import the most Indian frozen chicken?
Top importers include Bhutan, Maldives, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the UAE.
5. When is the best time to place bulk orders for frozen chicken?
Avoid peak demand seasons like Ramadan and year-end holidays to secure better prices. Use Freshdi’s RFQ trends and pricing tools to time purchases strategically.
References
- IndexBox – Frozen Whole Chicken Market Overview
- World Bank – India Export Data
- Volza – Frozen Chicken Export Trends
- Poultry Trends – Indian Poultry Exports
- ZeeBiz – Frozen Food Market Growth
- Business Standard – Middle East Demand
- FNB News – Cold Chain Challenges
- Freshdi – Verified B2B Supplier Platform