Back in 2018, the world’s leading broiler producers were spread across six countries, however, they are now concentrated in five. This concentration can be expected to grow over the years ahead.

While the output of the world’s largest egg producers has increased over recent years, the make up of the top 10 has changed little. This, however, can be expected to change, with more Chinese and Brazilian companies making their way into the top 10.

The four largest broiler producers in Asia appear in the top 10 globally, while the fifth sits just outside the global top 10. The importance of Asian broiler producers will increase as they respond to rising local incomes and urbanization and benefit from low production costs.

France’s LDC has held pole position in the ranking of the largest European poultry producers but the gap between it and Europe’s second largest poultry producer, the U.K.’s 2 Sisters Food Group, has been gradually narrowing. In the 2018 ranking, 2 Sisters Food Group was in fifth position.

Given the size of Brazilian home market, and the country’s strength in export markets, there is little surprise that over half of the largest 10 broiler producers in Latin America call Brazil their home.

Three companies in particular stand out in the ranking of the U.S.’ largest broiler producers. First-, second- and third-ranked Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. and Wayne-Sanderson Farms each slaughter more than double the number of birds slaughtered by fourth-ranked Mountaire Farms Inc.

The 10 leading poultry producing companies in the Middle East are spread across two countries, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Turkey is one on the world’s leading poultry meat exporters, while Saudi Arabia, despite being home to a number of large companies, is a major importer.

The largest two poultry companies in Oceania can trace their histories back over 100 years. The top ranked Inghams Enterprises was founded in 1916. Number two, Baiada Poultry, is slightly older, having been founded in 2016. The third ranked Turosis, is a much more recent development having been formed in 2018, but is the result of a merger between the U.S.’ OSI, which predates both companies, and local concern Turi Foods, established in the 1970s.

Five of the largest egg producers in Latin America are Brazilian companies. The position of Brazilian companies in the ranking is likely to strengthen in years to come as the country is experiencing a major increase in its egg exports.

The volume of chicken meat produced by the leading U.S. poultry producers has risen over the last decade but increases have been lower than those recorded by companies in developing markets.

South Africa’s Astral Foods lead’s the ranking of top African producers, a position that it has enjoyed since 2019’s rankings were compiled.

Different regions slaughter at different weights, in part due to market preference.

Cal-Maine Foods continues to be the largest egg producer in the U.S. by a wide margin. Rose Acre Farms is firmly in the No. 2 spot.