Challenges and opportunities of the turkey sector: this is how Gallicoop sees the future

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 03. 12. 11:56

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Turkey meat was a key product on the domestic and international markets for years, but the crises of recent years have significantly reduced consumption, especially in Hungary. The rise in feed prices, the energy crisis and market uncertainty have put the turkey sector in a particularly difficult situation, but according to Gallicoop’s management, recovery has begun and stabilization and even growth are expected by 2025 – writes Agrárszektor.

Why has turkey meat consumption fallen in Hungary?

In the 2010s, Hungary was among the world’s leading countries in turkey meat consumption, but a significant decline has occurred in a few years. One of the main reasons for this is the economic crisis and inflation, which has caused consumers to increasingly turn to cheaper chicken meat. The production cost of turkey meat is almost twice that of chicken, which has made this product less attractive to price-sensitive consumers.

“In the last three or four years, Hungarian buyers have been particularly concerned about what they buy and how much they pay for it. Although turkey meat is a better alternative in terms of quality, the price of chicken is much more competitive,”

said János Ruck, CEO of Gallicoop, in an interview with Agrarszektor.

The increase in costs further complicated the situation

The cost structure of turkey farming has experienced a significant increase in price in recent years:

Feed costs: It accounts for 60-70% of total expenses, the main reason for which is the long growing season.

Energy and water consumption: 15-20% of costs.

Labor costs: About 10% of total expenses.

The energy crisis, drastically fluctuating feed prices and labor shortages have put additional pressure on the sector. It is becoming increasingly difficult for processing plants and turkey farms to find motivated workers, which is why Gallicoop is increasingly forced to employ foreign workers.