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Which Are the Largest Turkey Producers in the World in 2024?

The United States, Chile, France, Poland, and Morocco will continue to be the world’s top producers of turkey in 2025. Due to strong exports and domestic consumption, particularly during Thanksgiving and other holidays, the United States leads the world in production. Chile, with its extensive agricultural resources and productive chicken sector, comes in second. Germany, France, and Italy are major producers in Europe, satisfying local demand for processed goods and turkey meat. Stable demand is a result of growing worldwide knowledge of lean protein choices.

The market is dominated by North America and Europe, while other nations like Poland and the UK are also involved. Innovations in breeding, feed efficiency, and environmental practices are fueled by trade disruptions, climatic difficulties, and the move toward sustainable farming.

Beginning at 204 million by 1961 and reaching a peak of 450 million in 2022, the number of turkeys worldwide has ranged over time. There are several reasons for the increase and subsequent leveling of the turkey population, including shifting customer tastes, advancements in poultry farming methods, and variations in the demand for meat throughout the world. Improvements in breeding and farming techniques made turkey production more efficient, which is why some eras saw notable gains, especially from the latter part of the 1970s to the early 1990s.

List of Largest Turkey Producers in the World

  1. United States: 70.0 million
  2. Chile: 26.8 million
  3. France: 15.1 million
  4. Poland: 15 million
  5. Morocco: 13.4 million
  6. Tunisia: 13 million
  7. Russia: 8.8 million
  8. Brazil: 6.5 million

1. United States

The United States continues to be the world’s leading producer of turkey in 2024, contributing 70.0 million to worldwide production. States like Minnesota, North Carolina, and Arkansas are the main locations for turkey farming, with Minnesota continuously producing the most. Advanced agricultural infrastructure, effective breeding methods, and strong domestic demand—especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, when turkey demand peaks—benefit the U.S. sector. The United States produced 70 million kg of meat as per last updated data in 2024.

The United States plays a significant role in international commerce by exporting turkey meat to nations like Canada, Mexico, China, and the European Union in addition to satisfying its home market. Consumption has increased throughout the year due to the growing popularity of ground turkey and deli meats as healthier substitutes for red meat.

Consumer demand for sustainable and humane methods, influenza pandemics, labor shortages, and growing feed costs are some of the issues the sector confronts despite its dominance. Producers are increasingly using technology-driven solutions, such as automated feeding systems, precision farming, and biosecurity precautions, to solve these issues. Changing customer tastes are reflected in the move toward natural and antibiotic-free turkey products.

The United States continues to dominate the world in turkey production because of innovation and effective operations. A strong local market, robust export networks, and high quality standards all work together to keep the industry a global leader in the chicken business.

2. Chile

Chile’s production and exports have been steadily increasing, making it a competitive competitor in the worldwide turkey market. The nation produced 26.8 million kg of turkey meat in 2024, a 6.5% rise over the year before. Although it is still behind industry titans like the US, Chile is now among the top producers of turkey meat worldwide because of this production.

The capacity of Chile’s poultry industry, which includes turkeys, to uphold strict biosecurity regulations has allowed it to escape the harshest consequences of avian influenza outbreaks that have crippled output in other countries. Growing export markets in Asia and North America, where there is still a significant demand for premium, disease-free poultry products, have helped Chilean turkey growers.

Chile has concentrated on effective manufacturing methods, fusing conventional methods with contemporary technology, in order to stay competitive. To meet local and international demand, producers provide a range of turkey products, such as processed, frozen, and fresh cuts. Furthermore, Chile’s poultry exports have increased dramatically in recent years due to access to critical markets made possible by its well-developed trade agreements.

3. France

France frequently ranks among the top producers of turkey meat in Europe, making it a major producer as it produced around 15.1 million kg in 2024. In the past, France was the leading producer of turkey in Europe, but Germany and other nations have subsequently challenged its hegemony.

The goal of French turkey farming is to produce premium meat for export and home consumption. Modern farming methods that prioritize the weight and quality of birds to satisfy consumer demands are advantageous to the business. Nonetheless, the industry has encountered difficulties, such as avian flu outbreaks that have affected output levels and necessitated vaccination drives to safeguard chicken populations.

Due to its robust local demand and export networks, France’s turkey sector continues to be crucial despite increased competition from nations like Poland and Germany. Along with other meat products like chicken and duck, the sector is also very important to the nation’s larger poultry industry.

Maintaining its position as one of Europe’s leading producers of turkeys requires France to continue investing in methods to stabilize its output, ensuring resilience against market swings and disease threats.

4. Poland

In the European Union, Poland is one of the biggest producers of turkey meat. The nation, which has been the top producer in the EU since 2017, is renowned for its contemporary and vertically integrated poultry sector. About 14% of Poland’s total poultry production is made up of turkey meat, and production has remained steady despite sporadic setbacks.

Having important markets like Germany, Spain, and the UK as well as rising demand from non-EU nations like China and Ukraine, Poland’s turkey business enjoys substantial export revenue. Over 227,000 metric tons of turkey meat, valued at over $730 million, were exported by Poland in 2020 alone. Poland’s dominance in the world turkey market is guaranteed by this strong performance, which is fueled by sophisticated agricultural methods and established export routes. In 2024, Poland produced 15 million kg of turkey meat.

Polish producers have maintained growth via strategic planning and exports, despite market obstacles such as shifting farmgate pricing and profitability concerns. This has kept the industry competitive both inside the EU and internationally.

5. Morocco

Turkey production has grown to be an essential component of Morocco’s agricultural sector, making it a major player in the worldwide poultry market. Approximately 100,000 tons of turkey meat are produced nationwide each year, making a significant contribution to both local consumption and economic growth. But even with its success at home, the industry still confronts obstacles, including growing feed costs that drive up production costs. A growing dependence on imported feed materials, such as corn and soybeans, which account for almost 80% of production expenses, has alarmed farmers. Morocco produced 13.4 million kg of meat as per last updated data in 2024.

With approximately 600 operational poultry farms, Morocco’s turkey industry has grown steadily over the years. Despite the fact that some products must still be imported to fulfill demand, these initiatives demonstrate the government’s and industry’s commitment to increasing domestic production to lower imports. ​

Turkey’s farming is still expanding as Morocco manages market dynamics and cost variations, even if the country’s poultry industry is still smaller than the broiler category, which accounts for the majority of national output.

6. Tunisia

Tunisia’s agricultural sector includes a thriving poultry sector that includes the production of turkeys. The poultry industry, which includes eggs, turkeys, and chickens, is responsible for 33% of the nation’s animal production. Due to advancements in breeding, government backing, and technical aid since the 1980s, turkey farming has become an increasingly significant component of this industry. Production of turkeys reached over 13 million by 2024, as the sector has been growing in recent years to satisfy domestic demand.

A network of farms and hatcheries supports the industry, but output mostly serves regional markets. Growth has, however, occasionally been hampered by obstacles, including market saturation and regulatory concerns. To combat them, Tunisia imposes import limitations on breeds and uses industry groups and the Ministry of Agriculture to monitor output to make sure it meets market demands.

7. Russia

Russia was the world’s top producer of turkey, coming in first in Europe and second globally in 2022. Russia holds the number seven in the world in 2024. Russia’s market has expanded significantly as a result of its rapid growth, which has been driven by government-supported agricultural programs and growing local demand for healthy protein choices. Russia produced 8.8 million kg of Turkey in 2024 so far, as per the last updated data.

Russia aggressively sells turkeys to important markets like China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to satisfying domestic demand. 26,000 tons of exports were made, indicating a rising global presence. A 10% rise in output is anticipated in 2024, enhancing Russia’s standing as a global competitor.

8. Brazil

Brazil ranks among the leading producers of turkeys, making it a major player in the worldwide market. Brazil has profited from the growing demand for turkey meat in recent years, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Turkey’s farming is supported by the nation’s ideal environment and agricultural methods, which increase output efficiency. 

Brazil’s turkey output is predicted to increase in 2024 due to improvements in general management practices, nutrition, and breeding methods. High-yield types are the main focus of the nation’s production systems because they maximize feed conversion rates and enhance meat quality, especially in the highly desirable breast meat. So far, Brazil has produced 6.5 million kg of Turkey in 2024.

Brazil is a large producer, yet its imports of turkey meat have varied. Imports of turkey meat, mostly from Germany, increased significantly in 2023, indicating a calculated reaction to domestic demand and supply shortages.

Brazil’s position in the global turkey industry is expected to grow as it innovates and adapts further, joining nations like the USA and France as major players.

Conclusion

Around 70 million turkeys, the US has the largest production in the world. This is mostly because of the country’s high demand for turkey meat, especially around Thanksgiving and other holidays. With sophisticated breeding and production techniques, the turkey business in the United States is likewise well-established. Turkey populations are also sizable in Chile, France, Poland, and Morocco, where they are fueled by both export and local markets. These nations’ large turkey populations can be attributed to their effective poultry production methods.

FAQs

What’s the Amount of Turkey Produced in Tunisia in 2024?

Production of turkeys reached over 13 million by 2024 in Tunisia, as the sector has been growing in recent years to satisfy domestic demand.

Are Turkeys Healthier Than Chicken?

Both chicken and turkey deserve a place on your plate and are really great options for health-conscious customers. But turkey beats chicken by a wide margin if you like dark meat and want to get as much protein as possible each day.

Is Turkey Better Than Beef?

Ground turkey is often thinner than regular ground beef, which is advantageous nutritionally, particularly for heart health. 

How Many Turkeys Are There in the World?

There are about 450 million turkeys present in the world as per the last updated data.

Which Nation is Home to the Biggest Percentage of Turkeys?

The United States of America has approximately 70 million turkeys.

Oleksandra Mamchii

Working as a academic lead at Best Diplomats.

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